This exciting chamber music ensemble is comprised of Flint School of Performing Arts faculty members Jessica Price, flute, Sabrina Lackey, cello and Ina Yoon, piano.

Meaning "forward" in Italian, Davanti brings the warmth and beauty of chamber music to the public with enticing, rarely featured repertoire. Because of its unusual instrumentation, the group performs music primarily by 20th-century composers. With harmonies influenced by Romantic composers, the trio’s sound is vibrant, exciting and fresh — a new twist on traditional chamber music.

The Davanti Trio was a finalist in the 2008 International Chamber Music Ensemble Competition.

This vocal group first performed together during the FIM’s African American Heritage Month performance in February of 2006. Comprised of outstanding solo voices, the chorale includes current and former voice instructors from the Flint School of Performing Arts, as well as members of the community.

The ensemble is unique because of the friendship and intimate personal connections between the members. Several are related (Ashli and Aaron, as well as Stephanie and LaTanya, and Donald and Sylvia are siblings), so the vocal blend is exceptional!

The Flint Jubilee Chorale has performed at past Music in the Parks concerts, and has appeared with the Flint Symphony Orchestra as part of Holiday Pops since December 2007.

Sopranos: Ashli Hill, Pia Broden Williams, Sylvia Pittman
Altos: Stephanie Clarke, LaTanya Miller-Brown, Linda Loving
Tenors Glen Holcomb, Aaron McCoy-Jacobs, Harold Woodson
Baritone Ivan Griffin, Donald Pittman
Bass Alfred Bruce Bradley, Roger Hill (Accompanist)

One of the FIM’s most majestic instruments is the Flint Theatre Organ, housed in the MacArthur Recital Hall. The organ came from the Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint where it provided music for silent movies in the 1920s and early ‘30s.

Today, the Flint Theatre Organ Club keeps the grandeur of that bygone era alive by performing on and maintaining this musical gem.

If you are interested in joining the Flint Theatre Organ Club, contact Greg Masters at 810.735.7963.

Since 2001 this tap dance festival has been the place for students and tap lovers to learn solid tap dance technique, explore the historical roots of this American art form, show appreciation for those who forged the trail, and let the competitive dance spirit fly.

This exciting event includes workshops and performances by some of the world’s top tap dancers, a tap dance competition and a luncheon. The 2009 Tapology honoree is Germaine Ingram, performer, producer, educator, choreographer, historian and protégé of the late great Philadelphia tap dancer La Vaughn Robinson. The event takes place at the Flint Institute of Music and throughout the Flint Cultural Center, culminating in an exciting tap performance at The Whiting.

For more information, contact Bruce Bradley at 810.767.0197 or visit www.tapology.org

Allegro volunteers are everywhere, it seems—from cheerfully providing hungry FSO musicians with food at Friday evening rehearsals to helping with FIM mailings to organizing receptions for a variety of FSPA performances. For more than 50 years, this volunteer group has provided much behind-the-scenes support for the FIM. They also provide hospitality baskets for FSO guest artists and help with transportation to and from rehearsals.

Allegro has a number of festive events and fundraisers for their members, including card parties, luncheons and dinners. The highlight of each year is the Pink Geranium Luncheon and Style Show held in May. New members are always welcome.

For more information, contact Beverly Shomsky at 810.732.6496.

Coming up...

A Celebration of Fall: Dinner, Style Show and Silent Auction

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Atrium • Flint Institute of Music • 6:30 pm

To benefit the Flint School for the Performing Arts • Catering by Fandangles'

Founded in 1890, The St. Cecilia Society is the oldest FIM support organization. It regularly raises scholarship funds, and many of its programs provide support to young people studying music, in particular, Junior St. Cecilia and Student Musicale. St. Cecilia also holds monthly performances followed by receptions.

Its premiere project is the annual William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition, which attracts talented young musicians from around the world. It rotates among piano, strings, winds/brass and voice. This year’s competition features voice and will be held March 6, 2010 at the Flint Institute of Music. For information about the Byrd Competition, call Almeda Hunter at 810.239.6068 or visit byrdartists.com

For more information about St. Cecilia Society, contact Nancy Dahle at 810.513.3723.