Texarkana Community Music Education will host its 11th annual Music Marathon Saturday at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The one-day event culminates with a free public concert at about 7 p.m. that evening.
When TCME started the event, organizers saw it as an opportunity to introduce the public to the music instruction TCME offers and to give their students an opportunity to play together. It has grown into a reunion of sorts, with returning musicians traveling from Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana to play. It is open to all ages and skill levels. This year's group of pre-registered students range in age from 12 to 77.
TCME has a rotating faculty with more than 100 years' teaching experience and this year they will introduce their newest instructors, Travis Roberts and Mark Higginbotham.
The marathon also features a surprise guest instructor/musician-a regionally touring professional. Also, local middle schoolers and musical standouts Katherine Stoeckl and Joshua Bennett will be recognized for their recent accomplishments in the UIL All-Region Orchestra.
About a dozen musical numbers have been preselected for the concert. Depending on the group's skill level, advanced students will have an opportunity to be featured in small ensembles, said Leah Gentry-Jones, TCME administrator. The musical selection for Saturday night's concert will range from popular classical to classic pop numbers. In years past, 30 to 50 musicians of all skill levels have performed. Organizers expect similar numbers this year.
Registration is $20, which includes lunch. Those interested can register now or at 9 a.m. Saturday at the church.
(Trinity Presbyterian Church is at 2623 N. Robison Road. To pre-register or for more information please contact Leah Gentry-Jones at 903-748-8263 or email [email protected].)