Did you know that the Birmingham Music Club is Birmingham’s oldest arts group? It all began in 1905 when the steel industry came to be, because the ladies who moved to the city wanted to have some “culture.” The club would bring in world-renowned musicians, famous operas, and prominent ballets to Birmingham in a time when there was nothing else going on around town. (Think Leonard Bernstein, Isaac Stern, Liberace, and more.) The music club even started the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in 1933, putting on their first “formal” concert. Now, 120 years after its origins, the Birmingham Music Club has had to reinvent itself. After all, there are dozens of amphitheaters, concert halls, and organizations that draw in popular music artists.
Nevertheless, their mission has remained constant: “Presenting High-Quality Musical Experiences For Audiences And Artists Across The Generations.” This ambition led them to branch out to start a concert for school kids. Their aim is to help children “discover a world of enchanting music with [a] diverse range of concerts… from timeless classical performances to local artists known internationally to educational children’s concerts.”
They want to bring music to life, particularly for underserved inner-city kids. Since 2011, they’ve had over 20,000 children attend. Last year they had 1,200 kids, and they anticipate that this year’s concert will bring an even larger crowd. The concert will be held on October 1 at the Wright Center on Samford’s campus at 9:30 a.m. and noon. They charge $5 per student for those who can pay. Their sponsors help them to cover those who cannot afford to pay.
Studies show that children’s involvement in music helps them in their scores in school, especially in math. The Birmingham Music Club aspires to create a positive experience for children when it comes to learning. Additionally, the concerts are lively, “which gives them a chance to express their energy in a positive environment and manner,” Ron Bourdages, Executive Director, explains. “Many are exposed to music that is anti-social and… [this concert is a] wholesome environment where they can enjoy high-quality music.”
Each year, the concert has a theme: the maestro travels to a new place, and the 11-piece orchestra, four singers, and maestro play music from wherever they “go” to visit. Ron Bourdages functions as the maestro. Past years have included “Maestro Goes to Tuxedo Junction,” “Maestro Goes to Motown,” “Maestro Goes to New York,” and this year, “Maestro Goes to Hollywood.” During the concert, they introduce each player, from the violinist to the saxophonist, and they explain the history and geography of the theme’s city. Sometimes they even sing songs Bourdages has written specifically with the children in mind, such as “The Homework Blues.”
When Ron took over as Executive Director in 2011, the music club started drawing on local talent with national and international reputations. Numerous highly talented people teach at the different collegiate and professional schools in Birmingham and are involved with the local community theater, so the music club started featuring them. Not to mention the special stories of children growing up to be part of the music club.
One of their biggest success stories is a young lady who came to “Maestro Goes to Motown” from W.J. Christian Elementary. Fast-forward to high school, she went to the Birmingham School of Fine Arts, where she learned to play the violin. It was a full-circle moment when she became part of the orchestra her freshman year, and she has continued to play with the Birmingham Music Club through her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Samford. Similarly, Tim started playing drums with them in high school, stayed with the music club while he got a degree in music at Miles College, and has since stayed involved after opening up his own music school. Ron receives letters from kids all the time who are inspired to sign up for band or who love seeing someone playing their instrument on stage.
The Birmingham Music Club also performs operettas with a full orchestra and 35 cast members, as well as parlor concerts, which are smaller and in more intimate settings.
Find more information on how to RSVP for the children’s concert on their website.
