Sylvia Mann inspires action.

In just two years, Mann, music director and conductor of the West Covina Symphony, has rallied music lovers in West Covina and around the Valley in support of local culture.

Mann is this year's Community Hero at West Covina Day at the Fair. She will be honored on Sept. 29 for her work in bringing the symphony back to West Covina. A parade starts at the Fairplex at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. Mann will be accompanied by many West Covinans down the parade route, but most fittingly by local high school marching bands.

Music can't be too far away when Mann is around.

And she's proudest of the music she's made with our symphony.

Since the group's first concert in December 2008, it has grown to include professional musicians from all over the Valley. Its audience has more than quadrupled.

"We now present a regular concert season of at least four major full symphony orchestra concerts at Citrus College, a series of smaller chamber music concerts, and performances at many other community functions," Mann said.

The symphony has performed at West Covina's annual holiday tree lighting, for the historical society, the YMCA annual breakfast, the Rose Float Association family day, and most recently, the L.A. County Fair.

The symphony now counts more than 60 musicians at every concert. They range in age from 14 to 81 and live all over the Valley.

Some tell Mann they've rediscovered their passion for life through playing in the symphony, of finding healing through their music.

It's a tribute to the community that soloists of international renown are literally lining up to perform with the group, Mann said.

"Volunteers are on board (more are welcome, and needed) helping with every event," she said. "Our educational outreach program is underway, offering free concerts for local area schools, a music academy offering music lessons and master classes and a solo competition for music students, featuring the winners at an annual concert with the orchestra."

The symphony's 2010-2011 season includes four impressive concerts ....... all at Citrus College.

The challenge is up to us. Mann said if every household in West Covina contributed just $5, the symphony would be fully funded with a complete educational program for the community.

"We know that there are many generous and wonderful people in our community," Mann said. "We want everyone to be a part of the music."

Mary Au, a pianist and one of the symphony's board members, said she admires Mann's perseverance in self-funding the group despite severe financial and personal hardship on herself.

"I've performed in a number of (symphony) events, appearing in chamber music concerts as well as soloist with the orchestra," Au said. "It is most gratifying for me to witness members, students, retirees, amateur musicians and people from all walks of life ranging in age from 14 to the 80s gather together faithfully to practice and create beautiful music. Many professional musicians volunteer their time to perform with amateur musicians to bring live classical music to the community of West Covina, Glendora and beyond, some driving almost three hours each way to be in orchestra practice. Their dedication is to be commended."

The group's annual fund campaign is going on now. Remember, the symphony also welcomes program advertising opportunities, corporate sponsorships and volunteers.

For more information about concerts, how to help, or to make a donation, visit www.westcovinasymphony.com or call 626-771-0462.

Dr. Sylvia Mann
Selected as
‘Community Hero’

Dr. Sylvia Mann, a dedicated resident who
has volunteered thousands of hours in the
past two years, is a composer, conductor and
virtuoso performer. Thanks to her love of
music and a wealth of experience, she was
able to single-handedly coordinate the
rebirth of the West Covina Symphony
Orchestra.

In order to accomplish the goal of
completely transforming in only two years a
dormant orchestra to the regionally respected
ensemble it is now, it took someone with the
enormous experience that Mann has to offer.
In addition to volunteering much of her
time back to her community, Mann is currently
composing, conducting and recording music
for an upcoming independent feature film –
something she has done before for many
short film festivals and theater productions.
Congratulations on being selected West
Covina’s 2010 Community Hero!

West Covina Day at the fair honors community heros

Posted: 10/07/2010 10:22:00 AM PDT

 

Sylvia Lee Mann, center, is honored with a plaque by councilmembers Mike touhey, left, and Roger Hernandez, at the LA County Fair in Pomona Sept. 29. ((SGVN/Staff photos by Watchara Phomicinda/HIGH))

West Covina Day festivities include a parade through the fairgrounds with a variety of West Covina organizations being represented. (Watchara Phomicinda)

Music director and conductor of the West Covina Symphony, Sylvia Lee Mann, was honored as the West Covina Community Hero of the year by councilmembers Mike Touhey and Roger Hernandez during the West Covina Day at the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona on Sept. 29.

