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Dr. Lisa Ecklund-Flores with Piruz Partow. Photo by Tribeca Trib
With great excitement and enthusiasm, the Board of Directors of Church Street School for Music and Art (CSSMA) has selected Piruz Partow to be the next Executive Director of the school. The Board unanimously chose Partow after an extensive, four-month nationwide search. Partow brings more than 20 years experience in community arts education to his new role, including 8 years at the helm of Brooklyn Music School (BMS) where his energy, expertise and dedication spearheaded tremendous growth in the number of students served, the diversity of programs offered, and annual funding received. Partow is stepping into his new role at Church Street School on September 7th. The school will open its doors for the Fall semester on September 13. “It was immediately clear to the entire board what a great fit Piruz would be as Church Street School’s next leader,” said Board Chair Judy Levine. “He is uniquely positioned to build on our founding legacy of creativity and access—I can’t wait to see where he takes the School in its next iteration. He is truly the right leader at the right time for this beloved community institution.”
During his eight years leading the 112-year-old BMS, Partow and his team grew the student body by 25% annually and began outreach programming that reached more than 13,000 students a year. Under his guidance, the BMS team raised more than $11 million dollars in under 6 years and dramatically increased the community’s engagement with the school, the arts, and the performances offered there. Before becoming a music educator and arts administrator, Partow had a career as a classical bassist and jazz musician. He also plays Persian Tar and composes music for the Persian bluegrass band Vatan.
“Church Street School is teeming with potential. I and the terrific team in place there look forward to working with all of you in realizing how magnificent our arts community can be,” said Partow. “I am extremely privileged to be given the opportunity to bring the school into its next chapter.”
Lisa Ecklund-Flores, CSSMA’s co-founder and Executive Director, will remain on the faculty and continue teaching private instrumental lessons and group classes. "I am thrilled that Piruz Partow will take over as the new Executive Director of Church Street School! I am very impressed with his vision for the school's future and his commitment to accessible arts education for all,” said Ecklund-Flores. “He has a rare and excellent combination of experience as an artist, educator, and administrator. Lower Manhattan will be lucky to have his talents and passion devoted to its only not-for-profit community arts school.”
When accepting the post, Partow said “I look forward to honoring and continuing the spirit and legacy of Lisa Ecklund-Flores in making quality community arts education accessible to the Tribeca community and beyond.”