• News
• • May 1, 2025

Bulkley Richardson Supports Youth Musicians  

Bulkley Richardson is pleased to provide five full scholarships to students enrolled in the yearlong music program, STRINGfield, at Community Music School of Springfield. STRINGfield, a large group ensemble, meets weekly, offering young students the opportunity to learn and play violin, viola, cello and string bass with their peers of a similar level of experience. Students play music from a variety of cultures and perform in local concerts. 

This gift to Community Music School of Springfield was made in honor of Ronald P. Weiss, a longtime partner at Bulkley Richardson who was an integral part of the law firm for decades, earning him the reputation as one of western Massachusetts’ most esteemed lawyers. Ron was also a gifted violinist who continued his lifelong love of music by playing with the Pioneer Valley Symphony, performing with dedication and joy up until his final days, and a steadfast advocate for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra where he held leadership roles for decades.

“STRINGfield’s goal is to enable students to increase skills, knowledge and understanding of music through the intensive and sequential study of the violin, viola, cello or string bass, placing a special emphasis on supporting and mentoring string players from Springfield. This generous gift from Bulkley Richardson, to honor the memory of Ron Weiss, allows five youth musicians the opportunity to participate in a unique music experience to which they might not otherwise have access,” said Eileen McCaffery, Executive Director at Community Music School of Springfield.

‘Ron was incredibly talented as both a lawyer and a musician. The firm identified the STRINGfield ensemble because Ron believed in the power of music to inspire achievement and create connections. Through our gift, we honor Ron in a way that continues his legacy through a passion for music passed onto the next generation,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s Managing Partner.

Community Music School of Springfield, founded in 1983, is a non-profit community arts school in Western Massachusetts with a mission to provide an equitable and inclusive center of excellence in music education, arts learning and cultural engagement. Their outstanding faculty of over 60 music educators serves more than 2,200 students weekly, inspiring success at every level of achievement, from beginner to pre-professional study.