Brigham City teen raising money for local youth symphony and concert hall


Save Story

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

BRIGHAM CITY — Brigham City teen is trying to raise half a million dollars because she has such a strong love for music. She wants to start a local youth symphony and restore a century-old concert hall for performances.

At 14 years old, Maggie Nawyn is already a concert pianist.

"Music is life for me," she said. "I want opportunities to play with other people."

That is the main reason that this teen took it upon herself to organize a music group for teens. Her idea is to create a local youth symphony and to restore the old Christensen Academy of Music and Dance for the concerts.

The Christensen Academy of Music and Dance was built in 1903 and was originally called 'The Silver Slipper Ballroom.' Nawyn decided that her group would carry that name- The Silver Slipper Symphony.

The old concert hall also happens to be the place where her great-grandparents first met. But 110 years later, the hall is in desperate need of repair.

Concert/Fundraiser Information:
  • When: Saturday, Aug. 18 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Tickets: $10/person or $30/family online, $12 at the door
  • Buy Tickets: EventBrite.com or at Brigham City Chamber of Commerce or Brigham City Hall
  • More Info: Call (435) 734-6604
  • Make a Donation by Check or Cash to: Brigham City Corporation c/o Maggie Nawyn 879 W. 950 South, Brigham City, UT 84302

Some exterior repairs were made to the building about two years ago with the help of a $1 million grant. To fix up the inside, it would take another million dollars. City leaders informed Nawyn that is she could come up with half of the money, they would fund the rest.

Mayor Dennis Fife says he is very impressed with Nawyn's resolve. "She is one ambitious girl," Fife said. "We'd really like to see this building finished and become a center again of Brigham City."

Nawyn's first fundraiser is set for Saturday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. and it will feature singer and songwriter, Alex Boye. Nawyn will also be performing.

"I think if everybody has a small piece of music in their lives, then they're the happiest people on earth," Nawyn said.

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Mike Anderson
    KSL.com Beyond Business
    KSL.com Beyond Series

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button