Dear Brooklyn Music School Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Lee Koonce as Interim Executive Director of Brooklyn Music School.
Lee brings more than 30 years of experience in arts administration and music education, including leadership positions at Third Street Music School Settlement, Opus 118 Harlem School of Music, Ballet Hispánico, and Gateways Music Festival. A pianist himself, Lee holds degrees in piano performance from the Oberlin Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music.
Lee will be on-site this week, working closely with our current Executive Director, Brian Adamczyk, to ensure a smooth transition. We are grateful to Brian for his service and leadership and for his assistance during this important period.
As Interim Executive Director, Lee will oversee the BMS’s daily operations, working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and the Board to maintain the quality and continuity of our programs. He will also help assess organizational needs, continue to strengthen operations, and prepare BMS for the arrival of its next permanent Executive Director.
Lee will serve in this role approximately three to four days each week, dividing his time between on-site and remote work. Throughout his tenure, he looks forward to meeting with faculty, staff, and members of the broader BMS community to listen, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the school’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Board is moving forward with the search for permanent leadership, with the assistance of LJN Advisory. We are committed to a thoughtful process that will identify a leader who can build on the BMS’s distinguished history while guiding its future.
Brooklyn Music School has served generations of students and families, and our commitment to accessible, high-quality music and performing arts education remains steadfast.
Please join me in welcoming Lee to our community. We look forward to working together during this next chapter in the school’s history.
Warm regards,
Chuck Swartz
Board Chair
Brooklyn Music School