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Celebrating 64 Years of Inspired Music Making!

June 28 – August 2, 2025

EASTERN MUSIC FESTIVAL WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD CHAIR

GREENSBORO, N.C. (October 25, 2023) – Eastern Music Festival (EMF), a renowned celebration of musical excellence and education, announces the addition of three esteemed individuals to its Board of Directors and introduces Al Stephens as the new Board Chair. EMF also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Melanie Tuttle for her remarkable leadership as she passes the torch to the new Chair.

EMF, a music institution with a rich history of nurturing young talent and providing outstanding performances, continues to evolve with the addition of new board members who bring a wealth of expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication to its mission. EMF welcomes community members and leaders Christopher Scott, Vaishali Shah, and Melissa Wallace to the Board of Directors, and celebrates long-term supporter and current EMF Vice Chair, Al Stephens as the new Board Chair.

Christopher Scott, principal at Southeast High School with a background in education and a firm believer in the power of the arts, comes on board with eagerness to understand the program and help further EMF’s devotion to musical education. His extensive experience in education and love of the arts will contribute to the festival’s artistic excellence.

Vaishali Shah, a Lecturer in finance for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business at Elon University, and founder of Copper Seed, a financial coaching firm based in Winston-Salem, adds a new dimension to the EMF Board’s team. In recent summers, Vaishali has graciously participated in EMF’s professional development seminar series teaching financial literacy to the young artists attending the festival. Her dedication to the future of EMF will help steward the next phase of growth and innovation.

Melissa Wallace, accomplished entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of SIPPIN SNAX Gourmet Snack Bar, a certified woman and LGBTBE owned company, joins the EMF Board with a vision to use her business acumen to enhance the branding and reach of the festival while also fostering diversity and inclusion within in the organization. Her experience in business, journalism, and media relations make her a perfect fit for EMF.

These new members join a team of 20 dedicated volunteers led by new Board Chair, Al Stephens, Vice Chair, Anne Star Denny, Treasurer, Lou Anne Flanders-Stec, and Secretary, Melanie Tuttle.

As EMF’s new Board Chair, Al Stephens, owner of Greensboro’s Moore Music Company, will steer the organization towards a promising future. With a background in music performance, Stephen’s is the first EMF Alumni to serve as Board Chair. His history with the organization combined with his deep commitment to nurturing emerging talent, and his experience in leadership, make him the ideal candidate for Board Chair.

“Eastern Music Festival is honored and excited to welcome Christopher Scott, Vaishali Shah, Melissa Wallace, and to have Al Stephens take the helm as our new Board Chair,” said Chris Williams, Executive Director. “The collective expertise and dedication of our new board members will undoubtedly help EMF continue to thrive and make an even greater impact on our community and the world of classical music education. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Melanie Tuttle for her incredible contributions, and we look forward to a bright future under Al’s leadership.”

Eastern Music Festival is poised for a new era of growth and artistic achievement, and with its passionate new board members and Chair, the organization is ready to write the next chapter of its storied history. The recently concluded 62nd season ended on July 29, 2023, and planning is already underway for the 63rd season which will be June 22 – July 27, 2024.