GREENFIELD — Former Música Franklin teaching assistant Aidin Martínez Luna and former state Rep. Natalie Blais were honored for their support of Música Franklin during its second annual Music Matters Benefit Luncheon last week.
The luncheon at Greenfield Community College was held to support the 11-year-old nonprofit, which hosts a free after-school program offering music education for Franklin County students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Students learn singing, drumming and string instrument skills, and perform concerts in front of audiences year-round.
The program being free alleviates a financial barrier to music education and helps students develop music skills while building connections with others. According to Annierose Klingbeil, Música Franklin’s development and communications manager, Wednesday’s luncheon raised $3,875 to support the nonprofit.
The inspiration for Música Franklin comes from the music and social change program El Sistema, developed 50 years ago in Venezuela by José Antonio Abreu to teach music to underprivileged youth and support social connection.
During the luncheon, retiring Greenfield Savings Bank CEO and President Tom Meshako and current Chief Financial Officer Peter Albero, who will move into Meshako’s role after March 31, spoke about the value of supporting community programs financially. Although there will be a leadership change at the bank, the two assured attendees that Greenfield Savings Bank’s commitment to Música Franklin will stay the same.
At the end of the program, Música Franklin Board President Michelle Dwyer shared that the nonprofit, like others, relies on grants and fundraising. She noted that without direct community support, the program could lose access to transportation services that allow a greater number of students to receive a music education.
As part of the Music Matters Benefit Luncheon, Música Franklin recognizes people who’ve supported the nonprofit with the Angel of Music Award. Last year, the late Ann Hamilton, former executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, as well as former Música Franklin Executive Director Vicki Citron and former Greenfield Recorder reporter Richie Davis were honored with these awards. Martínez Luna and Blais were this year’s recipients for their individual efforts to further Música Franklin’s work.
Orice Jenkins, executive director of Música Franklin, and former state Rep. Natalie Blais, one of two winners of the 2026 Angel of Music Award, at the Music Matters Benefit Luncheon at Greenfield Community College on Wednesday. Credit: HALEY BASTARACHE / For the Recorder 
Aidin Martínez Luna, at right, accepts her 2026 Angel of Music Award at Greenfield Community College on Wednesday. She is pictured with Orice Jenkins, executive director of Música Franklin. Credit: HALEY BASTARACHE / For the Recorder 
Orice Jenkins, executive director of Música Franklin, speaks at the Music Matters Benefit Luncheon at Greenfield Community College on Wednesday. Credit: HALEY BASTARACHE / For the Recorder 
Música Franklin Board President Michelle Dwyer speaks at the Music Matters Benefit Luncheon at Greenfield Community College on Wednesday. Credit: HALEY BASTARACHE / For the Recorder
“I have maintained that the best thing I have done so far at Música Franklin is hire Aidin
Martínez,” Música Franklin Executive Director Orice Jenkins said about his former colleague with a laugh.
Jenkins explained that while Martínez Luna has moved on from being a teaching assistant for Música Franklin and is now working at Community Action Pioneer Valley, she continues to volunteer and is always there to help, coming to performances to support the children.
“That’s the type of selflessness I’m talking about. She really has dedicated herself to being a part of this community,” he said.
In accepting her award, Martínez Luna shared that she is humbled to be recognized and said she misses working with the children.
“I am grateful for Música Franklin, because they gave me the opportunity to advance [professionally]. My kids learned how to play violin and cello with amazing people in this program,” she said, adding that she hopes people support the program whenever they can.
Jenkins recognized Blais her advocacy for the music program during her time as state representative of the 1st Franklin District. He explained that Música Franklin relies on grant funding, such as the New England States Touring grant, which helps bring touring bands to perform alongside the students at the annual Fun Fest concert. He said Música Franklin has sent letters to the local delegation offices thanking them for their support, but Blais would go above and beyond by attending concerts and events.
“There’s never been a more critical time for us to be supporting programs like Música Franklin, as we’re facing some really difficult times in our nation and across the globe, and music brings people together,” Blais said to start her remarks, adding that the program isn’t just about music, but also about “building leaders,” and that the confidence the students build by performing will help them as citizens and community members.