The Community Music School has once again partnered up with Angelini Wine in Centerbrook to present the third annual Taste of Italy fundraiser, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Angelini Wine warehouse at 22 Industrial Park Road, Centerbrook. The highlight of this European-inspired evening of fun, food, and wine is an authentic game of Italian cheese rolling.

Guests will test their skills with a little friendly competition in a rousing party game of cheese rolling, a tradition in many parts of Italy that dates back to the Etruscan and ancient Roman culture. Using a wheel of Pecorino cheese, players, or as they’re called in Italy, giocatori, roll the cheese much like they are playing bocce or bowling. Everyone is encouraged to join the fun, or cheer from the sidelines. The winner takes home the cheese.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to benefit scholarships and outreach programs at The Community Music School. This event is presented by Guilford Savings Bank and includes Italian wines, cheese, antipasto, and a full spread of homemade Italian food.

“This is always a fun and exciting night. The warehouse is transformed, there are couches made out of wine crates, and fun decorations,” said Community Music School Executive Director Abigail Nickell. “The past two years it has been a sold-out event, so we are hoping for the same again this year.

“We use the money from this fundraiser for our need-based scholarships and our music therapy programs,” she continued.

The Community Music School offers one-on-one music therapy programs for children with special needs, which combine the fields of music education and therapy to enhance the development of life skills.

“Music therapy can be beneficial to people of any age regardless of musical skill or background, and this kind of therapy has been successful in improving self-expression, communication, learning, social interaction, and personal awareness,” said Nickell. “It is amazing to watch children, some of whom can not speak, be able to sing and respond to music in a way they do not respond or interact with anything else. Music therapy can also be used to overcome behavioral problems and have a profound impact on the way in which individuals can communicate their feelings.”

Each year, The Community Music School provides an average of $15,000 in need-based scholarships to its students.

“Our goal is to make music and learning accessible to everyone, no matter the financial situation,” said Nickell.

Tickets are $65 per person and include all food, wine, and game entry. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cmsct.org/cheese or call 860-767-0026.