By Heather Horton/entertainment editor
Music aficionados belonging to the Sonata Club strive not only to enhance music culture at TCC but also to give money to deserving students.
For many years, the club has operated on a common philosophy –music should be available and enjoyed by everyone, said current club president Fred Mills.
“The Sonata Club began over 50 years ago, so it’s an old, established club,” Mills said. “The desire is to support and encourage music.”
Mills said the club has a schedule throughout the year that incorporates monthly meetings, fellowship and musical performances.
NE Campus music department chair Karen Parsons serves as current vice president of the Sonata Club and works closely with Mills to coordinate events and performances. Parsons has also served on the scholarship committee, Mills said.
In years past, the club awarded three $800 scholarships to TCC students.
Up until now, the club has focused on rewarding musicians who are already established students at the college.
“We have always wanted to be involved in helping to provide scholarships,” Mills said. “We have refined our scholarship approach.”
The two officers in charge decided to spearhead a different approach to help potential students become eligible for the Sonata Club scholarship.
“Why don’t we have a scholarship dedicated to incoming students to the music department?” Mills asked. “We really need to track talent right out of high school.”
The club has partnered with the TCC Foundation to award scholarships this year. Incoming students can now apply for scholarships through the foundation.
NE Campus instructional associate Patricia Asher believes the club is a good fit for TCC.
“It’s a really cool thing,” she said. “It’s a really great group. They do a lot for us, and we do a lot for them.”
Not all club members are musicians. However, they all share a love for music. Members enjoy the social aspect of the association, and they can enjoy professional live music at each of their monthly meetings, Mills said.
The club also offers young musicians an opportunity for success through the Mid-Cities area Youth Piano Doubles Festival. The competition is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade and was held on NE Campus Feb. 22.
For more information, contact Mills at 817-545-6862 or saxmills@verizon.net.
