On September 24, the Inland Empire Philharmonic (IEP) held its first concert of its inaugural season in Gardner Spring Auditorium.The group of musicians expanded from Riverside to target Ontario primarily because of Mayor Gary Ovitt. When the group performed at the new Ontario International Airport, Mr. Ovitt heard them and asked them to perform in Ontario, which they did.

Their first performance was a hit with more than 900 in attendance.Parents, teachers, and students joined the rest of the community to hear wonderful music.During the concert, the conductor, Patrick Flynn, explained, “It [the music] has the ability to go past the mind and straight to the heart and soul.”With GWS as the new home for the Inland Empire Philharmonic, Chaffey students have a tremendous opportunity available to them.

Before the concert, from 3-5:30 p.m., the IEP hosted a free workshop that was open to the public. Darrin Schuck, the Education Coordinator for the Inland Empire Philharmonic, explained that the purpose of the workshop was to allow people to witness how much effort goes into a performance.It also was an opportunity to preview the musical program.

Patrick Flynn, Music Director for the Inland Empire Philharmonic, conducts 
the strings section during the performance held in Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium.

The IEP’s main objective, according to Mr. Schuck, is to “use a specific type of music to excite people about music in general.”Although they primarily perform late 19^tth-century music, in each concert they present various types of music with different themes.

For Halloween, they will play ghoulish music on October 29.The musicians will be will be wearing costumes,and the audience is invited to come in costume as well.Other performances will follow in GWS throughout the year—on January 21, March 24, and May 13. Each will be preceded by a free music workshop.

The concert begins at 8:00 p.m., and the audience is asked to dress comfortably Some people come in jeans, and others come ready for prom.Tickets begin at $15 except for Student-Run tickets, which are only $5. The Student-Run seats are any that remain vacant, and people simply pay $5 and take their choice of available seats.

 Not only does the Inland Empire Philharmonic provide music but volunteer and job opportunities as well. The work varies, but anyone interested should call (909) 986-5656.

With the exciting inaugural performance, Darrin Schuck commented that the organization is “just thrilled to death.” Students enjoyed themselves tremendously, including  Joann Calsada  (02) who exclaimed, “The concert was so wonderful. The music was beautiful, and I especially loved the pianist.”  

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