Robert W. Mendenhall Scholarship Fund
& Benefit Concert
22nd Annual Mendenhall Benefit Concert
Saturday, March 29, 2025
The Follen Church
Join us for an extraordinary evening of world-class musicianship in support of the Mendenhall Scholarship Fund.
In Waldorf education, music is more than just an art form—it is a powerful tool for personal growth, helping students build confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Private instrumental music lessons allow each child to explore and nurture their unique musical voice, which not only enriches their individual experience but also strengthens the entire music program. When students are supported in reaching their full potential through private lessons, the whole community benefits, creating a harmonious and inspiring atmosphere where every child can thrive.
The Mendenhall concert features distinguished professional musicians, many of whom are WSL faculty, parents, and friends, as well as several accomplished WSL students and alums. All proceeds from the concert directly support the Mendenhall Scholarship Fund, which provides private instrumental music lesson scholarships to Waldorf School of Lexington students. These scholarships make private lessons accessible to more families, supporting the growth and development of each child while enhancing the overall instrumental music program.
If you are unable to attend and would like to support the Mendenhall Scholarship Fund, please consider making a donation. Your contribution helps provide valuable opportunities for our students and strengthens the music program for everyone. Thank you!
Robert Mendenhall
Director, Instrumental Music Program 1999–2003
The Mendenhall Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Waldorf School of Lexington Music Director Bob Mendenhall, with the foundational mission to support the WSL’s instrumental music program. Bob believed the first and most pressing priority to improve the instrumental music program was to ensure all students receive private music instruction. Before he died in August 2003, Bob set in motion fundraising efforts to create a scholarship fund to provide individual instruction on orchestral instruments to Waldorf students. For over two decades, the fund has supported more than 175 families.
The fund, which honors Bob’s work and memory, is sustained exclusively through private donations, the sale of tickets to the school’s annual Mendenhall Benefit Concert, and advertisements in the concert program. To discuss your donation to the Mendenhall Scholarship fund, please contact Kim Ayan at 781-863-1062 x562 or development@thewaldorfschool.org. Thank you for your support.
About Our Instrumental Music Program
Music fills the Waldorf School of Lexington experience. Every student plays an instrument and receives a deep and well-rounded musical education.
Performances take place regularly through recitals, school assemblies, and seasonal celebrations. Students learn to feel confident performing in class and at school events. The experience of playing music also provides a lively and harmonizing atmosphere to the culture of the school.
Instrumental music instruction begins in first grade with simple flutes.
By third grade, all children are playing recorder with their class teacher and continue to do so until graduation. Starting in third grade, each student learns to play the violin, cello or viola and participates in group lessons.
In fifth grade, students may switch to a wind or brass instrument, and the class is divided into a string ensemble and a wind ensemble.
Seventh and eighth graders play together in an orchestra.
“Learning an instrument at a young but healthy age taught me to think in ways that help me approach math and problem solving, in addition to giving me a lifelong skill and appreciation for music.”