Let There Be Music

This year past choir and band participants and music lovers alike celebrated more than 50 Years of Musical Events and Services offered by San Joaquin County Offi ce of Education. Kirstyn Olsen revisited her experience in Honor Choir while watching her sister, Erika, create her own memories playing contrabass clarinet in this year’s Honor Band.

“It feels wonderful to sit back and watch

something that was a big part of my life,” said Kirstyn, a former four-year Honor Choir Concert participant and graduate of Sierra High School in Manteca Unifi ed School District. “Because of these experiences I am a better and stronger person.”

Former Guest Conductor Dr. Anna Hamre of California State University of Fresno recently rediscovered Kirstyn and encouraged her to become a Music major and singer in the school’s choral program. Kirstyn’s determination and love for music, coupled with her talent and experiences in High School Honor Choir, lead her to believe her dream of one day becoming an opera singer may become a reality.

“Both our girls have become well-rounded individuals because of their participation in Honor Band and Choir,” said Karen and Roger Olsen. “It’s given them the confi dence to do their best and perform in front of large groups.”

While only time will tell what the Olsen sisters’ talents will bring, their parents know the skills gained from being part of musical events has given them the self-assurance to try new and different things in life.

At the 2009 San Joaquin County Honors Concerts, past and present musicians like the Olsen sisters celebrated more than 50 years of showcasing talent and instilling confi dence into young people’s lives. In 1957, the All County Instrumental Music Festival was the fi rst musical event sponsored by San Joaquin County Offi ce of Education. Since then the events’ names and locations have changed, but the mission remains the same - to enrich and enhance the lives of students by providing them with an opportunity to share their talents with the community. The special celebrations highlighted musical events put on by San Joaquin County Offi ce of Education, such as Middle School and High School Honor Band and Choir, Solo Ensemble, Instrumental Music Festival, Choir Masters Class, and Contracted Music Services.

Musical Events are some of the many student events coordinated by San Joaquin County Offi ce of Education in conjunction with the local school districts and outside organizations. This event was a collaborative effort between San Joaquin County Offi ce of Education, San Joaquin Delta College, San Joaquin Music Educators’ Association, and more than 50 of San Joaquin County schools.