NFMC
Keeps Music Alive...
A Centennial Article
1998
NFMC Keeps Music Alive...
Professional an amateur musicians... Music teachers and music students... Opera buffs, piano fanatics, woodwind impresarios, string enthusiasts, inspired composers, dancers and generous benefactors —
Whatever NFMC members' abilities or specialties are, NFMC members are all music lovers.
With approximately 200,000 members in over 5,300 organizations nationwide, the National Federation of Music Clubs, founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1898, is one of the world's largest music associations.
Organized at the local, state and national levels, NFMC activities range from small-town musical gatherings to up-town musical extravaganzas. Leadership opportunities are abundant, and however active NFMC members choose to be, they make a difference in the musical life of the nation.
...Through Promotion of American Music
The NFMC's mission is to support and develop American music and musicians. This country has a rich musical heritage, and the NFMC encourages young and mature composers alike in the development of this unique gift to the world. The support of student performers and composers enriches the talent that creates music for future generations.
NFMC's American Music Program is dedicated to providing scholarship and award monies to talented American performers and composers, encouraging performance of American musical works and serving as a reference source on American music and composers.
Junior Keynotes and Music Clubs Magazine, available to members by annual subscription, are educational and entertaining venues for the NFMC's promotion of American music. NFMC Citations, given biennially by the organization, recognize individuals who have given distinguished service to the musical, artistic and cultural life of the nation.
...Through Education
The National Federation of Music Clubs is an advocate of arts education and disciplines in our public schools. Music enriches the lives of children and teaches fundamental concepts that are basic to all learning.
As an endorsing organization of the National Coalition of Music Education, the NFMC endeavors to ensure that all children will have the opportunity to expand their educational experience through music and the other arts.
The NFMC backs their beliefs with significant financial committment. The national organization provides over $129,420 in monies for scholarships to music schools and universities, summer music programs, and performance and composition awards biennially or annually. NFMC affiliated state and local organizations offer over $606,500 in scholarships and awards.
The Biennial Young Artist Competition launches the budding careers of talented performers with funding and national concert bookings. Validating the pursuit of music as a career are the biennial NFMC Ellis Competition for Duo Pianists, as well as other NFMC awards and scholarships such as the Stillman-Kelley Scholarship for instrumental students, Thelma A. Robinson Scholarships in Ballet and Conducting, Joyce Walsh Junior Scholarship for the Handicapped and Victor Herbert/ASCAP Young Composer's Awards. Many of the young musicians NFMC has supported in its nearly 100-year history have gone on to grace the stages of Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and other concert halls around the world.
...Through Local Involvement
NFMC members have a common bond. They love music! Some members have their moment in the musical spotlight, and others find a way to weave their love of music into the fabric of their everyday lives. NFMC members are not only music enthusiasts, but leaders in their communities, churches, local schools and universities, and businesses.
Local NFMC organizations offer occasions for member performance and recognition, as well as opportunities to hear musical performances by nationally recognized artists. Club activities encourage growth in musical knowledge, support of music education in the community, and contact with other musicians and music lovers.
Nationwide, Local NFMC Volunteers provide over 20,000 hours of service with entertainment and music therapy in hospitals, nursing homes and senior citizens centers.
Over 100,000 young music students participate in locally sponsored NFMC Junior Festivals annually, and during National Music Week, NFMC members sponsor music festivals, concerts and performances in their communities. NFMC makes possible scholarships and facilities for summer music centers in all areas of our nation.
Our Mission is to Support and Develop American Music and Musicians.
The National Federation of Music Clubs has a placd for all music lovers. With Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, the NFMC is a tax-exempt, nonprofit philanthropic and educational organization dedicated to music education and promotion of creative and performing arts in America since 1898. For more information, call (317) 638-4003, or contact your local Federated Music Club president.
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