The president of Troy Music Study Club, Lyra Crapps, and Jerry and Betty Spann attended the Centennial Convention of the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs in Mobile, Alabama May 13-14, 2016.  The Schumann Music Club of Mobile hosted the 100th Convention whose theme was “Celebrating  Our Past, Celebrating Our Future”. Laidlaw Performing Arts Center of the University of South Alabama was the venue for the convention.

Barbara Lee,  President of the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs presided at all the business sessions at which reports were given by state officers, division chairmen, representatives to the National Federation of Music Clubs, and each club president. The AFMC president’s theme for 2015-2017 is “Music, God’s Gift, unifies us with the world -past, present, future.

The Friday night banquet held in the University of South Alabama Faculty Club honored the club presidents. The address was given by the president of the National Federation of Music Clubs, Mr. Michael Edwards who is from Florida. Following the banquet the attendees enjoyed a concert in Recital Hall of USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. The concert featured the AFMC Collegiate Audition Winners : Nicholas Aguirre-baritone, Madelyn Cook-French horn, Eamon Griffin-piano, Nikolai Klotchkov-saxophone, and Carol Anne Osborne- soprano. Carol Anne is a Senior Music Industry Major and Voice/Theatre Minor at Troy University , Troy, Alabama..

Saturday morning Bill Peoples, chaplain, presided at the Memorial Service . Troy Music Study Club had two memorialized, Dr. Ellis Bush and Mrs. Mildred (Millie) Walter. Lyra Crapps placed two white roses in a vase in remembrance of these two. Betty Spann placed a rose for Enterprise Club’s deceased member, Ruby Speigner Crumpler who was her friend and class mate when Mrs. Spann lived in Enterprise.

A Musical Interlude featured USA faculty member, Thomas Rowell, tenor who sang “Songs of Travel” by Ralph Vaughan Williams accompanied by Laura Moore, piano. Mrs. Moore was the convention accompanist.

During the convention between business sessions, there were door prizes given out and a silent auction. Money from the auction each year goes to the scholarship fund. Certificates were given to clubs for the work done this club year. Troy’s certificate listed the many activities accomplished this year and was received by Mrs. Crapps, president. An invitation was given to the clubs for the 2017 Convention by Bush Hills Music Club of Birmingham. The Fall Board Meeting will be hosted by the Decatur Music Club.  After the luncheon the members sang the benediction” Gift of Song” by Laura M. Bailey. The 2016 Convention adjourned.