Overview

The Appalachian Classical Music Association is a nonprofit community organization based in East Tennessee. Our goal is to promote both enjoyable and competitive musical arts in the Appalachian region through education, instruction, and training of young musicians interested in developing improving their musical skills.

In the 8 years since our inception, we have grown 15-30% every year with a participation of over 100 teachers, 2 major youth orchestras and over 500 student musicians with influence reaching the musical arts community greater than any known single program in the region.

Our business partners contribute to the excellence and musical advancement of the students in the area with their sponsorship of scholarships for this event. Last year through our merit awards program, students received over 60 scholarships totaling over $3,000.00.

All of the events feature special concerts including outstanding students, professional national performers, and the performances of area groups. This year, thanks to the support of the Tennessee Arts Commission and various private and cooperate donations, we were able to enlist the expertise of renowned violinists Mark O’Connor an Benedict Goodfriend to offer instruction both collectively and individually to students as they excel in their muiscal ability and pursue their dreams.

There are no membership requirements to participate in any events. Concerts are offered to the public. We promote the pursuit of musical excellence for all by including aid for the handicapped, encouraging a wide range of ages, races, cultural dimensions, and levels of study, and providing scholarships to worthy students.

Board of Directors

Ivy Blair

Serving 8 years.

Blair Music Studio – teacher piano, voice, chamber ensembles – 30 years, music studies at University of Texas at El Paso, East Tennessee State University; Salem College, NC, BA degree in vocal performance.

Job Description: Executive Directory of Appalachian Classical Music Association (ACMA). Administrate, organize and coordinate all committees and activities.

William Blair

Serving 7 years.

Businessman, music major – University of Texas at El Paso

Job Description: Associate Coordinator

Dr. Edward Rollins

Serving 6 years.

Doctor of Radiology; Financial Manager – Rollins Capital Management

Job Description: Associate Director in charge of Technical Activity including database and website for ACMA; financial manger in charge of bookkeeping.

Teresa Palmer

Serving 2 years.

Homemaker, previously at Eastman Chemical Company – secretary and order entry specialist.

Job Description: Executive Secretary – ACMA in charge of all office duties including registrations, communications, on-site technical help.

Eva Valentine

New to ACMA this year.

Job Description: Hospitality.

Anne Elliott

Serving 4 years.

Associate Professor of Music – Milligan College.

Job Description: Milligan Staff representative in charge of keyboard activities.

Elizabeth Kiser

Serving 3 years.

Job Description: Student Representation, student advisement, monitors in charge of student registration and promotional packets.

Amanda Leach

Serving 1 year.

Music teacher/private studio – voice.

Job Description: Artist in charge of incoming guest artists.

Sarah Mehl

Serving 3 years.

Music Student.

Job Description: Monitor, marketing, student representation, student advisement, monitors in charge of student registration and promotional packets.

Jonathan Mehl

Serving 3 years.

Student – Milligan College.

Job Description: Accompanist; Monitor in charge of audition rooms.

Martha Painter

Serving 7 years.

Music teacher/private studio – piano/harp.

Job Description: Assistant Director in charge of registration and marketing.

Dishon and DeAnna Smith

Serving 2 years.

Job Description: Assistant Directors in charge of monitors.

Support Staff:

Resident Accompanists:

Robert Jeter – ETSU (4 years)

Kathy Lamb – Area orchestra and band director (1 year)

Additional Support Staff

Sarah Webber

Student Representatives

Emily Lamb – Student, Milligan College Music Dept.

Katherine Lamb – Music Student, Violin/Piano

Milligan College Faculty:

Dr. Kellie Brown – Department Chair

Cheryl Fitzgerald – Cello

Anne Elliott – Piano

Dr. Charlotte Anderson – Voice