As we enter the New Year, Britt welcomes Jacksonville’s three newest City Council members: Ken Gregg, Brad Bennington and Jim Lewis. As volunteers, the City Council works tirelessly with the city’s administrative staff and citizens to provide a framework for the ongoing operations of the City. As I have participated in many proceedings over the past several years, I’ve observed that the Jacksonville City Council members strive to be responsive to their constituents while acting in the best interest of the city as a whole. Much of their work is tedious, stressful and controversial. The City Council members are entrusted with the privilege and challenge of helping improve Jacksonville for the betterment of all its residents and they do a great job. The City of Jacksonville is fortunate to have such high-caliber citizens willing to work for free on behalf of our town. We thank them for their leadership.

We are pleased to announce the return of the String Quartet Academy (SQA)! The SQA will take place July 27-August 1, and is designed for intermediate to advanced violin, viola and cello students, ages 13-18. The Academy will be taught by the Dover Quartet, who has become an in-demand ensemble after their sweep of the 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competition. The New Yorker recently dubbed them, “the young American string quartet of the moment.” The Dover Quartet also has ties to southern Oregon, as cellist Camden Shaw grew up in Ashland. The Academy will include a week of intensive study, including ensemble rehearsals, master classes, quartet coaching sessions and more. For a full description of the String Quartet Academy, including tuition costs and application information, visit brittfest.org/stringquartet or call 541-690-3852.

As a reminder, Britt can’t do what it does without the support of our local businesses. One way a business can do that is by becoming a Business Partner. Our Business Partners receive numerous marketing benefits, which ensure high visibility to a distinctive audience. A Britt Business Partnership provides season-long recognition through all Britt advertising and promotional materials. In addition, their business will be featured at a performance of their selection which will spotlight their company’s brand. This offers high visibility via banner placement at the Britt venue, an ad in the performance program, and on-stage recognition. In addition, all Business Partners receive tickets, which are an excellent way to reward employees and entertain clients. If you would like more information about this investment opportunity, please contact Bobby Abernathy at 541-690-3857.

As we enter 2015, I would like to personally thank the wonderful community of Jacksonville for opening up your arms and embracing our live performances, our incomparable classical festival and our dynamic education programs. Stayed tuned for our Classical Season Announcement on February 5!