The MWC is a privately owned, publicly shared collection of art from the second half of the 20th century. The majority of the works are by African American artists supplemented by works from artists of the African diaspora or which reflect upon it. They include both two and three dimensional works, sculpture, photographs, videos and mixed media.

The collection was initiated in reaction to the loss of arts in the schools and the limitations common in many mainstream arts institutions (whether by capacity, interest or ability) to collect and present art by and about African Americans and to reach out beyond their physical walls to new audiences. These circumstances served to underline the urgency of finding new ways to bring art to citizens of all ages first in Flint, Michigan but also beyond it.

Together this couple, Maryanne Mott and Herman Warsh, chose to address the situation beginning in late 2001 by designating Flint as the home of a collection that would bring highly important but seldom seen works to the broader community, embedding it both in and beyond the institutions of the Flint Cultural Center. Stop by the Dort Music Center to see the rotating exhbits. Go to the Mott Warsh Collection to view locations and exhibits in the Flint Area.

This vocal group first performed together during the FIM’s African American Heritage Month performance in February of 2006. Comprised of outstanding solo voices, the chorale includes current and former voice instructors from the Flint School of Performing Arts, as well as members of the community.

The ensemble is unique because of the friendship and intimate personal connections between the members. Several are related (Ashli and Aaron, as well as Stephanie and LaTanya, and Donald and Sylvia are siblings), so the vocal blend is exceptional!

The Flint Jubilee Chorale has performed at past Music in the Parks concerts, and has appeared with the Flint Symphony Orchestra as part of Holiday Pops since December 2007.

Sopranos: Ashli Hill, Pia Broden Williams, Sylvia Pittman
Altos: Stephanie Clarke, LaTanya Miller-Brown, Linda Loving
Tenors Glen Holcomb, Aaron McCoy-Jacobs, Harold Woodson
Baritone Ivan Griffin, Donald Pittman
Bass Alfred Bruce Bradley, Roger Hill (Accompanist)

One of the FIM’s most majestic instruments is the Flint Theatre Organ, housed in the MacArthur Recital Hall. The organ came from the Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint where it provided music for silent movies in the 1920s and early ‘30s.

Today, the Flint Theatre Organ Club keeps the grandeur of that bygone era alive by performing on and maintaining this musical gem. The Organ Clyb holds regular Spring Concerts. Visit FTOC.org for upcoming concert dates and times.

 If you are interested in joining the Flint Theatre Organ Club, contact Greg Masters at 810.735.7963.

Since 2001 this tap dance festival has been the place for students and tap lovers to learn solid tap dance technique, explore the historical roots of this American art form, show appreciation for those who forged the trail, and let the competitive dance spirit fly.

This exciting event includes workshops and performances by some of the world’s top tap dancers, a tap dance competition and a luncheon. The 2012 Tapology Living Legend is Debra Mitchell, a St. Louis, MO native known throught the New York area as a distinguished tap professional also is the Founder and Artisitic Director of New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble. The event takes place at the Flint Institute of Music and throughout the Flint Cultural Center, culminating in an exciting tap performance at The Whiting featuring Maurice Chestnut and Cartier Williams.

For more information, contact Bruce Bradley at 810.767.0197 or visit www.tapology.org

Allegro volunteers are everywhere, it seems—from cheerfully providing hungry FSO musicians with food at Friday evening rehearsals to helping with FIM mailings to organizing receptions for a variety of FSPA performances, and new this year, working with Flint Youth Theatre. For more than 50 years, this volunteer group has provided much behind-the-scenes support for the FIM. They also provide hospitality baskets for FSO guest artists and help with transportation to and from rehearsals.

Allegro has a number of festive events and fundraisers for their members, including card parties, luncheons and dinners. The highlight of each year is the Pink Geranium Luncheon and Style Show held in November. New members are always welcome.

For more information, contact Bill Hentgen at 810.655.8368

Founded in 1890, The St. Cecilia Society is the oldest FIM support organization. It regularly raises scholarship funds, and many of its programs provide support to young people studying music, in particular, Junior St. Cecilia and Student Musicale. St. Cecilia also holds monthly performances followed by receptions.

Its premiere project is the annual William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition, which attracts talented young musicians from around the world. It rotates among piano, strings, winds/brass and voice. This year’s competition features Winds/Brass and will be held March 2, 2013 at the Flint Institute of Music. For information about the Byrd Competition, call Carol Hinterman at 810.964.9399 or visit byrdartists.com.

Upcoming Byrd Dates
March 1, 2014 - Voice
March 7, 2015 - Piano
March 5, 2016 - Strings

For more information about St. Cecilia Society, contact Delaina Oberman at 810.964.9399.