Musical Arts Guild
History and Purpose of The UNCG Musical Arts Guild
On June 23, 1972, after conversations with Jane Armfield, Barbara Cone, Hermene Eichhorn, Emily Preyer, and other long time friends of UNCG, Alma Lou and Larry Hart invited a group of about twenty people to meet at their home to discuss ways in which the UNCG School of Music could enhance its relationship with the community. The outcome of this meeting was the organization on J iily 28, 1972, of the UNCG Musical Arts Guild. Richard Eichhorn was chosen president of the new organization. Members of the first Board of Directors, in addition to Mr. Eichhorn, included Jane Armfield, Barbara Cone, Donald Cone, Hermene Eichhorn, Patti Higgins, Florence Jacobson, joslin LeBauer, Louise Shelley, and Donna Swart. Ex officio members were George Hamer (UNCG Director of Development), Pat Copley (alumni representative), David Moskovitz (faculty representative), and Karen Davis (student representative).The Board agreed that the specific purpose of the Guild, working closely with the Dean of the School of Music and with the guidance of the Director of Development, now the Vice Chancellor for Development and University Relations, would be to encourage interest in and support for the School of Music and its activities. It was felt that the Guild's support and assistance should be directed toward (1) meeting those financial needs not adequately met by state appropriations, (2) participating in the School's program as members of concert and recital audiences, and (3) cultivating increased awareness of the School's contributions to Greensboro and the broader community.
At the request of the Board of Directors, UNCG Chancellor James S. Ferguson issued membership invitations to a number of Greensboro area residents. The enthusiastic response to his invitation created a charter membership of well over one hundred persons, and the Guild assumed its role among the several support groups which have brought so many citizens of our city and state into closer participation in the cultural and artistic opportunities offered by and for the students of UNCG.
- To develop a relationship between the Greensboro community and the UNCG School of Music
- To assist the School financially
The first objective continues to be accomplished through Guild advocacy of widespread community attendance at concerts and recitals by faculty, students, and visiting performers.In meeting the second objective, the Guild has raised money to purchase varied items -- musical instruments (including a fine forte piano and concert harpsichord), an electronic piano laboratory, recordings, audio-visual equipment, choral risers, etc. Most recently, the Guild raised funds for the purchase of an electronic sign for the new music building. The Guild's most lasting contribution, however, has been the establishment of the UNCG Musical Arts Guild Endowed Scholarship Fund.
The Guild is a voluntary group dedicated to enhancing the music programs at UNCG. Anyone may become a member by paying annual membership dues.The officers and Board of Directors are elected annually by the Guild membership. Members who serve on the Board give their time, energy, and resources to help meet Guild objectives. Membership includes accomplished instrumentalists, vocalists, music faculty members, School of Music alumni, and other artists. Many more members are not practicing artists, but appreciate the beauty of music in its varied forms.
- Invitations to special Guild events
- The Guild Directory
- Guild newsletters
- Fortissimo, the School's semi-annual newsletter
- An opportunity to become involved with today's students, tomorrow's stars
