At its regular monthly meeting held on November 11, the Foothills Music Club (FMC) announced that its 2011 music scholarship auditions would take place on March 4 and 5.

Over the last 22 years FMC has given more than $32,000 in scholarship money to area students with musical talent. The competition is open to high school students, grade 9 through 12 in Rutherford and Polk counties and the Landrum area. You may call the chairperson, Elaine Jenkins, for further information at 828-894-6493 after the turn of the year.

After a brief business meeting, the doors of the ICC auditorium were opened and the public was welcomed. Twice a year the concert portion of the meeting is held in a public venue.

Mary Meyers, soprano, opened the program and ended her portion by teaching the audience the refrain of a tune from Oliver! She was assisted by the Riedy family, Kate, Maggie and Jamie; and Petra and Alex Harrelson, who each sang a solo verse as the audience joined in the refrain. Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves and sang out with gusto.

Then Meyers called Elizabeth and John Gardner to the stage to perform Rossinis Duetto Buffo di due Gatti, a comic duet for two cats. At the appropriate moment the audience heard a loud meow from the tomcat at the piano, John Gardner, which delighted the entire audience as well as the two she-cats.

Next, Kathleen Foster, cellist, with Mimi Child Traxler at the piano performed Sonata in G minor by Eccles. Then Foster was joined by Fran Creasy, flute, Kathleen Erwin, violin and Lillian Wehr, viola, for the Mozart Flute Quartet in D.

Finally, the audience was treated to pianist Jeanette Shackelfords playing of Mendelssohns Variations Serieuses, op.54. When she finished, they jumped to their feet in appreciation.

On March 10 FMC will hold its meeting at Tryon Presbyterian church. At 3 p.m., the public is invited to join the group for a concert featuring organ.