Since 1988, audiences of all ages have attended a local concert in support of the community’s educational leaders. The annual Mahtomedi Music Faculty Concert is not only a fantastic way for educators to exhibit their musical endowments, but all proceeds go to a great cause as well.
“We have created over $33,000 worth of scholarship money for students going to pursue a degree in the fine arts,” Brett Smith, music teacher at O.H. Anderson Elementary School says. Smith’s first wife, Kelly Spaulding, performed in the recital twice before passing away. Named in her honor, the Spaulding scholarship distributes $1,000 a year to high school seniors and in support of school music programs.
Smith describes the concert as “historic,” due to its unique nature and widespread collaboration. Teachers in the district—from the elementary school, middle school and high school level—gather and perform a variety of music everyone will enjoy.
“We look to find music that appeals to audiences,” Smith says. Members combine their expertise through an assortment of solo work and ensemble pieces, highlighting each aspect of wind, orchestra and brass instruments, and vocals.
The concert, part of the Wildwood Artist Series, is held on Sunday, February 11 at 3 p.m. Chautauqua Fine Arts Center
