Milford Music Festival on a different note

MILFORD — A somewhat less traveled path on the way to Milford’s recent music festival was to Grey Towers, for a chamber music concert, entitled, “Inspired by Nature.” The Regiment Quartet, which is associated with Hawley’s Black Bear Conservatory of Music, performed two delightful string pieces which evoked the beautiful natural surroundings of the Grey Towers Outdoor Pavilion and seemed truly inspired by nature. There were more than 160 people in an attentive audience. Some brought picnics, the dress was casual, and the applause was heartily enthusiastic. The members of the Regiment Quartet are Robert Murphy, violin; Marissa Cooper, violin; Tim Kaczynshi, viola; and Gretchen Horvath, cello. All of these professional artists have impressive credentials. Robert Murphy is also a member of the Concert Artist Faculty at the Black Bear Conservatory, one of the sponsors of this concert. This concert was scheduled in conjunction with the Milford Music Festival and was sponsored by Grey Towers Heritage Association, Grey Towers National Historic Site (U.S. Forest Service), The Music Society at Black Bear, and Attorney R. Anthony Waldron, III. The Black Bear Conservatory of Music is a not-for-profit institution, whose dedicated goal is “Excellence in Music Education.” Its Musical Director, Ryan Weber, was in attendance accompanied by Waldron, who serves as secretary/treasurer on its board of directors. This concert was the first of what Weber said he hoped was many more to come. Weber explained that, “BBCM’s faculty consists of not only acclaimed scholars and performers, but each instructor brings teaching experience from renown institutions including The Manhattan School of Music and The Brooklyn Conservatory of music.” BBCM provides weekly lessons for children and adults. Their goal is to develop not only a skill, but true musical intelligence for students of all ages. Several people in the audience were interested to know that the Black Bear Conservatory is so close to Milford. This “Inspired by Nature,” concert was a lovely interlude in Milford’s musical weekend and many of those who listened agreed that it hit a high note. Grey Towers Heritage Association (GTHA) A volunteer membership organization funded by grants, donations, and membership contributions. Milford, PA 18337 570-296-9625 www.greytowers.org. Black Bear Conservatory of Music (BBCM) Accredited by The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts 519 Church Street, Hawley PA 18428 570-226-7606