Why a History page? Because we have several musicians who have taught and played in the area for over 40 years, who are able to pass on names of players, stories and photos of students, workshop clinicians and special performances or events. These and many other items will make up a book commemorating music-making in Chapel Hill and Carrboro between 1964 and now. If you would like to contribute to the History page with an anecdote, a story, a photo, an mp3 file, please send a message on the contact page, and we will add your contribution. Thanks!
Music for Children, started by Dorothy and Edgar Alden in 1962 and continues to this day.
Music for Children, a not-for-profit organization, was formed to supplement music programs in Chapel Hill public schools and individual studios. Original bylaws states its purposes and objectives are: " to encourage, develop and support interest , appreciation, education and training in the musical arts among children of the Chapel Hill community; to provide opportunities for music programs, scholarships, grants of funds; to sponsor musical concerts and performances available to the children of this community, and to establish sponsors to encourage and support any projects consistent with the attainment of the foregoing purposes".
The Young People's Orchestra, now the Piedmont Youth Orchestra
Dorothy Alden formed this group in this 60s providing valuable musical experiences for the local children (including James Taylor, yes, THE James Taylor) who played cello. The orchestra is still providing these opportunities in 3 divisions - beginners, intermediates and advanced. Here are some names of those who participated during their time in Chapel Hill. Please help in compiling the list of players and conductors. If you played in the orchestra, please send in your name and the decade you were a member and who your conductor was.
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Conductors' list -
Dorothy Alden Ruth Johnsen - Leslie Alperin 80s/90s Jane Salemson 80s/90s Matt Chicurel 2010s |
Players' list
Matthew Chicurel Jennifer Curtis Bettina Yost Chris Henry Henry Nuzum John Bursey Sara Bursey |
CHCSP - The Chapel Hill Cooperative Suzuki Project formed in 1969.
submitted by Dr. Mary Frances Boyce
The Chapel Hill Cooperative Suzuki Project (CHCSP) was formed in 1969 by a group of Suzuki violin teachers dedicated to developing a program
of music studies for children in the Chapel Hill area in an atmosphere of cooperation and encouragement. The inspiration came from Shinichi
Suzuki's 1969 Tour Group performance at UNC, brought by UNC Music Department head, Wilton Mason. Three founders are still active members: Mary Ellen Bierck, Nancy Greenwood Brooks, and Mary Frances Boyce. Other founders were Eleanor Kinnaird and Margaret
Smith. Over the years many other teachers have enriched the work of the Project. Currently about 50 teachers of violin, viola, cello, piano and flute are affiliated.
The main offerings are:
submitted by Dr. Mary Frances Boyce
The Chapel Hill Cooperative Suzuki Project (CHCSP) was formed in 1969 by a group of Suzuki violin teachers dedicated to developing a program
of music studies for children in the Chapel Hill area in an atmosphere of cooperation and encouragement. The inspiration came from Shinichi
Suzuki's 1969 Tour Group performance at UNC, brought by UNC Music Department head, Wilton Mason. Three founders are still active members: Mary Ellen Bierck, Nancy Greenwood Brooks, and Mary Frances Boyce. Other founders were Eleanor Kinnaird and Margaret
Smith. Over the years many other teachers have enriched the work of the Project. Currently about 50 teachers of violin, viola, cello, piano and flute are affiliated.
The main offerings are:
- Group classes, supplementary to teachers' private lessons
- Yearly violin, cello and piano weekend workshops offering group
classes, master classes and a group concert with visiting clinicians - Referral service for families looking for a teacher
A group class in 1968. The little boy in the front is Roger Brooks. We need names!
Mary Frances Boyce, in the 60s.
Roger Brooke, others?
Roger Brooke, others?
First tour to the US by the Japanese Suzuki Students. Arriving at RDU for their visit to Chapel Hill. What a great welcome! Do you recognize yourselves? Names please!
Sandy Yamamoto is now a professional violinist and former member of the Miro Quartet.
Play-in at Hill Hall. Date? Teacher?
The Chapel Hill Chamber Music Competition ran for 12 years, providing an opportunity for young musicians to learn the art of ensemble playing and to begin learning the chamber music repertoire.
Violins - Michael Wu, Jonathan Andrews
Viola - Brown Biggers
Cello - Read Pukkila Worley
Viola - Brown Biggers
Cello - Read Pukkila Worley
The Wolfgang Quartet
Violins - Alan Lebetkin, ?
Viola - Mark Lebetkin
Cello - Chris Henry
Violins - Alan Lebetkin, ?
Viola - Mark Lebetkin
Cello - Chris Henry
Musica - Musicians for all Occasions
In the 70s, Mary Frances Boyce, Ellie Kinnaird and Jane Salemson played as a trio for weddings and social functions. Other instrumentalists, such as a flutist, or a violist, would join in to make a quartet. In the early 80s, Jane Salemson took her two sons to England, and on returning to Chapel Hill in 1986, found there was quite a demand for wedding music. Fran and Ellie had very busy lives and were not keen on administration duties, so Jane started doing the bookings and eventually Musica became the legal business which continues to this day.
