We recently wrapped up our 21-Day Stand Against Racism Challenge in April. The conversation moves forward with continuing the challenge because the work is far from over! As we became aware of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, it is again evident that the systems in place that already harm young women of color the most can be regressed even more by those with power today. In these crucial moments and always, knowledge is a way to take back power.
WE CHALLENGE YOU TO…

2 mins
Watch Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice shares The History of Reproductive Justice (RJ), a powerful video clearly communicating the definition of RJ, watch here.

10 mins
Check out Planned Parenthood’s article, Roe v. Wade at Risk: Nationwide Legal Abortion May Be a Thing of the Past. Access the article here.

13 mins
Consider this from NPR, which featured an article titled, Roe’s Legal Fate is Unclear. But Studies already Show Who’d Likely Be Hit the Hardest, read here.

42 mins
Listen. Parenting and Politics host Monica Simpson, a North Carolina Native and Executive Director of Sister Song. Sister Song is a Southern-based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. Listen to the podcast here.

For more Continuing the Challenge resources click below:

What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is OK. Our STand against racism challenge, formerly the  21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already completed this challenge with us in the past please know that our challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned. Follow this link for the resources.

Dates: July 11 – 16, 2022
Application: Available now through MyBMC
Cost: A $600 fee covers all housing, meals, classes, materials, and concert tickets. Spots are limited and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all students, faculty, and summer staff for the 2022 season. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

Program Summary

Brevard Music Center (BMC) presents The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programming, a six-day intensive seminar and think-tank on orchestral programming intended for professionals and influencers in the orchestral field. Presented by Brevard Music Center in partnership with Bard College, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the South Dakota Symphony, the University of Michigan School of Music, and Project Director Joseph Horowitz, The Brevard Project takes place July 11-16, 2022. The central goals of The Brevard Project are to re-evaluate the artistic mission of the American orchestra and to share the skills needed to curate a more comprehensive, more inclusive American orchestral repertoire.

Curriculum

The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programing complements Brevard Music Center’s week-long “Dvořák’s Prophecy” festival from July 11-16 and is inspired by Joseph Horowitz’s acclaimed new book Dvořák’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music. Part think-tank, part seminar, this inaugural Project gathering equips practitioners and scholars alike to begin to answer questions about the dense nexus of culture and race, of historical, political, and moral reckonings surrounding the story of American orchestral music. The central goals of this program are to re-evaluate the artistic mission of the American orchestra and to share the skills needed to curate a more comprehensive, more inclusive American orchestral repertoire. The Brevard Project is designed for conductors, artistic administrators, executive directors, community engagement specialists, conservatory students, and engaged orchestra Board members.

Moving forward requires a fresh and closer look at our musical past – and to the lagging formation of an American symphonic canon. A new narrative of American classical music will be proposed that explores timely and topical issues that impact present and future orchestral programming. Why did our repertoire remain so stubbornly Eurocentric? What can we learn from this history? What can be mined from the treasure trove of long-hidden indigenous and Black music that can help to pave the future?

Classroom sessions will be highly interactive, drawing upon first-hand accounts of humanities-infused approaches to programming and community engagement. Topics of exploration include creating a “new paradigm” for American orchestral repertoire, rethinking the concert experience, and redefining the role of the music director. Participants will be challenged to envision programming and organizational initiatives to promote symphonic events grounded in the American experience, past and present.

The Faculty

A remarkable faculty has been assembled for this groundbreaking exercise.
*virtual participant

Joseph Horowitz, Project Director
Leon Botstein, President, Bard College; Music Director, American Symphony; Founder, Bard Festival and The Orchestra Now
Lorenzo Candelaria, Dean, Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University
Mark Clague, Music Historian, University of Michigan
JoAnn Falletta*, Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Christopher Gibbs*, Music Historian, Bard Conservatory; Artistic Co-Director, Bard Festival
Delta David Gier, Music Director, South Dakota Symphony
Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO, Chicago Sinfonietta
Keith Lockhart*, Artistic Director, Brevard Music Center
Douglas McLennan, Founder/Editor, ArtsJournal
Jason Posnock, Chief Artistic Officer, Brevard Music Center
Jesse Rosen, Former CEO, League of American Orchestras
Larry Tamburri, CEO, Newark School of the Arts (former CEO, Pittsburgh and New Jersey Symphonies)

The Performers

Lara Downes, Pianist, producer, arts advocate
Sidney Outlaw, Baritone/pedagogue, Ithaca College
George Shirley, Tenor/pedagogue, University of Michigan

Enrollment Information

Conductors, artistic administrators, executive directors, community engagement specialists, conservatory students, and Board members are all encouraged to apply for The Brevard Project.

