Members of the Birmingham Music Club Guild filled the home of hosts Jim and Roberta Atchison on Friday, September 21, to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new year for the club. With a rich history dating from 1905, The Birmingham Music Club and the Guild have had a profound impact on the musical life of Birmingham. Members reminisced about the Club presenting great musical performances throughout the years, to include hosting the inaugural Alabama Music Hall of Fame Awards Shows with country legends Alabama, Hank Williams Jr, Tammy Wynette, and the Commodores, among others.
Enjoying a panoramic view from Shades Crest Road and a warm, inviting host home, members and guests Laura Bryan, Ron Bourdages, Michelle Rushing, Roberta Atkinson, Lesley DeRamus, Angie Holder, Jeanne Bradford, Marsha Drennen, Linda Lazar, Martha Lamberth, Carolyn Long, Beth Miller, Joy Schuffert, Linda Cooper, Martha Mims, Kimberly Strickland, Janine Goode, Powell Owens, Linda Griggs, Sandra Holley, Marie Smith, Pat Grant, Judy Wiggins, Lassie Hatley, Beth Morrison, Becky Keyes, Elaine Clark, Amy Roberts, Charla Mobley, Katherine Robinson, Babs Simpson, Ann Vrocher and Sandy Eichelberger mixed and mingled.
Guild President Laura Bryan welcomed the group and reminded the members of their commitment to the on-going scholarship fund, which supports the Guild’s College Music Scholarship program. Based on auditions judged by respected musicians, scholarships are awarded annually in three categories—piano, voice, and instrumentals. The Guild’s prestigious scholarship program has awarded more than $600,000 over the years to deserving young college music majors in Alabama.
The Guild music programs are always a highlight of the meetings, and the members were not disappointed. Kim Strickland, Chair of the Alabama School of Fine Arts Music Department, introduced Honney Kim, an Indian Springs Student Violinist and Concert Master with the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. Kim has performed both nationally and internationally and has received numerous awards for her talents. To the delight of the members, she performed several pieces for the group.
Project Chair Linda Cooper outlined the fund raising project for the year with the theme, Members Making Perfect Harmony, which includes a year-round commitment to raising funds for the scholarship program and a celebratory Gala in January at Mountain Brook Club.
Ron Bourdages, Executive Director of the Birmingham Music Club, encouraged the group to attend the upcoming Maestro Goes to Tuxedo Junction on Wednesday, October 17, at the historic Alabama Theatre. An educational outreach effort by the Birmingham Music Club, Birmingham school children will learn about the city’s rich, musical heritage and enjoy a concert. For reservations call or text 205.253.1313.
