James and Frances Dutton founded Birch Creek in Egg Harbor in 1976 to pair professionals in the music industry with promising young music students. The first (and only) concert that year, percussion & guitar, was held in the Dutton’s summer home. The teachers were Jim’s colleagues, some from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago where Jim chaired the percussion department, and there were 12 students.
The following year, the Duttons purchased a 40-acre, 79-year-old farmstead across the road from their summer home for their music performance school. The granary was renovated for use as a student dorm, the farmhouse as a dining hall and the barn for concerts. During the day, students were involved in rehearsals, classes and seminars. At night, they joined the faculty in large and small ensembles to perform concerts for the public in the barn. Students and faculty ate meals and performed together, a pattern that continues today.
By 1978, student enrollment had reached 53, with 11 concerts over a five-week season. By 1980, 22 concerts were offered and included four free concerts for the community; the season had expanded to eight weeks, and the two-week sessions included not only percussion but also symphony and jazz. In 2018, 30 concerts were offered over an eight-week season with an additional 30 free outreach concerts for the community; 175 students enrolled and were taught by a faculty of 90.
Birch Creek now serves students and the local community in an ever-growing capacity with expanded and winterized facilities. The new buildings directly address student and faculty needs during the summer, and provide opportunities for us to add post-season concerts, expand educational offerings for teachers, and offer rental space to other area nonprofit organizations. Thus, Birch Creek begins its 51st year positioned to grow as a major force for music education and cultural enrichment in Wisconsin.
Physical Address:
Three miles east of Egg Harbor at 3821 County Rd E
Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Mailing Address:
Birch Creek Music Performance Center
PO Box 230
Egg Harbor, WI 54209-0230
Phone: (920) 868-3763
Fax: (920) 868-1643
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Box Office Open on Concert Nights: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Social Contact