FRIENDS OF MUSIC TO PLAN FOR FUTURE

Southeast Missouri State University's Friends of Music group might have changed its goals somewhat since it organized in 1994, but its intent to share good music lives on.

From its beginning, the group's major goal has been to help the university raise money to build a performing arts center on campus. The center would provide space for performances by musical and theater groups and an art gallery.

That emphasis might be shifting. The group will hold a dinner meeting Saturday at Port Cape Yacht Club to elect new members and decide what direction it should go, said Bob Frehwald, chairman of the university's music department.

Construction of a performing arts center might continue to be the group's eventual goal, but it is improbable that the center will be a point of emphasis, he said.

"Despite the fact the group has been around a number of years, the group has been looking for a direction," Frehwald said. "We've tried lots of things, but it's going to be up to the group to decide what they want to do in the future."

Some 25 people from the community and university are members of the Friends of Music. The group was founded to serve as a booster club and advisory board for the university's music department. Frehwald said the organization has sponsored numerous fund-raising activities over the years to assist the department in developing musical events and fostering an appreciation of fine arts in children and adults.

One of the ideas group members will consider Saturday is reviving sponsorship of a concert series for the community that ended when the Community Concert Association disbanded in 1996. The Community Concert Association provided cultural entertainment to Cape Girardeau residents for more than a half century before dissolving because of lagging interest in the organization and falling attendance at concerts.

The concert series would be designed to foster interaction between the community and university, said Frehwald. However, the emphasis would be to sponsor events in Cape Girardeau and when possible the surrounding region.

"There is definitely a vacuum left by the Community Concert Association folding," he said. "There has been some discussion about providing music for people outside of Cape as well. We'd probably try to contact them and ask them to join in our activities, or maybe take projects out to the region."

Regardless of what goals are set for the coming year, the group must continue to bring the university and community together, said Frehwald.

"What we don't want to do at the school is be an ivory tower where we have our own thing and don't interact with the community," he said.

Members of the Friends of Music invest in the university and department of music. Annual dues range in price based upon various levels of membership, including individual, family and corporate.

Membership is open to the public. For information contact the university at (573) 651-2141.