For the past 15 years the EMMA Concert Association has organized free concerts for school students in St. Johns County. "It gives them [students] a taste of a different form of good music," said Jack Page, EMMA's school and community director. EMMA produces at least two school concerts per year for school children of all ages. The concerts are held in the St. Augustine High School Auditorium. Students are bused from county schools to hear the concerts performed by regular EMMA artists who volunteer their time. "Children have always been real courteous and responsive to the artists, they never misbehave," said Page.

At EMMA's latest school concert on April 26, the local band, The Company, performed in front of students from Sebastian Middle School and SAHS. The Company, a seven-piece orchestra, showcased music from New Orleans. SMS 8th grader, Corey Loughlin, said, "That was sooo cool. We really had a blast, and got to go out to lunch too." Anne Gibson, SMS 8th grader, said, "It was neat to see how bands put songs together and improvise, really cool!"

Paul "Dobbie" Dobson, SMS band and chorus director, plays the trumpet for The Company, and Mike "The Stinger" Beesecker plays the saxophone, Easa Mousa plays the trombone, Roger "Boom-Boom" LeBon plays drums, Al "Elvis Junior" Wooldridge sings vocals and plays guitar, Pete Duffy plays bass guitar, and Kenny Chinn on the keyboard.

The next scheduled EMMA school concert is on Nov. 5, featuring the American Brass Quintet. The ABQ has been performing in the United States and internationally for over 46 years. "I would appreciate input from music teachers in the county as to what kind of concerts they would like, in hopes of getting a more universal turnout from the schools," said Page.

EMMA & Webster

According to Page, the EMMA board of directors voted to give 15 violins to Webster Elementary School. Former SAHS band director Al Dodds developed the idea for a violin program in a county school. The board, consisting of 24 members, voted to give the violins, and Dodds selected Webster. "He is the one that sowed the seed for having this violin class at one of the county schools," said Page.

Beginning of EMMA

In 1979, Irene Allemano and Frieda Bringmann organized a benefit concert held at the Riverview Club in St. Augustine Shores and that became the birthplace of EMMA. It was originally named after Emil Maestre, a renowned Spanish cellist, who had retired in St. Augustine. Maestre encouraged EMMA to bring great music to the audiences of the Oldest City and to local schools.

The Emil Maestre Music Association is now officially the EMMA Concert Association, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission of presenting quality performances at modest prices. Flagler College has partnered with EMMA to present concerts at the Flagler College Auditorium.

William T. Abare, president of Flagler College, said in the EMMA booklet, "These performances have broadened our cultural and aesthetic opportunities, enriched our spirit, and enhanced the quality of our lives."

EMMA's 29th concert season will begin Oct. 6, featuring the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. For the EMMA 2007-08 concert schedule or for more information about EMMA call 797-2800. To book 'The Compny', call 904-294-0375 or visit; www.thecompanyink.com.