In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Texas Federation of Music Clubs, a few of the current members, teachers and officers with the Texas Federation of Music Clubs gathered for a photo at Victory Life Academy in Brownwood. Councilman Jerry DeHay read a proclamation declaring this week as “Music Week” in Brownwood in honor of the anniversary and upcoming convention.
A music organization, TFMC, born in Brownwood a century ago returns home later this week to celebrate its centennial anniversary and will host their 100th convention March 19-21. More than 70 music teachers and members of TFMC from throughout the state will meet in Brownwood to take part in the three-day convention.
TFMC was organized in Brownwood in October, 1915, during an annual meeting of the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs. The group is divided into several districts within Texas, with District 8 hosting the upcoming convention. According to organizational literature, the TFMC was founded to aid in the communication and cooperation among Texas musical organizations and to promote music throughout Texas. Several municipal music clubs were founded in the late 19th century, but remained independent or were affiliated with the TFWC music department. The TFMC is also a part of the National Federation of Music Clubs.
During the organization’s existence, thousands of young musicians have received scholarships. Schools statewide have also benefited, as the TFMC has donated thousands of instruments. Under the direction of the organization, musical festivals are held frequently, allowing music students of all ages to perform for judges who are music educators or professional performers. Thousands of budding musicians have taken part in the annual local TFMC festivals in Brownwood. Many of those musicians have performed each year throughout their academic careers. Many local students have also received scholarships, while some schools in the area, as well as civic organizations have received pianos.
Although Brownwood was the birthplace of the Texas Federation of Music Clubs, Brownwood’s chapter was not formed until 1929, when the Schubert Club was officially added to the register of the Texas and National Federation of Music Clubs. The group has members from four counties.
The bulk of the centennial celebration and convention will be held at the Flagship Inn at Lake Brownwood. One portion of the event will be held Friday, March 20 at the First United Methodist Church when Olga Krayterman, a Bela-Russian born American pianist will perform. Krayterman is a past winner of the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist award. Making her orchestral debut with the South Carolina Philharmonic at 17, Krayterman has earned degrees from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.
Past President and current member Jodie Armstrong emphasized that showing gratitude for all members, past and present, was important. “We would like to thank the many members and teachers who have given the gift of music to so many students over the years. Without their support, there would be no spotlight or instruction to better the students. That is the real reason we do this – to continue the inspiration and future of music and cultural arts.”
Pictured above are a few of the current members, teachers and officers with the Texas Federation of Music Clubs along with Councilman DeHay after Monday’s proclamation of March 15-21 as Music Week in the City of Brownwood. Photo by Rick Phelps.