This program is being developed to help students build confidence and develop stage presence, to encourage students at an early age to enhance their ability to memorize music for performance, and to provide an opportunity for students to develop their listening skills as they hear other students perform.

It is expected that these student recitals will provide invaluable experience for those planning to compete in the Club’s Scholarship Competition, which is being planned for Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Golden Gate High School. Winners will perform at a special Scholarship Winners’ Recital on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. at Golden Gate High School. More information about the Scholarship Competition may be found in the Scholarships section of this Web site.

For more information about the new Student Recital program, please contact Jan Grundeman by phone at (239) 353-2216 or by email to musicinfo@naplesmusicclub.org.

Those music teachers who are not currently members of the Naples Music Club and would like to join should visit the Membership section of the Web site, where a Membership Application is available for downloading.

Those winning First Place awards were: Katie Nunner, Jr. Woodwind; Jared Biajian, Jr. Strings; Hannah Feng, Jr. Piano; Alexander Hayes, Sr. Brass and Percussion; Nicole Pavlisin, Sr. Woodwind; Alan Gao, Sr. Strings; Yvonne Jiang, Sr. Piano; and Nancy Flewelling, Sr. Voice. A complete list of winners in all categories is available on this Website’s Scholarship page.

The Naples Music Club’s competition, held April 19, attracted 59 competitors. Since its inception in 1970, the Club’s Scholarship Program has flourished, with winners using their awards for study with private teachers, to attend summer music camps, or for college studies. The Club deeply appreciates the support of its members and the community on which it depends to provide funding. Those desiring to participate in the future should visit the Scholarship and Support pages of this Website.

Mr. Saby was a native of North Dakota and retired businessman from New Jersey. He was a clarinetist in his youth and lover of fine music all his life. With gifts of over $65,000 to Collier County youth through the Scholarship Fund, he wanted to help make it possible for others to develop their musical performance talents and enjoy music as he had.

Mr. Saby was a member of the Board of Directors from 2001 to 2007, serving as Development Chair for part of that time. In that role, he often expressed the hope that others would follow his philanthropic example.

The redesign, which has been approximately 1 month in the making, was made possible with the help of Unique ID Web Design. Unique ID is a local Naples and Fort Myers based web design firm that specializes in creative designs and high-end web development.

By implementing an easy-to-use system, we believe our Website will become not only an increasingly important part of our operations, but will also provide our members with current, accurate information in an attractive form.

On the Concerts and Events page, we have added maps to all destinations. We’ve also added links to articles and/or other Websites further describing performers. Program  notes will be added along with photo albums.

Do you have friends whom you would like to introduce to the Naples Music Club? The Website provides a way of making that introduction easy and meaningful. Do  you know young musicians who might wish to enter the Club’s Scholarship Competition? Suggest they visit the Website and download competition materials as they become available.

We sincerely hope every club member will make maximum use of this new resource and will take part in helping it develop. Please feel welcome to go to the Website’s page called “Contact” and send an e-mail with your suggestions.