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Recently, élite Magazine sat down with Jeff Lippencott, Mark Elfont, and Andy Horowitz, the three individuals behind the Santa Clarita Philharmonic to get the story behind their effort to create a community orchestra in the Santa Clarita Valley.
élite: Why do you feel that Santa Clarita needs a symphony orchestra?
Mark: I think that there are many folks in this area who would enjoy attending classical music concerts, but are uncomfortable traveling to Disney Hall to hear the Los Angeles Philharmonic, or Pasadena to hear the Pasadena Symphony. The ticket prices of today’s professional orchestras are also a turn off in our current economic situation.
Jeff: I think the community of Santa Clarita consists of many artists, musicians, entertainment professionals and volunteers who would embrace the Santa Clarita Philharmonic not only with attendance but with participation.
Andy: My family and I have been in the Santa Clarita Valley for past 17 years and have seen a very large growth in the fabric of our community. I personally am a musician and play percussion and know that there are a great number of other musicians who would like to perform, but have no outlet. My hope is that this will allow those who can perform well, the opportunity to make great music.
élite: Why a community orchestra?
Mark: I grew up in Philadelphia in the 1950’s. The public schools in the city had an outstanding music program that afforded me the opportunity to learn an instrument and play in various levels bands and orchestras. I played from 3rd grade through my first two years of college. I know that I wasn’t going to have music as my profession as I didn’t have the raw talent or the commitment to practice hours a day. Several years into my professional career as an engineer, I found a community orchestra and was able to recapture the joy of making music with a group of like-minded folks and reap the rewards of a satisfying performance. I think that every musician should have that same opportunity.
Jeff: A community orchestra brings people together in more ways than any professional orchestra could. Don’t get me wrong, professional orchestras are wonderful and have their place all around the world. A community orchestra has the ability to create a sense of family within the orchestra and within the community at large. So many musicians in the Santa Clarita Valley, whether professional or amateur, would have an outlet of creativity that would enhance the entire city.
Andy: I have experienced firsthand the very large expense in creating a professional symphony here in Santa Clarita and feel that this type of organization will be a much better fit for our community and demographic.
élite: That’s fine for your own satisfaction, but what does it do for the community?
Mark: The community orchestra brings a unique musical experience to the local back yard. There will be no need to travel 45 minutes to an hour, or more, to experience quality classical music. Also, with ticket prices from $15 to $25 (less for seniors and free for kids) the classical experience is affordable for everyone.
Jeff: First, we bring accessible music on a regular basis to the Santa Clarita Valley. Second, we are building a platform for local talent to return to our valley and express themselves artistically through their musical gifts. Thirdly, we work together in the community to enhance and support other programs and events throughout the year.
Andy: This great organization I feel will fill a big need for all the musicians who, for whatever reason, choose not to be professionals and choose a different profession. That said, I will not be surprised if a few professional and those who could have been professional play with us.
élite: Is there anything special about this community orchestra?
Mark: The mission statement of the orchestra includes a commitment to support local charities. Each concert will feature a local charity. A portion of the proceeds of each concert will be donated to that charity. Concert goers will also be given an opportunity to make additional donations to the charity. It is hoped that the charities will make the concert featuring them part of their fund raising efforts.
Jeff: Our goal is to use this orchestra and it’s performances to help support local charities throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. Usually, community orchestra’s are the charity. In our case we want to enhance and support many of the other worthy charities while performing music and creating concerts that can help fill the void of classical music options in our city.
Andy: Yes, it is almost free, given theses challenging economic times. It will be local, it will be here in Santa Clarita and open to anyone who can play there instrument very well.
élite: How can our readers find out more about the Santa Clarita Philharmonic and volunteer their musicianship?
Mark: Go to our website www.scphilharmonic.org or contact us at info@scphilharmonic.org
Andy: Read our monthly articles in The Magazine of Santa Clarita, subscribe to our mailing list or email us.
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