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Each year the Rio Hondo Symphony performs a special concert for approximately 2,250 elementary students from the Whittier City and Little Lake School Districts to introduce them to symphonic music and even the variety of instruments which they have to which they have not previously been exposed. It also serves to motivate them to pursue additional music education and in so doing focus more on school. This program is focused on children in disadvantaged circumstances. Over 70% of the students in both of these districts are eligible for free or reduced priced school meals. Over 16% of the students in the Little Lake District are English Language Learners and almost 20% of those in the Whittier City District are ELL. The specific date of the 2015 concert will be set later but usually occurs in January or February.
Music and art instruction have been limited in recent years due to budget constraints and the emphasis on language and math which are the focus of testing accountability. Yet, music and art are also strong contributors to intellectual development and may also serve to motivate students in school in general.
Project funds will be used to pay for school buses to bring the students to the concert auditorium at Whittier High School. School buses cost $200 each so that our contribution will provide for roughly half of the buses required for the concert. Whittier Sunrise Rotarians will assist in managing the arrival and departure of these buses which is a very complex operation due to the number of students arriving and departing in a relatively short period of time. Rotarians will also serve as ushers and provide other assistance to school and symphony staff during the concert.
The major fund raiser of the Whittier Sunrise Rotary Club is a Battle of the Bands of six area high school jazz bands. Our support for the Rio Hondo Symphony Children's Concert is a natural continuation of our long-term support for music education. The Symphony offers four free concerts during the year for adults and our partnership with the Symphony provides recognition for the club in the greater Whittier community.
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