Community Outreach

OUTREACH CONCERT: Galvin Cello Quartet

On October 4, 2024, Coastal Concerts proudly presented an Outreach Concert at CAMP Rehoboth, showcasing the renowned Galvin Cello Quartet. This event marked another successful collaboration between Coastal Concerts and CAMP Rehoboth, as part of the organization's ongoing Outreach initiative. The program was thoughtfully curated, offering an exquisite selection of pieces that highlighted the artistry and technical prowess of the Galvin Cello Quartet, captivating the audience and leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance. Individuals, including local residents and music enthusiasts from neighboring areas. The success of the event is a testament to the strong partnership between Coastal Concerts and CAMP Rehoboth, which has flourished over the years through a shared commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and community involvement. Coastal Concerts extends its heartfelt gratitude to CAMP Rehoboth, whose support continues to play a pivotal role in the realization of numerous Outreach events, ensuring the arts remain accessible and celebrated within the community.

OUTREACH CONCERT: Curtis on Tour Erinys Quartet

The second Outreach Concert of the 2024-2025 season took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, at The Lodge at Truitt Homestead, This event attracted a packed and enthusiastic audience whose anticipation and energy were palpable throughout the evening. The Erinys Quartet delivered an exceptional program, showcasing their mastery and artistry in a repertoire that resonated deeply with the listeners.

OUTREACH CONCERT: Cuarteto Latinoamericano

It was an unforgettable evening at The Lodge in Historic Lewes on February 21, 2025, as the Outreach Performance featuring the extraordinary Cuarteto Latinoamericano drew a crowd so large that every seat and space inside the venue was taken. It was truly standing room only, with a palpable buzz of anticipation in the air. In fact, the demand for this performance was so overwhelming that people gathered outside the door and spilled into the hallway, eager to catch even a note of the music from this legendary ensemble.

OUTREACH CONCERT: Boyd Meets Girl

The final Outreach concert of the season took place at Camp Rehoboth on a bright and sunny Sunday morning, March 23, 2025. On this particular morning, the duo showcased their mastery, weaving together an enchanting tapestry of sound. The experience did not end with the music. Following the concert, attendees were warmly invited to continue the celebration of community and creativity at the Sunny Bay Café, one of the event's gracious sponsors who provided a special discounted brunch for concertgoers.

Coastal Concerts extends its heartfelt gratitude to CAMP Rehoboth for their invaluable partnership throughout this past season. Their collaboration has greatly enriched our shared mission of continuing to bring arts and culture to our community, and it has been a privilege to work together. We deeply appreciate their support for Coastal Concerts.

“Toot Your Own Horn” Instrument Donations

Coastal Concerts continues to provide aspiring young musicians access to quality musical instruments and equipment through our “Toot Your Own Horn” Program which, since 2004, has provided approximately 190 gently used, but playable, musical instruments to students in southern Delaware. Through the generosity of local residents, who donate usable musical instruments that they no longer play, Coastal Concerts is able to sustain this wonderful program. Instruments are distributed to students through the school music education programs in the area, including the Cape Henlopen School District and the Seaford School District.

If you have an instrument or instruments you would like to donate, please contact Denise Emery, Chair, of the “Toot Your Own Horn” Program at

denise.emery@gmail.com. An instrument pick-up from your home can also be arranged. Donations of musical instruments through “Toot Your Own Horn” may be tax-deductible.

After School Music Education Program

Coastal Concerts has maintained a longstanding and collaborative partnership with the First State Community Action Agency. First State, a distinguished non-profit organization committed to combating poverty, empowers individuals through initiatives designed to address its fundamental causes. Founded in 1965 in Georgetown as the Sussex County Community Agency by a group of dedicated citizens, First State has subsequently expanded its operations to encompass the entirety of the state, offering a comprehensive array of programs aimed at alleviating poverty. Over the years, Coastal Concerts has facilitated performances by several featured artists at events hosted by First State, thereby providing residents of Georgetown with access to the enriching and transformative experience of exceptional music.

