National Federation of Music Clubs Festival

CARBONDALE--Nearly 270 young musicians made their way to Southern Illinois University Carbondale's campus this weekend to perform, not in competition, but to improve their skills and further promote their interest in music.

The National Federation of Music Clubs Festival gives young Southern Illinois musicians a chance to perform two or three pieces they have practiced in a group recital setting and be evaluated by judges on their performance.

"It's pretty much an evaluation, not only for the kids, but for the teachers to know how they are doing," said Rosa Muir, Chairperson for the event.

Students from as far away as Harrisburg and Salem are participating in the event, which runs through Sunday afternoon and includes performances in instruments from violin and vocals to trumpets and trombones.

While students receive points and awards based on their performances, the Morning Etude Club, a local group of music instructors responsible for guiding the festival, stresses the fact that the event is not a competition, but an opportunity to perform and receive evaluation.

Many students return to the festival year after year, building up points received from their past performances and moving up in difficulty level as their skills and instruction develop. By the end of high school, the musicans can accumulate several 'gold cup' trophies to ornament their college résumés.

The NFMC festival is a national event, involving the performances of hundreds of thousands of musicians across the country this month, and is "designed to promote study, stimulate interest in American and world music literature, and encourage each participant to reach a high standard of musical achievement."

Karen Price, a Murphysboro resident, has two daughters performing in the festival this year, one for the first time.

"It opens a lot of doors, builds their self esteem, and builds their self confidence, I think. Also, they grow in a love for different types of music," Price said.


-TB