The Voice of East Bay Living

Did you know that  more than 4600 school children benefit each year from Berkeley symphony's music in the schools program? over 150 ensemble coaching sessions and master classes in the area middle schools 11 visits from the symphony concerts at elementary schools each fall 6 concerts each spring  providing young musicians an opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Berkeley symphony This year at the annual Music in the Schools Luncheon ,  Carolyn Doelling , my friend and client, was honored for her unwavering and dedicated service to help raise donations  to bring music to the schools. During her speech, Carolyn read the following quote: "Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the holes and feel beauty." -Maya Angelau? It is so important for all of our children to have a touch of beauty in their lives.  Learn more about  Music in the Schools . 

I attended a luncheon this week in Berkeley to help support Music in the Schools .  Since 1992 Berkeley Symphony in partnership with the Berkeley Unified School District has provided music to over 4,200 elementary students in all the Berkeley public schools. The classes are free of charge for all children and classes include hands on music instruction and performance training.

One of the many jewels of the East Bay is the Berkeley Symphony , which was founded in 1969.  Originally the performances took place at unusual locations such as the University Art Museum.  In 1978  Kent Nagano become the new music director, uplifting the image and gradually moving the orchestra to performances at Zellerbach Hall.  I attended one of these great performances last nite.  The presentation was called The Rebels, a wonderful blend of past inspiration and fresh talent. One of the most exciting members of the orchestra is the conductor, Joan Carneiro of Portugal.  She has been the Music Director since 2009 and has been acknowledged for her talent and introducing many innovative  new works.