More recently, First State leaders highlighted a pressing need among their After-School students across their Sussex County programs: exposure to the world of music. Many of these students have never experienced live music or had the opportunity to see instruments like clarinets, trumpets, and guitars up close. Furthermore, their understanding of diverse musical styles is often limited, leaving a significant gap in their cultural and artistic education.

These sessions are not traditional instrumental lessons. Instead, they offer students the unique opportunity to experience instruments being played live while learning about their history, physical construction, and cultural significance. Students also watch engaging videos of performers—many of whom look like them—masterfully playing these instruments. Fun facts and hands-on activities are incorporated to make the experience both educational and enjoyable.

For example, one recent session focused on the differences between classical and acoustic guitars. Students listened to these instruments side by side, explored their unique tonal qualities, and even had the chance to strum them. They “voted” on which instrument they felt sounded the best while also watching videos of inspiring African American and Latino musicians performing in classical, jazz, and folk styles. This interactive format not only captivates the students' attention but also broadens their understanding of the artistic possibilities music offers.

We are currently inviting local musicians to join this exciting program and play a transformative role in influencing and inspiring these deserving and enthusiastic students. If you are interested in learning more about this impactful outreach activity, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your participation could spark a lifelong love for music in young minds, creating ripples of inspiration that extend far beyond the classroom. Contact Richard Scalenghe for more information on the AfterSchool Program. richard.scalenghe@lewesadventure.com

Coastal Concerts is devoted to its mission of enriching lives and fostering connections through the transformative power of classical music. Beyond presenting 5-6 world-class artists in concert each season, the organization actively engages the community through a variety of impactful initiatives. These efforts not only promote music appreciation but also cultivate the next generation of musicians and audiences.

Coastal Concerts' community outreach encompasses several meaningful programs designed to make classical music accessible and inspirational to all. Below is an overview of these activities:

Coastal Concerts awards scholarships to promising young middle and high school musicians.
The organization brings its performers into local schools and community agencies, offering master classes and live performances.
To ensure that no child is excluded from the joy of playing music due to financial constraints, Coastal Concerts collects gently used instruments from local residents. These donated instruments are then given to students who cannot afford to purchase their own, allowing them to explore their musical abilities.
The organization offers after-school music education programs aimed at fostering creativity and musical skills among students.

Each of these initiatives underscores Coastal Concerts' commitment to creating a lasting impact through music. By blending exceptional performances with community engagement, the organization continues to inspire, educate, and transform lives in profound ways.

Scholarship Program

As part of Coastal Concerts’ Outreach Program, and with support from many of our patrons, Coastal Concerts is proud to sponsor an annual Scholarship Competition for musically talented middle and high school students in the Delmarva Peninsula. This program is designed to help students continue their music education, and since the program’s inception in 2002, we have awarded over $61,800 in scholarship monies to 70 deserving students. Students compete only against those in their own age group and the scholarships awarded are based upon a written essay and an in-person audition. In addition, the experience of performing and describing the pieces they’ve selected before judges is an excellent experience. The Scholarship Awards can be used for music camps, university courses, instrument purchase/repair, or music lessons.

The scholarship application period runs from November 15th to February 15th each year. Scholarship decisions are made in February, and the awards are given at the last concert of the season in April.

HOW TO APPLY

Application materials can be found on this site in early November. Please visit this site often for updated information on the Scholarship Program. If you have questions they can be directed to Lee April at laacoastalconcertspresident@gmail.com.

Click on the links provided to see the current and past scholarship winners.

School Concerts and Master Classes

Coastal Concerts helps instill the love of music for our community’s youth through master classes, in-school performances, and after-school music enrichment, providing diverse populations with limited or no access to classical music and free admission to our concerts for students 18 and younger.

Community Outreach Concerts

Coastal Concerts provides free performances by our featured musicians in settings where community members are less likely to be able to attend our concerts. See below for examples of community centers and retirement communities where our musicians have recently performed. In addition, we offer regular season discount ticket prices to active military members and first responders.