A Look at the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina

It's time once again to enjoy the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina. This well known, summer long festival of classical music is a yearly event on the campus of Guilford College. All your favorite composers are represented; Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Schubert, to name a few. For five weeks between June 28^th and August 2^nd, students, faculty and national and international musicians perform at Guilford College in North Carolina. The Eastern Music Festival and school is one of the country's foremost training programs for aspiring young orchestral and piano students between the ages of 14 and 20. The focus is on the needs of the pre-professional student. Only 200 students are part of this unique program each year; giving them the chance for personal attention, support, and encouragement, along with access to faculty and visiting artists. Our gift is the opportunity to listen to their performances of orchestral, chamber and piano music at its best. You'll be amazed at the level of talent these young people already possess. I'm impressed by the passion they express for the music they love.

Each week acclaimed artists and conductors are featured performers, joining the Eastern Music Festival students as they share their talents with the audience. What a wonderful opportunity for the students to be in concert with world renowned musicians and artists who take a personal interest in their creative growth. A schedule of upcoming artists, as well as updated information, can be found at the website, http://www.easternmusicfestival.org/festival.php

Personally, I look forward to the return of pianist Andre' Watts. Over 60,000 people attended the 100 concerts and events last season. It looks like this season will be as much, if not more, of a success.

There is ample parking at the campus of Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is a beautiful campus to walk and enjoy on your way to the Dana Auditorium, which is where the performances are held each week. It's electrifying to be one of the many people strolling toward the auditorium. You can feel the anticipation in the air. The Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina offers the opportunity to listen to exceptionally performed classical favorites; an opportunity that is hard to come by elsewhere.

The Eastern Music Festival offers something special for young children also, including summer day camps and concerts. These experience help to develop a love and knowledge of the classics and non-classical music in a fun and inclusive atmosphere.

As it states on their website, "The Eastern Music Festival's mission is to promote musical enrichment, excellence, professional collaboration, innovation and diversity through a nationally recognized teaching program, music festival, concerts and other programs which will enhance the quality of life, heath and vitality of our region." We are fortunate to have such a school in North Carolina. There are many ways you can support the Eastern Music Festival's mission; through your contributions and by purchasing tickets to these exceptional events. Season tickets are available and offer a significant savings off the price of the single tickets. You can buy them in advance at the Eastern Music Festival's website. You will find contact numbers there. I suggest that you attend as many events as possible if you live in, or are visiting, the Greensboro, North Carolina area.