Capacity is limited. A $600 fee covers all housing, meals, classes, materials, and concert tickets for the week. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply now through MyBMC.

We’re excited to open our historic Echo Hill Farm to the public for the very first time to host “The Making of a Meadow for Pollinators”. This Pollinator Month Awareness event, coordinated with the help of Hendersonville Bee City USA, will focus on our efforts to transition our farm to a more ecologically friendly, sustainable, and ultimately more beautiful model.

Join us, and together we will explore our emerging meadow reconstruction, growing more abundant with life every day. We’ll look for natives, and identify problematic invasives.

Meet David Foti of Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company (www.sandybeemine.com) and learn about beekeeping, enjoy a local honey tasting, and see bees in action through a glass-walled exhibition hive!

Say hello to our mischievous little herd of Pygora fiber goats, and see if you can catch a glimpse of our heritage Lincoln Longwool ewes (so sweet, but very shy). Echoview Fiber Mill (www.echoviewnc.com) will be joining us for the day to showcase their fine clothing, yarn, accessories and gifts. We’ve admired Echoview Fiber Mill’s philosophy for years and we are thrilled and honored they will be a part of this awareness event.

In the New York Times Bestseller, Nature’s Best Hope, renowned entomologist, ecologist and conservationist, Douglas Tallamy challenges all of us to realize that conservation starts in your own yard. We’ll explore some ideas with the help of Snow Creek Landscaping. Snow Creek is on the cutting edge of green landscape and design here in Western North Carolina. Tim Boone, President of Snow Creek, has been recognized by documentarian Catherine Zimmerman of The Meadow Project (www.themeadowproject.com). Tim’s knowledge of native pants and ecosystems stems from his childhood, growing up right here in the mountains.

Screenings of Catherine’s documentary, Hometown Habitat – Stories of Bringing Nature Home, will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and the sweet harmonies of local musicians Sunlight Drive Acoustic Duo will keep us all singing from 11 s.m.to 2 p.m.

We’re thrilled with the level of response to this event and we’ll continue to expand the scope as best we can accommodate, but for now, let me just say thank you to The Meadow Project, Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company, Echoview Fiber Mill, Bullington Gardens, Bee City USA, Bridgeside Books, HomeSource Builders, eARThly Minds Gallery, Brew Naturals Elderberry Syrup, Imladris Farm, Sunlight Drive Acoustic Duo, HomeTrust Bank, VETS- Veterans Engaging Through Service, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers in Partnership, and all our friends and volunteers.

See you all in the meadow!

Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers maintain a composting demonstration site at the Western NC Farmers Market, at the Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center. After a two-year hiatus, due to Covid, the site is reinstituting public demonstrations, beginning April 9, 2022.

When to Visit?
The site is staffed and provides demonstrations from 10:00am to 1:00pm on the second Saturday each month, April through September.

What Will You See?
There are five different composting methods on display at the site. There is a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin and a classic 3-bin system — we also usually bring an example of vermiculture on each demo day.  The site is stocked with informational pamphlets on the how-to and why of composting and they complement the information available in the composting video on this website. Click here to view the video: Making and Using Compost at Home.

An additional Composting demonstration area is located at The Learning Garden at the Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, NC 28806.  Click here for details about The Learning Garden.

The center is teaming up with The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, to help families be more safety conscious, understand the risks their kids might face, and recognize the steps they can take to help avoid those risks.

The day will include valuable tips from several organizations including WNC Safe Kids. The non-profit will educate parents and caregivers on bike helmet safety. Attending children will receive free bike helmets (while supplies last). In addition, Child ID kits, fire trucks, free blood pressure screenings, self-defense exhibitions, disaster training and meet and greets with local law enforcement will also be a part of the day’s activities. Children can enjoy a complimentary cereal bar and hot dog giveaway.

All About Safety is complimentary and open to the public.

