Gift of Music Brought to Local Students

A $60,000 grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will sponsor two concerts by the San Bernardino Symphony orchestra during the 2014/15 season. “We were thrilled at the generosity of the Tribe,” said Dr. Judith Valles, Symphony Board President. “They have always been the first to step forward and support programs that benefit the arts. We are blessed to have them in our community.” The two concerts were selected for sponsorship based upon their family focus and benefit to local education, which are time-honored priorities of the Tribe. “Home for the Holidays” on Dec. 20, will include Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Anderson’s Festival of Carols and a community sing of Handel’s Messiah. A pre-concert family music fair will include readings from holiday favorites and performances by a children’s choir. “This is our first holiday performance in many years,” said Valles. “There are very few local entertainment options at the holidays, so we wanted to meet that need with a concert that allowed people to gather close to home and share the warmth of the season.” “Musical Genius in America,” Feb. 6 and 7, 2015 is actually a series of concerts in honor of Black History Month. On the 6th, over 3,400 students from the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be transported by the District to the California Theatre where they will tour the architectural gem before hearing selections from Ellington, Gershwin, Joplin, and Still. The Symphony is developing curriculum-specific educational materials to prepare the students for the experience and to stimulate classroom dialogue following the performance. “We are pleased to have received the consistent partnership of both the District and the Tribe that, together, will allow so many children to experience live music,” said Symphony Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel who emphasized her delight that with this year’s addition of a second concert, effectively doubling the number of students who may attend. “I’ve heard stories of the years when there was no support for the student concert and cannot fathom not being able to bring this gift to the children of our community,” added Viricel. The following evening, the full concert will be presented featuring renowned pianist Yana Reznik who will play Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. As with all 2014/15 season concerts, those listed will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the historic California Theatre located at 562 W. 4th Street in San Bernardino. Tickets, which begin at just $11 for students, may be purchased by calling (909) 381-5388 or visiting the Symphony office.