The Gadsden Music Club met recently at the Music Center at Temple Beth Israel. President Carol Larkins welcomed members and guests. Bob Hicks led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Brenda Emery led the singing of the National Anthem, the Federation Hymn, Collect and the Hymn of the Month, “Abide with Me.” Sharron Yancy accompanied on the piano.
Opera Chairman Jean Holtsford introduced Macon Prickett, program leader from the Jacksonville State University Opera Theatre Company. They performed selections from the musical “Carousel” by Rogers/Hammerstein. “It I Loved You” (Julie), sung by Noya Levy, “June is Bustin’ Out all Over” (Nettie), sung by Brianna Garrett and the ensemble, “When I Marry Mr. Snow” (Carrie), sung by Debra Mantua and the female ensemble, “When the Children are Asleep” (Mr. Snow and Carrie), sung by Macon Prickett and Debra Mantua, “What’s the Use of Wondering?” (Julie), sung by Noya Levy and the female ensemble, and “You Will Never Walk Alone” and “That was a Real Nice Clambake”, sung by the ensemble. The ensemble consisted of Larue Bowman, Shelby Bowers, Aaron Martin, Matthew Palmer, Ebony Antoine, Lacy Taylor, Gavin Hayes and others. They were accompanied on the piano by Kathy Gregory. Dr. Nathan Wright is the Director and Theresa Strickland is the Coordinator.
The book “Tenor, Tantrums and Trills: An Opera Dictionary from Aida to ZZZ,” by David W. Barber, was reviewed by Brenda Emery.
The Gadsden Music Club awarded two Summer Music Camp Scholarships this spring. The winners were Chloe Smith, violinist, and daughter of Cristie Smith, who will be a senior at Oxford Christian and will attend Belmont Music Camp in Tennessee, and Anna Naylor, pianist, and the daughter of Mitch and Beth Naylor, who will be a junior at Springville High School and will be attending Samford Music Camp.
The meeting was adjourned by the singing of the National Federation Music Club’s official benediction “The Gift of Song.” The Gadsden Music Club is a member of the Alabama and National Federation of Music Clubs.