Centennial Celebration
On Wednesday, May 31, 2017 The Port Huron Musicale celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a luncheon and musical program at the Port Huron Golf Club.
The meeting was opened by the Women’s Chorus who sangNow Is the Month of Maying, led by Director Debbie Bussineau-King. Here they are warming up.
The featured performer was Roger Jones from the Flint Institute of Music, a Jazz Pianist and Composer.
Board of Directors, 2017
The Port Huron Musicale, 100 Years Young
The Port Huron Musicale celebrates its 100th Anniversary with a festive luncheon and musical presentation on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the Port Huron Golf Club. Organized and federated in 1917, this important nonprofit service organization has actively supported and provided quality music in our community and throughout Southeast Michigan for a century. It is a member of the National and Michigan Federation of Music Clubs. Throughout its 100 years, thousands of lives have been positively impacted by this important cultural organization.
According to Musicale President Beth Hancock, “Port Huron Musicale has survived by steadfastly focusing on our mission to support and develop musical opportunities through community participation, education and awards.” She added, “During 10 decades that have brought international wars and economic threats, as well as peacetime celebration and prosperity, the Musicale has provided a constant reminder of the inestimable value of quality music for youth education and for community life as a whole.”
Early on, the Musicale developed a strong youth effort as part of its mission. Each year, dozens of middle school and high school music students audition before judges hired by the Musicale. The students receive ratings with the winners receiving scholarships for further music study. The Musicale has been supporting local music students for decades and has awarded over $180,000 just since the year 2000 to talented musicians in our area, through music lesson awards, music camp scholarships and sponsorship of local music enrichment programs.
In addition to providing grants to support music in such organizations as the International Symphony Orchestra and St. Clair County Community College, the Musicale decided to formalize it’s musical offerings with the formation of the Women’s Chorus in 1971. This community-built women’s group continues to draw new members and bring musical beauty to St. Clair County and beyond in its twice yearly concerts and additional performances across the state. Multiple generations of women, often from the same family, have had the honor to be part of this accomplished group. Women of all ages who enjoy singing are invited to join!
Celebrating a century of accomplishments supporting music and music education, the Musicale looks forward to further service to Port Huron and the surrounding area as it enters its second century
(Above) The Board, left to right
Beth Hancock, Ginny Fitzgerald, Linda Flickinger, Nancy Nyitray, Marilyn Moss, Linda Sullivan, Ruth Ann Chubb, Irene Staiger. Missing is Vice President Gene Schucker.