The past year served as an example of the rabid appetite locals have for quality music, and how dedicated they are to keeping it around.
A historical bequest to the Allan Hancock College Music Department by the late piano teacher Patricia Boyd served as a benchmark of what music means to the community. Totaling more than $10 million, Boyd’s record-breaking generosity served as an inspiration to the arts community, as well as a much-appreciated boost.
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society restructured this year after a budgetary scare that would have forced it to shutter. However, with support from donors and the community—and the commitment of the nonprofit’s board—the society is back with a renewed sense of purpose, staying dedicated to youth outreach and even performing a Baroque ensemble concert.
Local artists have enjoyed the variety of open mic events at various locations dabbling with live music. From Lompoc to Santa Ynez and across the Santa Maria Valley, bands of numerous genres are finding work and having fun. More importantly, locals are out listening to live music, whether they’re hanging at a local bar or out on a sunny day for the city’s Concerts in the Park series.
Whatever you listened to, it certainly has been a year to remember—perhaps sticking in your ear and heart like any great song.
Lady of legacy
Allan Hancock College announced its largest-ever bequest of more than $10 million from the estate of Patricia Boyd, the late piano teacher and arts and music advocate. The money will go toward the college’s music department and facilities.
A transformative festival
The annual Lucidity music festival featured several days of transformative experiences through music, dance, art, and sustainable consumption at the Live Oak Campground.
The doctor is in
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society performed the concert premiere of Allan Hancock College music professor Marcus Englemann’s composition Earthrise.
Bringing the masters
The Community Arts Music Association in Santa Barbara continued its dedication to bringing top classical music performers to the city, including a recital by Itzhak Perlman.
Echoing through time
The San Luis Obispo Symphony presented the California Missions Tour, featuring a composition by Cal Poly musicologist Craig Russell, who arranged melodies written during the mission era for the piece Ecos Armonicos.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 26, 2013 – Jan 2, 2014.