Letter to Editor: Reflections on 30 Years of Chesapeake Music on the Eastern Shore

Imagine what the world would be without music. Then imagine what the Eastern Shore would be without the many programs offered by Chesapeake Music. Did you know that thousands of children in area schools have been exposed to classical music and jazz through Chesapeake Music’s Youth Reach Program and hundreds of others have learned to play the violin, often their first hands-on experience with a musical instrument through Chesapeake Music’s First Strings and Presto programs?

Did you know that in addition to educating children, every June thousands of concert goers are enthralled by internationally-acclaimed musicians at Chesapeake Music’s annual Chamber Music Festival and every Labor Day weekend, musicians in Chesapeake Music’s Monty Alexander Jazz Festival entertain local audiences with soaring notes and finger-snapping rhythms and that Chesapeake Music’s Jazz on the Chesapeake and Chesapeake Chamber Music entertain us with award-winning artists throughout the year.

And, since 2004, some 250 chamber music groups from around the world have competed for one of music’s most prestigious global prizes in Chesapeake Music’s biennial Chamber Music Competition, launching the musical careers of several emerging young artists.

Chesapeake Music can only offer these programs with the financial support of members of the community. Let the music play on by including Chesapeake Music in your year-end charitable giving. To donate visit chesapeakemusic.org and click “DONATE.”