From the perspective of new EMF Board Member, Ty Bucker
I am honored to join the Board of Directors of Eastern Music Festival, an organization that has a deep connection to Guilford College and has been a valued partner for 63 years. As a representative of Guilford, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible relationship between our two institutions—a collaboration that has enriched both the college and the broader community through music.
Guilford and EMF have grown together since the festival’s inception, becoming synonymous with each other for residents across the region who flock to our campus each summer for world-class performances. More than 270 young musicians, along with over 50 faculty and staff, call Guilford home during the festival season, living, practicing, and performing in our residence halls, Dana Auditorium and the Carnegie Room of Hege Library. For decades, Guilford students have also played key roles behind the scenes as counselors, production assistants, and volunteers, further strengthening this special bond.
In recent years, the collaboration between EMF and Guilford has expanded through the leadership of Dana Professor of Music Kami Rowan in the Classical Guitar Summit and through the Guilford’s Rise initiative, giving rising high school seniors access to concerts and professional development seminars. This has deepened the shared mission we hold to foster growth and artistic excellence in young musicians.
As I join the EMF Board of Directors, I am excited to build on this rich history. The partnership between Guilford and EMF has been mutually beneficial, and I look forward to helping continue this tradition. Together, we can ensure that EMF remains a vibrant force in the arts, both for our campus community and for music lovers throughout the region.
I’m excited to contribute to the future of EMF and its longstanding relationship with Guilford College, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to bring world-class music to our community.