This year, the Foothills Music Club is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. 

A public celebration of the milestone will be held at Tryon Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8. Included on the program will be performances by some of the 2018 scholarship winners. This celebration is free and open to the public.

The idea for the club was suggested in early 1988 by Lesley Oakes, and supported by other local musicians. The original goal, which has continued to the present, was to encourage musicians in their art by providing an opportunity to perform. 

By October 1988, the club had become fully established, with monthly meetings being held with musical performances by members. Through the years, as well as continuing the monthly meetings, members have given public performances once or twice per year.

In 1994, the Young Musicians Scholarship Program was started in order to encourage young musicians to continue their musical studies. The scholarship program has become a central focus of the club. 

Through the generosity of club members and community donors, thousands of dollars have been awarded to young musicians.

The FMC was incorporated in 2012 and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2013. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Additional information about FMC may be found online at foothillsmusicclub.org.

– Submitted by Jeanette Comer