Southeastern Community Music School to hold anniversary concert
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Community Music School is celebrating
its 25th Anniversary with a special concert. Titled “Classics in Blue Jeans,” the
concert will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Bass Clef outdoor stage at Pottle
Music Building on Southeastern’s campus. As part of Homecoming and Fall Fest in Friendship
Circle, the free 10 a.m. concert will showcase an entertaining variety of individual
and group performances by the talented students of the CMS.
Audience members are encouraged to wear blue jeans and bring folding chairs and/or
blankets to this picnic-style event. Social distancing protocols will be in place
for the concert, including maintaining safe distances of six feet and wearing face
coverings.
“We could not be more excited and grateful to celebrate the 25th anniversary
of the Community Music School. Our sincere gratitude goes first and foremost to Southeastern
for creating and supporting such a valuable art program that has equipped so many
young musicians in our community with the skill of playing a musical instrument or
singing,” said CMS Director Jivka Duke. “Secondly, we are thankful for our dedicated
instructors who are the real driving force and inspiration behind our program. Their
dedication and expertise are what make the magic of music appear in the hands and
voices of our students.”
“Last, but not least, we thank our students’ parents who have entrusted us through
the years with their children’s music education,” Duke continued. “This is going to
be a special concert, and we hope that the entire community will join us for a Saturday
morning filled with great music.”
Duke also expressed sincere appreciation to First Guaranty Bank for providing
a way to offer discounted tuition to students needing financial assistance.
The CMS provides high quality music education to the Northshore and surrounding
communities. The school offers music lessons on various instruments and voice on Southeastern’s
three campuses in Hammond, Walker and Lacombe, as well as summer programs, including
Middle School Band Camp and Chamber Music Workshop. With providing regular performances
on and off Southeastern’s campus, Duke said, the CMS plays a key role in preserving
the cultural uniqueness of the community.
