On November 24, 1954 Durema Kohl performed a Schumann piano sonata for the Glen Ellyn Musician's Club which she'd joined earlier that year. In March of 1955, she performed again, this time in her favorite role as accompanist. She held a bachelor's degree in music from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a master's degree in organ and church music from the University of Kansas. A member of the American Guild of Organists, she was a substitute organist and choir director for many churches in the area. She served as president of the Musician's Club from 1959 to 1961 and as president of the Wheaton Music Club from 1969 to 1971. Always a supporter of the Club's contest for young musicians, she frequently hired the winners for subsequent concerts at Wyndemere where she served on the Performing Arts Committee. A warm, supportive and demanding colleague, she brought her intelligence, vast knowledge of music, high standards, and subtle sense of humor to her many collaborations with other club musicians. On February 12, 2020 she performed at the club meeting and was planning more performances when the pandemic hit. A kind and thoughtful person as well as an outstanding musician, she will be greatly missed.

Student Scholarship Contest
The focal point of the Music Club is the annual Student Scholarship Contest and Recital.  The Music Club has sponsored the contest since 1949.