Santa Maria Philharmonic Society

==Santa Maria Philharmonic Society== The '''Santa Maria Philharmonic Society''' is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of classical music in the Santa Maria region and its surrounding valleys. The society is known for its orchestral performances and educational outreach programs. ===History=== The origins of orchestral music in Santa Maria can be traced back to 1925 when local musicians gathered in private homes for house concerts. The community's musical activities received a significant boost with the involvement of business leader and cellist G. Allan Hancock, who, after purchasing the Santa Maria Valley Railroad, brought William Edson Strobridge into the area. Strobridge, with his experience as the business manager for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Los Angeles and the L.A. Symphony Orchestra, played a crucial role in establishing the original Community Orchestra of Santa Maria. The Santa Maria Symphony was formally established by 1960 and performed for four decades, adopting the name Coastal Valleys Symphony towards the end of this period. In 2001, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society emerged to continue the region's symphonic legacy. The society began with ensemble performances and its Music Van outreach program, targeting school children even before launching its first full season of subscription concerts in the 2001-2002 season. Today, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society is supported by donations, grants, and a robust membership base. It is committed to presenting a season of subscription concerts annually and to conducting Youth Outreach programs. These programs include the Music Van, which introduces third-grade children to musical instruments, special concerts designed for fourth graders, and a showcase that highlights the talents of young musicians. ===Mission=== The mission of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society is multifaceted. It aims to maintain and strengthen the community's cultural values, ensure the preservation of the classical music art form, and enrich the musical experiences of the community. The society is dedicated to providing high-quality live musical performances and cross-generational educational events. Through these endeavors, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society plays a vital role in enhancing the cultural landscape of Santa Maria and its neighboring regions. ==External Links== *[http://infosantamariaphilharmonic.org Official website] *[https://www.facebook.com/SantaMariaPhilharmonicSociety Facebook page]