For the second year in a row, the National Music Festival at Washington College has held the town of Chestertown in blissful rapture over the last few weeks. With nearly 200 accomplished musicians publicly performing 35 concerts, 40 events, and 200 open rehearsals in the town’s streets, boats, parks, bookstores, and concert halls, the NMFWC has become one of the most extraordinary small town musical happenings in America.
While the benefits of listening to classical music have been well documented for the individual, it is hard to point to similar research being done on entire communities. But in the case of Chestertown, there seems to be a similar impact. In fact, the Mozart Effect, perhaps the most famous research study of music’s impact on humans, perfectly describes Chestertown after two weeks of the NMFWC as “signifying the transformational powers of music in health, education, and well-being.”
In short, the anecdotal evidence suggests that Chestertown simply feels healthier, a bit smarter, more financially viable, and generally in a much better mood as a direct result of the NMFWC. Perhaps it is the music, or the daily sight of young musicians on our streets, in our homes, or in our coffee shops, but somehow the combination lifts the spirit of an entire community.
Washington College deserves great credit in partnering with the National Music Festival this year. President Mitchell Reiss has thoughtfully seen the the positive impact for both the college and the community. It is hoped this is the start of a much more significant partnership down the road.
But the greatest amount of gratitude must go to the directors, Richard Rosenberg and Caitlin Patton, for bringing the Festival to Chestertown, and their tireless efforts to make it such a success. The community should feel extraordinarily lucky to have this unique treasure land in Kent County.
It is important to remind the community that the NMFWC is still a fledgling program. In order for it to continue, individuals, businesses, and government support must match their enthusiasm with financial support. There is little doubt, however, that Chestertown will meet this test.
Perhaps in a few years scholars will coin the term the “Chestertown Effect” to define the positive impact of music on an entire town. It would be a well-deserved tribute to the National Music Festival at Washington College and the hundreds of musicians and volunteers that make it possible.
MARY Wood says
Are these torrents of rain we’ve had since the end of the Festival, a Requiem ?
Muriel Cole says
What an excellent article. And thought-provoking. I continue to feel uplifted and inspired, and, having shared this special event with so many others here, I feel more closely connected to the community by the past two weeks.
Philip Dutton says
May I add my congratulations, gratitude and admiration for the job well done by Richard, Caitlin, their staff, and volunteers. The energy coursing through town the last few weeks has been invigorating. I will miss our apprentice house guest, the other musician friends we made, and of course, the music.
Fletcher R. Hall says
Tour editorial is spot on.
Events such as the National Festival at Washington College are a win-win.
Remembering that the program is a new one, provides enthusiasm for the future, with the possibility for noterity and very wide public interest and participation. Here collaborative organizational marketing helps all component entities with recognition and notice, far and wide. The setting is tremendous, the college the best place for operations and events.
Bravo for a exciting event. Let the collaboration continue and the music flow.
Dave Roberts says
This was indeed a wonderful celebration of music and musicians. We feel extremely lucky to have been able to attend most of these concerts. Chestertown, Washington College, Richard Rosenberg, Caitlin Patton and all the musicians, volunteers deserve a huge BRAVO and a long, standing ovation!!
Francoise Sullivan says
With two little ones at home it is often difficult to enjoy an evening out. So instead we made plans with some other moms and kids to attend a rehearsal during the day at the Garfield Center. We put a picnic blanket on the floor, let the babies crawl and the toddlers dance while we enjoyed some lovely music!
Melinda Bookwalter says
What a creative and delightful solution!
Lolli Sherry says
Wonderful…and exactly what the festival was meant to be…something for every taste, age and income level.
Sherwin Markman says
Oh my yes, let us all give three standing cheers to Richard, Caitlin and Washington College…and to my wife, Peggy, and all the choristers who helped make the Mahler concert such a triumph. As an example of the “Chestertown Effect”, our granddaughter, Katie (a ninth grader who plays the trombone in both band and jazz), who traveled all the way here from Oklahoma to hear as much music as possible, was simply blown away by the experience.
Bonnie Keating says
Sherwin,
Thank you for sharing this. Your comments bring fullness to my heart and tears to my eyes. There can be no greater recommendation of this venture than such an effect on a young person. I hope we will see her in the festival orchestra some day!
Keith Thompson says
First of all, kudos to Caitlin and Richard for their talent and hard work in making year two of the NMF a rousing success.
I think one of the lessons the town can take out of this is that the NMF is a seed that was planted in Chestertown and it was allowed to grow largely without interference. Perhaps it will lead to other seeds getting planted in town and the town will be wise to stay out of the way and let them grow too.
Marge Fallaw says
It should be noted that, both collectively and individually, the Mayor & Council were strongly supportive of the festival, both last year and this year. Surely it was obvious to all that this festival was a good fit for C’town.
Keith Thompson says
Marge, agreed. The mayor and town council enthusiastically supported the NMF and wisely got out of the way and let it blossom. My point is that I think the success of the NMF could lead to other seeds being planted and those seeds should be supported and allowed to blossom in the same way.
Karen Smith says
It was wonderful to HEAR such talented musicians in a variety of venues and a fantastic experience to sing with them in the Mahler concert. Let the music soar!
Louise OBrien says
I firmly believe that the citizens of Chestertown are more charitable and generous than those who live in bigger towns and cities. The manner in which the towns people reached out to the visiting musicians was truly outstanding.
I’m wondering why the Music Festival isn’t called an International Music Festival instead of a National Music Festival.
Edward E. Maxcy says
The National Music Festival is one of, if not the best thing, to happen in the cultural life on our community in time 30 plus years as a resident.
Might the community — as well as providing accommodations for most of the musicians — also provide some free or low cost meals for the many
scholarship musicians. This past June, many volunteers at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, provided more than 300 lunches over the two weeks of
the festival. These these meals were intended for the summer, student employees at the College because there was no on campus food service
available to them; however, with festival rehearsals taking place in the church, the Garfield, and in several other downtown venues, numerous
musicians found their way to the parish hall at noontime. The volunteer staff, under the direction of WC alumna Helen Tyson, could not turn
these down.
Might now other churches and organizations come together to offer one lunch service each during this two week festival in order to make our
musical guests get to know us better while having at least one healthy meal each day?
Edward Maxcy, Emmanuel Church Choir member