The Foothills Music Club will begin the celebration of its 30th year this August, with a special program for the general public on Sunday afternoon, August 13, 4 p.m. at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), on Hunting Country Road. Performers will be outstanding young musicians who are recipients of scholarships from the FMC. Proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to the Foothills Music Club  Young Musicians Scholarship Program.

When the Foothills Music Club began back in 1988, part of the plan was to help members continue to develop their musical skills by performing at least once a year at club meetings.  The benefits then were gained only by club members, those who performed, and those who enjoyed the monthly programs, each one in the home of a member.

Now, it’s fair to say that the focus of the FMC is not just inward to the club membership, but also, and very importantly—to the youth of our area who have a serious interest in music. Since 1994 the club has provided scholarships to promising young people who want to strengthen their musical education.  And who would have thought, back in ’88, that thirty years later, the club would have awarded over forty thousand dollars in scholarships.

Four outstanding young musicians will perform on the August 13 program.

James Riedy, bass-baritone/countertenor, has studied voice with Mary Meyers for more than seven years. In the fall, he will be entering Furman University, where he plans to major in physics and theatre arts. Alex Harrelson, tenor, studies voice with Brenda Quilling. He will be attending Davidson College beginning in the fall. He plans a double major in history and music.

Gabe Turner, pianist, has studied with Charlie Hopper and Cynthia Swicegood. He will begin college at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, this fall, where he plans to major in music education. Kate Riedy, soprano, has studied with Mary Meyers. In the coming year she will be a senior at Converse College, where she is a double major in music theater and early childhood education.

These and previous scholarship winners have been high school students from Polk and Rutherford counties and Landrum.

Tickets to the August 13 benefit program are available at the Bookshelf in Tryon and from FMC members. A wine and cheese reception will follow the program.

– article submitted by Dick Bayley