September 13, 2024 |
Photo – H. Larsen building now houses Rawlins Music Academy – Courtesy Rawlins Music Academy Facebook page
The Rawlins Music Academy is gearing up for another music-filled season.
Since December of 2005, the Rawlins Music Academy has brought musicians together from across the county. The music store offers lessons and also sells accessories, such as guitar strings. Academy President Damien Cesko said his organization serves as the musical hub of Carbon County.
In 2022, the Rawlins Volunteer Committee selected Cesko to receive the August Community Builder Award for his service to the city.
Cesko said he can’t remember how long he’s been with the Rawlins Music Academy. Initially serving as the music academy’s public relations specialist, Cesko said he eventually found himself leading the organization. While he would like to play a less time-consuming role in the music academy, Cesko said he won’t step down as president until the organization returns to its pre-COVID financial and membership levels.
Cesko said the Rawlins Music Academy typically has between 70 and 110 members at any given time. The academy president said the community band, called the Jubilantes Ensemble of Carbon County, attracts the most participants. If enough people join the community choir, Cesko said the group will hold a concert.
The Jubilantes community band attracts musicians from all around and even outside of Carbon County. Cesko said the choir tends to be less popular due to the availability of closer singing opportunities, such as local churches.
Cesko is preparing to hold a fall concert in the Rawlins High School Fine Arts Auditorium in late October or early November. The academy director said the concerts are typically well attended.
To continue offering free concerts for the community, the Rawlins Music Academy holds a series of fundraising events. Cesko said selling all-you-can-eat soup and sandwiches has helped keep the musical organization afloat.
To learn more about how to financially support or join the Rawlins Music Academy, visit the store at 208 West Cedar Street in Rawlins or call 324-8924 . School students may join for free. All others are asked to contribute $35 a year. Cesko said inflation may cause him to raise the price of a yearly membership in the near future. However, the membership fee may be waived if the member is unable to pay. The academy president said music is more important than money.
Cesko said to keep an eye on the Rawlins Music Academy Facebook page for a list of upcoming community concert events.