Join us as we explore the delights that watercolors offer.  It’s a medium as old as art itself and perfectly suited for this time of year.  Weather permitting we will work outside but the session can easily be moved indoors if need be.
The focus will be on various approaches to watercolor, some basic color mixing, and how to make your painting really “pop”!   This 90 minute offering is open to all, from the beginner to the more experienced watercolorist just looking to expand their skills and paint with others.  It will be led by James Cassara, who has almost 40 years experience as an art educator and artist.  James is also the director of the Asheville Plein Air painting group, and LOVES sharing his tips and experience with others.
All materials will be provided.
Class size is limited and registration is required. This class is for adults and teens 16 years old and up.

If you’ve been wanting to try a new and vibrant medium that works on a wide variety of materials and surfaces, you’ll love alcohol inks! As you drip, blow, and manipulate the brilliant colors of this art form, you’ll be amazed at the intricate patterns that emerge!

Veteran artist and teacher Robyn Crawford will show you how to create beautiful, professional-looking artwork with very little effort. You’ll leave with at least one print suitable for framing, a ceramic coaster(s), and one or two other home accessories. Only you (and your fellow classmates, of course!) will know how quick and easy your masterpieces were to make!

We recently wrapped up our 21-Day Stand Against Racism Challenge in April. The conversation moves forward with continuing the challenge because the work is far from over! As we became aware of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, it is again evident that the systems in place that already harm young women of color the most can be regressed even more by those with power today. In these crucial moments and always, knowledge is a way to take back power.
WE CHALLENGE YOU TO…

2 mins
Watch Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice shares The History of Reproductive Justice (RJ), a powerful video clearly communicating the definition of RJ, watch here.

10 mins
Check out Planned Parenthood’s article, Roe v. Wade at Risk: Nationwide Legal Abortion May Be a Thing of the Past. Access the article here.

13 mins
Consider this from NPR, which featured an article titled, Roe’s Legal Fate is Unclear. But Studies already Show Who’d Likely Be Hit the Hardest, read here.

42 mins
Listen. Parenting and Politics host Monica Simpson, a North Carolina Native and Executive Director of Sister Song. Sister Song is a Southern-based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. Listen to the podcast here.

For more Continuing the Challenge resources click below:

What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is OK. Our STand against racism challenge, formerly the  21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already completed this challenge with us in the past please know that our challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned. Follow this link for the resources.

Strolling with an eye toward the wonders around you during an otherwise ordinary walk could have significant benefits for your mental health. An interesting new psychological study contends that people who take a fresh look at the objects, moments and vistas that surround them during brief “awe walks” feel more upbeat and hopeful. Documentary photographer Susan Patrice helps you experience place through new and loving eyes, to see beauty and wonder in your surroundings.

Advanced Camp 1: June 13-17, 2022 – WAIT LIST

We recently wrapped up our 21-Day Stand Against Racism Challenge in April. The conversation moves forward with continuing the challenge because the work is far from over! As we became aware of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, it is again evident that the systems in place that already harm young women of color the most can be regressed even more by those with power today. In these crucial moments and always, knowledge is a way to take back power.
WE CHALLENGE YOU TO…

2 mins
Watch Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice shares The History of Reproductive Justice (RJ), a powerful video clearly communicating the definition of RJ, watch here.

10 mins
Check out Planned Parenthood’s article, Roe v. Wade at Risk: Nationwide Legal Abortion May Be a Thing of the Past. Access the article here.

13 mins
Consider this from NPR, which featured an article titled, Roe’s Legal Fate is Unclear. But Studies already Show Who’d Likely Be Hit the Hardest, read here.

42 mins
Listen. Parenting and Politics host Monica Simpson, a North Carolina Native and Executive Director of Sister Song. Sister Song is a Southern-based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. Listen to the podcast here.

For more Continuing the Challenge resources click below:

What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is OK. Our STand against racism challenge, formerly the  21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already completed this challenge with us in the past please know that our challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned. Follow this link for the resources.

The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

All campers will receive two tickets for each Friday show (3pm and 5pm). The campers stay after the 3pm show for a CAST pizza party between showings, and will go home at the conclusion of the 5pm show on Friday.

Camps run Monday-Friday, 9am -3pm
(The Performance and Competition Team is 10am-4pm.)

Shipwrecks! Betrayals! Romance! Mistaken identities and switcheroos! Magic! A tipsy sea monster! This Shakespearean comedy has everything!

Rehearsals for “The Tempest” will be from 11am-4pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting June 13, and performances will be July 1-3 and July 8 & 9.

