Friends of Music was established in 1999 and has been a freestanding non-profit organization since 2015. Our mission is to promote musical excellence in the region by presenting first-rate orchestra and small-ensemble concerts. We also support music education for children and youth.
Through all these activities, we seek to:
- share inspiring music live and up-close,
- showcase local and regional musicians, and
- strengthen the training of current and future musicians.
Above all, Friends of Music is dedicated to live music—a vital human need predating the written word. We believe that experiencing this powerful expression in the communities where we live and work offers benefits to people of all ages, races, and income levels, and improves our lives here immensely.
Our performances center around the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, a professional orchestra that we present, manage, and fund. The orchestra performs three concerts yearly. We also present professional small-ensemble concerts.
Meet Our 2026-2027 Scott Beard Intern:
Arianna Hill
Our Scott Beard Intern for the 2026–2027 academic year and concert season is Arianna Hill. Arianna is a flutist, working toward a Bachelor of Arts in music performance with a minor in Spanish. She is entering her senior year with a 3.93 GPA and an audition-based scholarship. At Friends of Music, Arianna will have the opportunity to participate in managing and sustaining a professional arts organization, for which she will receive a $1,000 stipend. Friends of Music’s competitive internship is named in memory of Dr. Scott Beard, Shepherd’s much-beloved professor of music, provost, and vice president for academic affairs—and Friends of Music board member. Now in its 5th year, the internship is supported by the Marion Park Lewis Foundation for the Arts.
Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra
Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra is funded in part by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Our overall operations are supported by a host of individual, foundation, and corporate sponsors as well as advertisers. A special role is played by our Friends of Music members, whose early and continuing support helps assure financial stability.
Jed Gaylin, Music Director
Our Music Director, Jed Gaylin, oversees our musical offerings and conducts the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra. Jed is an internationally recognized conductor, and much loved by our musicians and the entire Friends of Music audience.
Supporting Music Education
Our support for music education in local schools includes grants for instruments and music-related supplies, as well as music scholarships to graduating seniors, an internship for a Shepherd University student, and direct outreach to teachers in Berkeley & Jefferson counties. To date, we have provided more than $25,000 in school grants and over $12,500 in scholarships. Free and reduced rate tickets for Eastern Panhandle teachers and students are available on a space available basis; registration is required.
FRIENDS OF MUSIC, INC. • PO BOX 220 • SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV 25443 • 304-876-5765 • info@friendswv.org