March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica High School Wind Ensemble To Perform Gala Benefit Concert Wednesday: Samohi Wind Ensemble To Perform At The Broad Stage

The Santa Monica High School Wind Ensemble has been busy fine-tuning its pieces in the lead-up to its gala benefit concert this Wednesday, Feb. 27 at The Broad Stage that is hoping to raise funds for the band’s first tour in seven years.

Several months ago, the Samohi Wind Ensemble was invited to perform in the Chicago International Music Festival at historic Chicago Symphony Hall, which is being held next month.

Traditionally, high school bands are generally relegated to daytime performance slots, but after representatives of the festival heard the mature sound of the group, the Wind Ensemble was offered an evening performance time slot alongside college bands.

In addition, Chris Martin, Principal Trumpet for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will perform a concerto with the Samohi Wind Ensemble.

Samohi Director of Bands Kevin McKeown said the students are particularly excited, as this is the orchestra that performs the score in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and it is Martin whose solos are heard throughout the film.  

The students will also have the opportunity to meet and work with the renowned music educator Dr. Mallory Thompson of Northwestern University (she is only the third Band Director in the history of the school).

In order to close the budget gap for some of the school’s scholarship students, the Samohi Wind Ensemble will be performing a gala benefit concert at 7 pm at The Broad Stage on Wednesday with guest soloist David Searfoss.  

McKeown said he would love for the entire community to come out and support these talented student ambassadors as they get ready to travel to the other end of Route 66.

He said this Wednesday’s benefit concert would mark the Wind Ensemble’s first performance at The Broad Stage.

“I wanted to have a fundraiser that highlighted one of our great concert halls, and The Broad Stage is definitely a gem,” McKeown said. “What helped facilitate this was the fact that I am the conductor of the SMC Wind Ensemble as well, so in essence, thanks to the okay from the school and The Broad Stage, my group at the college is hosting our high school. This helps since this benefit concert was created during a late a-ha moment while figuring out how to raise a lot of money for our students in need. It needed to be something more than the usual bake sale approach, so I am greatly appreciative of everyone’s help making it a reality.”

About 60 Samohi students will travel to Chicago for the International Music Festival, comprising of seven flutes, two oboes, 13 clarinets, three bass clarinets, two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones, one baritone saxophone, two bassoons, six French horns, six trombones, six trumpets, two Euphoniums, three Tubas, and eight percussion.

 McKeown said the Samohi Wind Ensemble was chosen to participate based on its high skill level and because it represents a district that values music as part of the curriculum.  

“The district begins music instruction from third grade through high school,” he said. “This is exceptional, and is used as a model for other districts trying to maintain or strengthen their arts programs.”

He said the students have started to understand the importance of the trip in the past month.

“They are so busy with school, sports, outside commitments, that they know how to prioritize things well,” he said. “They have improved a lot over the past month, and are starting to show that in their expressive playing. We want to get all the hard work done before we leave so that when we are there we can truly focus on the enjoyment of performing with Mr. Martin and learning from Dr. Thompson of Northwestern University.”

Among the students traveling to Chicago are senior Eli Brown (trumpet) and junior Ryan Roberts (oboe), who were recently chosen to participate in the Inaugural National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.

 McKeown said their achievement shows how its students strive for greater things.

“It puts Santa Monica on the map, as having two fine student musicians from a public school is rare to say the least, but this is what they want to do with their lives,” he said. “What I am most proud of with both of them is how they remain humble with all the accolades. They embody the character that we hope all students will strive for.”

McKeown said he was proud of all the students, the school district, and the supportive community.  

“I know it’s cliché, but it’s the truth,” he said. “I have the experience of knowing the program through the lens of a student, graduating in 1992, and seeing its tremendous growth over the past 20 years. This trip is a bi-product of the commitments made by the students and families over the years, beginning with the parents who took their kid to their first lesson, the mastery of the circle of fifths by the students in middle school, and the auditioning and acceptance into the Wind Ensemble at Samohi. Now is the time to celebrate, starting with our benefit concert on Wednesday at The Broad Stage.”

The benefit concert will be held at 7 pm; adult tickets are $20 while student tickets are $10.

The Broad Stage is located at 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.samohiband.org.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...