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Concert on the Green
Mission Statement
To organize an annual event for Clay County families that combines
a live symphony orchestra with a natural, beautiful outdoor setting.
The primary purpose of Concert On The Green
is to nurture and showcase the artistic talents of Clay County students,
and to inspire their participation in future events. At the same time,
our wish is to heighten the community's awareness and appreciation
of the arts and arouse the desire to explore and develop individual
talents and abilities.
Concert proceeds are distributed by January 31st of each year
in the form of music and art scholarships and grants.
History
Concert on the Green was co-founded
in 1987 by Joy McCumber Myers, a Clay County resident who wanted to
provide Clay County students and families with a unique musical gift.
Mrs. Myers is an accomplished musician who recognized the importance
of music as an educational tool and universal language. She created
Concert on the Green for families
to come together in a magnificent natural setting to enjoy an evening
of diverse musical entertainment involving the participation of Clay
County students and schools.
The first concert
was held the last week in May 1988 and featured Jacksonville's own
C. Carter Nice, Jr. conducting the Starlight Symphonette. Concert
on the Green has since evolved into a multi-faceted event
with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performing light classical
and pop arrangements with a student soloist, chosen by audition,
as the featured artist for the evening. Other entertainment during
the evening includes: a light dinner party, catered by Carrabba's
Italian Grill, for patrons and benefactors; private patron-parking
assisted by the NJROTC students; a general admission audience of
over 4,500 people picnicking with their families on the driving
range of Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club; dance teams; local
performers and choral groups; a sky-diving show to herald the start
of the performance; a rousing grand finale of Tchaikovsky's 1812
Overture accompanied by cannons provided by NAS Jax Weapons Department;
and a spectacular fireworks display. Thousands of luminaries, placed
early in the day by local service groups around the perimeter of
the driving range, are lit at dusk to create one of those rare and
magical moments when all the senses are in harmony with nature.
Concert on the Green is now in its
17th year and is the largest event of its kind in Clay County.
Mrs. Myers is still the driving spirit behind the volunteer-run
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