Local music organizations raising funds for scholarships, celebrating milestones

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Nacogdoches Symphony Club and the Nacogdoches Music Teachers Association will mark milestones in each organization’s history by presenting “A Brick Street Serenade,” a concert and scholarship fundraiser, Saturday, April 20.

Beginning at 7 p.m. at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches, the event is designed to raise funds for the Baumgartner Memorial Award and the Mamie Middlebrook Scholarship, both of which are awarded to deserving music students attending Stephen F. Austin State University.

Hosted by SFA alumni John Dickson, a Hollywood composer, arranger and pianist, and Brad Maule, formerly “General Hospital’s” Dr. Tony Jones who now teaches filmmaking at SFA and serves as a Nacogdoches City Council member, “A Brick Street Serenade” will feature performances by previous Baumgartner Award recipients Richard Berry, Michael Kelley Dixon, Richard Novak, Nathan Ponder and Yvonne Gonzales Redman; and previous Middlebrook Scholarship recipients Stephen Burnaman and Christie Hill Cook.

The festivities will also celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Nacogdoches Symphony Club and the 50th anniversary of the Nacogdoches Music Teachers Association. The Symphony Club sponsors the Baumgartner Award, established in 1962, and presents the award annually to an advanced vocal student at SFA. The NMTA, affiliated with the Texas Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association, supports the Middlebrook Scholarship, given annually to a piano student who provides a solo performance for the NMTA local chapter. Proceeds from “A Brick Street Serenade” will further efforts to establish endowments for each award.

Donations start at $25 per person and can be paid at the door the night of the event. Personal checks and cash will be accepted, and a QR code will be provided for credit card donations. Admission includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. Cocktail attire is requested. For additional information, email Linda Parr at  lparr@sfasu.edu. The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St.