When James and Julie White started Music at Maple Mount 50 years ago, they wanted to provide a musical outlet for students in the community. Several students went on to perform professionally, and even more have taken the skills to non-art careers. They’re reuniting again at the Mount to celebrate their golden anniversary this summer.
The camp ran from 1975 to 2008 at the Mount before transitioning to the Summer Institute for Young Artists with Owensboro Public Schools when Julie led their fine arts department.
When they decided to leave Mount St. Joseph, James said it was almost inevitable.
“The economy at the time was not very good. We could see enrollment was starting to fall, and people couldn’t afford it. They had to make decisions, and some decided they would not send their kids out there,” he recalled.
Before leaving the Mount, they had every student participate in choir and then an art form of their choice — much like its current iteration. When they registered, he noted that some alums work on the West Coast, Nashville, Michigan, Boston, and other areas nationwide. They now perform in major orchestras and institutions, teaching arts to the next generation.
While that is a portion of them, he acknowledges that a career in the arts isn’t the reality for many alums. Still, they have adopted several skills or even enjoy art and contributing to the culture of their cities.
“Even if they don’t go into music, we hope they’ve learned to enjoy the arts,” White said. “Now, they’re actively participating by attending concerts and enriching their lives by hearing all this great art.”
White feels the arts’ inspiration is bringing the alumni back for the reunion this June. As they return to the program, he knows they have formed lifelong friendships with colleagues who started their shared passions together.
The three-day reunion weekend will kick off at Lure Restaurant and Grille on Friday After 5 on June 7 with a meet-and-greet. Fittingly, White noted that Owner Ben Skiadas is an alumnus of the program.
Saturday and Sunday will feature opportunities for alums to reminisce about the program and participate in a few things at Maple Mount. The weekend will conclude with an Alumni Choir performance.
For more information about the programming and to register, click here.
