The Santa Rosa Symphony's Music Education Department is shining brighter than ever despite the dimmest government support in years.

Here are a few examples of how the Education department is growing their commitment:

• Increased the coaching opportunities for Youth Orchestra Members
  
• Strengthened the presence in local schools with more after-school instrumental instruction programs and in-school performances 
  
• Provided free California State standards-based music education curriculum and music listening programs free of charge to local classrooms

Your support is needed now more than ever to continue these programs. Please consider one of the following 2006-2007 sponsorships:

Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Concerts, $5,000 each
Free concerts for grades K-3 and 4-6 reach more than 12,000 elementary school students annually. In addition to experiencing the power of a live orchestra in the concert hall, children are encouraged to appreciate the orchestral sections individually and as a whole. Often this is a student's first exposure to live classical music. Many professional musicians credit attending a youth concert with their inspiration to pursue a career in music.

Classical Music In The Classroom, $2,000 - $4,000
Tailored for K-6th graders, CDs with narration and classical music excerpts are provided free of charge to teachers in nearly 300 classrooms through the Symphony's model Elementary School Listening Program (ESLP) and the standards-based Brummitt-Taylor Listening Program.

Small Chamber Ensembles, $2,000 each ensemble
Professional SRS musicians create an intimate experience at In-School Performances giving students a close, personal demonstration of the families of instruments that comprise a full symphony orchestra.

Adopt-A-School, $7,500
One elementary school in Sonoma County is selected to receive a full range of music education activities specifically designed for that school. The culminating musical experience results in FREE tickets for the entire student and parent body to attend a SRS Discovery rehearsal concert.

Training programs established in 1959 have grown to include four youth ensembles. From beginners age five to pre-professionals, these groups provide training and instruction for students at all levels of experience.

Youth Orchestra, $5,000 to $10,000
Conductor Dr. Richard Loheyde conducts a full symphonic orchestra for advanced students.

Young People's Chamber Orchestra, $10,000
SRS Principal Violist Linda Ghidossi-De Luca directs an advanced string chamber orchestra.

Discovery Orchestra, $2,500 - $ 5,000
The legendary William R. Williams conducts a full orchestra for intermediate to advanced students.

Preparatory Orchestra, $2,500 - $5,000 
Founder, Bob Williams conducts a full orchestra for young students aged 9 to 13 who have played their instruments for at least two years. 

Discovery Concert Series $2,500 each; $10,000 for all 7 series.

Affordable Saturday afternoon open rehearsals give families the opportunity to experience orchestral music and commentary together.

Despite escalating costs, the Symphony's commitment to education and outreach is unwavering. Your sponsorship support can help foster a lifetime involvement with the musical arts.

For more information, call Connie Wolfe at (707) 546-7097 x214.