As summer comes in like a band of percussion, Birch Creek Music Performance Center is busy planning their summer concert series. Volunteers recently helped with landscaping preparations ahead of their granary opening and everyone is looking forward to welcoming visitors in to hear the newest sounds of the season.
“We did a lot of work in the gardens and just beautifying the campus making it ready for our students to arrive in just three weeks,” said new Executive Director, Jenna Ferdon, “a big part of the days were also opening up our granary and getting it all prepped; we have a wonderful gift shop and concession in there where proceeds directly benefit reducing the costs of coming to camp for our students.”
Both Ferdon and Mona Christiansen, the Executive Director Emeritus, are looking forward to opening night on June 19th, which will include a packed barn filled with excited music lovers and generous donors.
“It’s going to be fantastic,” promises Christiansen, “Dan Moore will kick it off with his faculty and our students and it’s pop, it’s contemporary, people are dancing, standing up and moving around, you know, it’s rock ‘n roll; it’s all kinds of different rhythms and music genres so it’s a fan favorite.” .
A special Alumni Night will also be held on June 20th and will welcome back past students of the music school who now have their own successful music careers.
“They’re coming back as a Birch Creek success story and will be performing on stage,” added Christiansen.
Birch Creek will also host Steel Pan Day on June 27th, featuring renowned guest artist Victor Provost as well as the Birch Creek Symphonic 4th on July 4th. The holiday event includes free pie and ice cream before the concert and boasts a variety of music, including old favorites and new delights, and a lot of fun. It will also hold a special meaning for those at Birch Creek.
“We are inviting our guest conductor, Brian Groner, who is a longtime associate of Birch Creek,” said Ferdon, “he was the conductor there when I was a student so he is helping us celebrate."
For a full list of upcoming events or to purchase tickets, visit Birch Creek’s website. To listen to the full interview with Jenna Ferdon and Mona Christiansen, click here.
Photo Credit: Birch Creek Music Performance Center
