Come join members of Lauda Musicam of Atlanta as we hold our annual PlayDate on Saturday, October 11, 2025—an opportunity to play music together, have lunch, and enjoy the company of one another at the home and workshop of George and Rosemarie Kelischek.

The day will start at 10 am at the Kelischeck Workshop for Historical Instruments in Brasstown, North Carolina. After a morning playing session led by Jody Miller, we will enjoy lunch against the backdrop of the North Carolina mountains (bring your own lunch, please), followed by an afternoon playing session led by John McDonald and George Kelischek. The day will end at 3 pm. Attendees will have a chance to peruse sheet music, instruments, and accessories from the Kelischek store, so come prepared to expand your music library and instrument collection.

George Kelischek founded the Emory Consort in the 1960s, which would eventually evolve into Lauda Musicam of Atlanta. Without a doubt, George and Rosemarie have been the champions of early music in the southeast, not only providing playing opportunities for amateur and professional musicians, but also in publishing practical editions of sheet music; building wind, string, and percussion instruments; and even assisting young professionals in recording their music for commercial CDs.

John McDonald was Director of the Emory Early Music Consort in the late 1980s and 1990s. Under his leadership, the ensemble brought in many musicians from the community, as well as Emory faculty and students. He and his wife Cindy recently moved to the Asheville area and are active in the Carolina Mountains Recorder Society.

The PlayDate is open to all early musicians and there is no charge for participation. You will be given a chance to make a donation to Lauda Musicam’s instrument fund, but this entirely optional.

Tentative schedule

10:00 am—Morning playing session for all instruments led by Jody Miller (bring your instruments and music stand)
12:00 pm—Lunch (bring your own)
1:00 pm—Afternoon playing session for all instruments led by John McDonald and George Kelischek
3:00 pm—Free time to browse in the Kelischek store
(note, times are approximate; we like to be flexible!)

Complete the form below to let us know if you are joining us for the PlayDate.