The team members from Music Compound's Sarasota and Bradenton locations gathered in late September for the 2023 Music Compound Awards and Retreat. This is an event that Music Compound, led by owner Jenny Townsend, hosts annually to celebrate its team members' efforts and reinforce their commitment to the company's mission – "Inspire. Collaborate. Educate." – and community. Nearly all of Music Compound's 34 team members attended the event, which included team building (and fun) at Escape Rooms Unlocked and lunch at Djonisi's Family Restaurant. During the event, Music Compound leaders acknowledged milestones such as the surging book-reading totals through the Rock Your Summer Reading initiative, the company's new and/or expanded programs, and new hires. Leaders also shared ideas for new potential words of the year to replace last year's word, "quality"; after a company-wide vote, the word “believe” was selected as the word for the coming year. Additionally, every team member shared their own, personal "A-ha!" moments and highlighted a fellow staff member or two who contributed to their success and well-being this past year. "We have found that having a unifying and inspirational word guides and unites our team," said Townsend. "I am grateful every day for the opportunity to work with our incredible staff and especially proud of this year’s worthy honorees." Music Compound Awards were presented to: Inspirational All-Star: Iain Harris, multi-instrumental instructor, Collaboration All-Star: Taylor Galford, guitar, drums and piano instructor, Educational All-Star: Alicia Schiavone, multi-instrumental instructor, Summer Camp All-Star: Cody Vanslake, multi-instrumental instructor, Rising Star All-Star: Riley Cullather, Kidz Rock instructor. The Music Compound – now with locations in Sarasota (1751 Cattlemen Road) and Manatee (4740 SR 64 East) counties – provides an environment to inspire, collaborate and educate children and adults in pursuit of their love of music. Private and group lessons are available on a wide variety of instruments as well as programs such as Kidz Rock (ages 4-7), Junior Rockers (ages 8-11), ukulele and guitar groups (ages 8-12), the Musical Theatre Program (ages 7-14), Songwriting Series (ages 15+), Adult Jam Sessions, the Gulf Coast New Horizons Music program for adults ages 50+, and more. Visit musiccompound.com for more information.