Asheville Area Arts Council funding helps support Moppets after-school program

Taught by Artistic Director Ashleigh Goff and veteran Moppet Eli Hamilton, the class is our first-ever partnership with the City of Asheville. Students in the after-school program are learning basic theater skills and building their self-confidence in a fun and welcoming environment. The program will culminate in a showcase performance for the students’ peers and families.

“One of our overarching goals is to introduce more kids to classical theater, wherever they are,” Moppets Executive Director Rachel Cort said. “This funding helps us to take a big step toward that goal. We are incredibly grateful to the Asheville Area Arts Council for supporting the Moppets and aspiring young actors in our community.”

Tuesday, June 14th, and Thursday, June 16th

Option 1: Beginner Clawhammer Banjo with Amy Buckingham

Option 2: All- Instrument Jam Sessions with Mallory Carter & Will Trakas

Monday, June 13th, and Wednesday, June 15th

Option 3: Introduction to Improvisation for all instruments with Carson Moore

* *Sessions are $30 for one, $50 for two, $65 for three, and $72 for all 4**

Did you know listening is a core fundamental of comedy? Take this course and you’ll find out why! Improv 1 covers the fundamentals of improvisational acting with an emphasis on comedy; such as listening, commitment, intuitive reaction, as well as recognizing and capitalizing on emerging patterns. Ages 18+

Advanced Camp 1: June 13-17, 2022 – WAIT LIST

We recently wrapped up our 21-Day Stand Against Racism Challenge in April. The conversation moves forward with continuing the challenge because the work is far from over! As we became aware of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, it is again evident that the systems in place that already harm young women of color the most can be regressed even more by those with power today. In these crucial moments and always, knowledge is a way to take back power.
WE CHALLENGE YOU TO…

2 mins
Watch Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice shares The History of Reproductive Justice (RJ), a powerful video clearly communicating the definition of RJ, watch here.

10 mins
Check out Planned Parenthood’s article, Roe v. Wade at Risk: Nationwide Legal Abortion May Be a Thing of the Past. Access the article here.

13 mins
Consider this from NPR, which featured an article titled, Roe’s Legal Fate is Unclear. But Studies already Show Who’d Likely Be Hit the Hardest, read here.

42 mins
Listen. Parenting and Politics host Monica Simpson, a North Carolina Native and Executive Director of Sister Song. Sister Song is a Southern-based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. Listen to the podcast here.

For more Continuing the Challenge resources click below:

What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is OK. Our STand against racism challenge, formerly the  21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already completed this challenge with us in the past please know that our challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned. Follow this link for the resources.

The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

All campers will receive two tickets for each Friday show (3pm and 5pm). The campers stay after the 3pm show for a CAST pizza party between showings, and will go home at the conclusion of the 5pm show on Friday.

Camps run Monday-Friday, 9am -3pm
(The Performance and Competition Team is 10am-4pm.)

Join us in the temperature-controlled Arena to walk on most Tuesdays and Thursdays! Admission is free, masks are required and social distancing will be practiced.

Each lap around the concourse is 1/4 mile and strollers are welcome. Representatives from St. Francis Sports Medicine will be on hand for each event and other health professionals- like dietitians- are frequently scheduled to attend. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street.

Dementia and Psychosis: What You Need to Know.
his class uses case review and activities to identify frequent challenging behaviors associated with dementia and psychosis. Participants review factors that may trigger behaviors and discuss prevention and intervention strategies.

Class is free and registration is required.
To Register (required): Go to VayaHealth.com/Calendar or Call Enka-Candler Public Library at 828- 250-4758

Hosted by the Enka-Candler Public Library in partnership with the Vaya Health Geriatric & Adult Mental Health Specialty Team. All Vaya Health trainings are free and accredited through the NC Division of Health Service Regulation which awards one contact hour for each hour of training.

Join Clara Curtis, the Arboretum’s Senior Director for Mission Delivery, in this walk through the summer landscape. With decades of design and horticulture oversight at the Arboretum, Clara is our walking institutional memory for how plants came to be chosen for the gardens and what transformation the landscape has seen over 35 years of growing in place. You can have no better informed guide and no one who makes plants more interesting! This class is designed to provide a small-group experience to complement our online asynchronous Plants of Interest course, which is a Blue Ridge Eco Gardener requirement.