HISTORY

Founded in 1903, B Sharp has brought the highest quality musical and dramatic entertainment to residents of the Mohawk Valley for 118 years.  The brain child of 13 women, B Sharp’s first concerts were held at the New Century Club in Utica, in area churches and in the homes of its members.

In 1908, B Sharp developed a concert series that featured some of the greatest classical artists of the day, Lilly Pons, Fritz Kreisler, Serge Rachmaninoff, Yehudi Menhuin, Ignace Ian Paderewski, Rosa Ponsell, Percy Grainger, The Trapp Family Singers, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, to name a few.  This endeavor inspired the Great Artist Series, which continued to bring famous names in musical entertainment to our area for 82 years until its finale in 2014.

Jr. B Sharp for talented young musicians in the area was established in 1916 to augment the musical offerings of the schools and private teachers.  Through regular monthly meetings, student members receive opportunities for solo and ensemble performance, contact with other outstanding area music students, and involvement in special programs and workshops presented by guest professionals.  

In 1916, B Sharp also established the music room at the Utica Public Library.

Through the 1920’s and 1930’s, B Sharp expanded its influence in the community, bringing concerts into the schools. Originally, an all-female organization, B Sharp now welcomed men on their recitals.

In the 1940’s, B Sharp awarded its first scholarships.  Endowed scholarships were established in the 1950’s.  Today, B Sharp awards over $5000 annually to talented young musicians through its competitive scholarship auditions, held in March.  These auditions are adjudicated by highly qualified judges from colleges and universities throughout New York State.

In the 1960’s, B Sharp began its relationship with the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, a liaison that continues today. Many of our concerts, as well as our scholarship auditions, are held in its auditorium.  B Sharp thanks MWPAI for its continued support of B Sharp’s programs.

Within this 116 year span, other musical organizations have come and gone, but B Sharp has prevailed.  Today, we are a vital, dynamic and growing organization which continues to mentor young musicians through Jr. B Sharp, supports talented teens with our competitive scholarships, reaches out to the community through our Extensions Program, bringing performances to residents of nursing homes and senior living facilities, and still provides the best in the performing arts through our free concerts.