County arts council's benefit 'Women in Music' concert this weekend

Carroll County Arts Council is sponsoring "Women in Music: Greatest Hits of the 1700s Concert" at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday at Western Maryland College's Baker Memorial Chapel. The performance is a benefit for the council's Children's Art Education Scholarship.

The concert, now in its third year, was developed by Judy Fercencz. She was former music adviser to the council.

"She is a very caring person and thought it would be good to raise money for the scholarship program," said Hilary Hatfield, the council's executive director.

"We have had a lot of kids benefit from this program. It's really made a difference in a couple of my kids' lives," Ms. Fercencz said.

This year's concert was developed to include a children's matinee (at 4 p.m.) at which performers will describe the program in detail.

"We are trying to make classical music come to life with a more exciting approach to it, so the children can understand," Ms. Hatfield said. "They made the decision, as educators, to involve the children."

The concert will feature Ms. Fercencz, a pianist and certified teacher of piano and theory. She teaches in the Western Maryland College Community Music Program and has taught "Women in Music" as part of the college curriculum.

Andrea Hussle, a student at Liberty High School, has studied the violin for seven years. She is an active participant in orchestra and drama. Andrea studies with Deborah Barron, who also is performing in the program.

Another performer and student of Ms. Barron's is Sandy McCarthy, a student at North Carroll High School. She is a double instrumentalist, playing the violin for seven years and the piano for nine years.

"They are very educated women and they are into helping up-and-coming performers," said Ms. Hatfield of including students in the program.

Ms. Barron has played violin for 30 years. She performs with the Columbia Orchestra and teaches private lessons in Carroll County.

Mezzo-soprano Cynthia Blum has performed with the Annapolis, Baltimore, Wolf Trap and Washington opera companies.

Pianist Peggy Brengle has taught music in public schools and at Western Maryland College. She is a media specialist at Manchester Elementary School and performs with the Dynamites, a vocal trio performing for churches, community organizations and at special events.

Susan Gubernatis, another pianist, is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music and has a private piano studio in South Carroll. She has taught piano for 30 years.

Pianist Diane Jones is a music specialist in Carroll County public schools and co-director of the Children's Chorus of Carroll County.

Flutist Wendy Anderson has performed at the Kennedy Center, Walters Art Gallery and National Gallery of Art.

She teaches instrumental music with the Maryland Catholic School System and offers private lessons.

Another addition is Sara Smith, a flutist and sophomore at South Carroll High School. She is a student of Ms. Anderson's.

The performance is in cooperation with Western Maryland College with additional support from Barnes Bollinger Insurance Co.

Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students. Proceeds benefit the arts council's Children's Art Education Scholarship Fund.

Information: 848-7272 or 876-8550.