NOVEMBER 2020

Despite all the challenges we are facing there are bright spots. The OCYS (Orange County Youth Symphony) has been able to hold small group in-person rehearsals for the string musicians. Last week the woodwind, brass and percussion musicians, who are not yet able to rehearse together, were treated to master classes from Kurt Curtis (Disneyland Band Head Conductor) and Cindy Ellis (Pacific Symphony Principal Flautist). Great care was taken to ensure that strict health protocols were followed. The master classes took place outside. The Committees members who have participated as volunteers have enjoyed the experience. In his presentation Kurt pointed out that after the Spanish Flu pandemic there was a great surge in music, in particular, the Jazz Age was born. He believes great things will happen again after this period passes.

Most Committees are holding their regular meetings via Zoom. It is amazing how far we have come. The meetings have become more and more relaxed and productive. There is also good news on the virtual youth programs front. Soon, we will be able to see the virtual Music Mobile. It will be sent to the Chairman and Group Presidents to show to their Committees. Sarah, with the help of the Music Education Committee, Marketing and others, has done a wonderful job. She is also developing virtual Musicians on Campus programs that will begin later this year. As always, our primary goal is to return to live in-person presentations as soon as possible.

You will soon be receiving a letter from Music4Kids. To be ready for our return to programs and concerts we need to raise funds. As you know all our offerings are given free of charge to students and schools. Please consider contributing to Music4Kids. The article that follows gives more details and the exciting news about matching funds.

We have some interesting events coming up:

There is another card making class presented by Sandi Campbell-McClain on November 17th that has a holiday theme. These classes have been very enjoyable. Thank you Sandi.

Saddleback Committee is presenting a wine tasting event led by a wine expert on November 19^th. This virtual event will feature two Italian wines to be picked-up beforehand. It will also include outstanding opportunity prizes.

Santa Ana and Town and Country Committees have announced their event. The best-selling author Lisa See returns to talk about her new book, The Island of Sea Women, January 18^th. This event is always so popular. Since it is virtual there is no limit to the amount of participants. Friends from out of state can even participate. There will be opportunity prizes and a silent auction as well.

To add a festive look to your home or to give as a gift, Kimberlee Martin is decorating pumpkins with succulents. They are beautiful and will last through the season. Best of all she will deliver them.

Tamales Anyone? An HHPC event features a variety of fresh tamales for pick-up on December 19^th and 20^th.

Information for all of the above events is included in this Overture.

No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving this year I hope you will find joy in connecting with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving.

The Music4Kids fund recently received some exciting news. We have been given a wonderful, anonymous matching donation of $25,000. Along with matching donations this will go a long way to rebuild this important fund. Read the full story here. 

Tribute Fund

Donations to the Tribute Fund provide the opportunity to honor an individual's accomplishments, mark special occasions, or memorialize members, friends, or family. Funds are used to support the Philharmonic Society's Youth Music Education Programs.

In Loving Memory:

Music4Kids Fund

Music4Kids is a fund specifically designated for the support and expansion of the Philharmonic Society's Youth Music Education Programs.

Strings ($1,000+)
Anonymous

• October 1 - November 20: Pumpkin Arrangement Fundraiser
  
• November 17: Joy of Sharing Card Class
• November 19: Virtual Wine Tasting Fundraiser
• December 7: Holiday Tamale Fundraiser
• January 18: Virtual Literary Event with Lisa See