Aside from the all-around fun at the fair, festivities special to the city included a parade through the fairgrounds with a variety of West Covina organizations being represented, local high school bands playing and a streaming display of classic cars.

juliette.funes@sgvn.com
626-962-8811, ext. 2446

West Covina Day Parade at the LA County Fair in Pomona on Wednesday, Sept. 29. (Watchara Phomicinda)

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Enhancing the Musical & Artistic Development of the San Gabriel Valley
September 21, 2010

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By Tiffani Smith

The West Covina Symphony Orchestra (WCSO), under the leadership of Maestra Sylvia Lee Mann, Founder and Artistic Director of the symphony, is enhancing our music and culture in the San Gabriel Valley.  The WCSO is a community orchestra that offers concerts and educational outreach programs to the San Gabriel Valley community and beyond.  Additionally, they offer performance opportunities for musicians in Southern California.

With hard work, perseverance, passion, self-funding and sacrifice, the WCSO and Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann continue to illustrate the significant role arts and music play in West Covina and the SGV.  Music and art are the life and blood of society that continue to bring us together.  Consequently, the WCSO has worked hard to bring music and arts back to its communities, schools and people.

The symphony presents four main “classical” concerts each year, four chamber music concerts, and at least three to four “special events” annually.  I received the great honor of attending the West Covina Symphony Orchestra and Biocalth Foundation’s East Meets West Concert at the Sophia B. Clarke Theater at Mount San Antonio College.  The concert presented and celebrated diverse cultures and coming together of people of all ages from a variety of backgrounds.  The concert showcased the cultures, communities and music from African-Americans, Latino, Chinese, and Classic “Americana” composers and performers.

Michael Antonovich, Supervisor of the LA County 5^th District, known for his leadership skills and continued support of music and the arts, appeared as the featured Guest Conductor for “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.  The East Meets West program featured an all-star cast of artists:  the beautiful and breathtaking 15 year old violinist Kristie Su; Soprano and composer Jennifer Lindsay; Mezzo-soprano Sophia Li Wen; 16 year old Soprano Andrea Yamamoto; WCSO Mariachi Ensemble and the Los Angeles Chinese Musicians Ensemble Chorus.  In addition to the world premier of Jennifer Lindsay’s “End of Days” from her debut CD “Songs in the Dark”, the West Covina Symphony Orchestra presentation of East Meets West also included the tremendously talented flutist Aleksandr Haskin and the entertaining Mariachi Los Solecitos with “Mariachi King” Jose Hernandez.

The East Meets West program is a significant illustration of what the West Covina Symphony Orchestra brings to the San Gabriel Valley and beyond: culture, music, art, and community.  It is essential the San Gabriel Valley community help the West Covina Symphony Orchestra reach its goal to sell out all the seats at their events.   With the leadership of Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, being honored as the West Covina’s Community Hero, the WSCO will attain success but with our support, we can aid the WCSO in maintaining their mission and purpose “to enrich its community by engaging audiences and inspiring a love of music through exciting live symphony performances, chamber music performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach”. May we all be inspired one musical note at a time.

For more information on the extraordinary events with the WCSO like the Sunday, October 3, 2010 [NOTE - THE OCT 3RD CONCERT IS BEING RESCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE - TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!] “Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky” and more visit, WestCovinaSymphony.com or call 626.771.0462.

MUSIC MELD

Wow, our very own West Covina Symphony is certainly making a name for itself. Next up for the impressive group is a "concert of communities and cultures" from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 28, at the Sophia B. Clarke Theatre on the campus of Mt. San Antonio College, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut.

The concert, "East Meets West" will feature musical offerings from Latino, Chinese, Classic Americana and African American works, composers and performers.

Supervisor Mike Antonovich is set to make an appearance with Sophia Li Wen, soprano; Kristie Su, violinist; Jennifer Lindsey, singer, violinist and composer; the Los Angeles Chinese Musicians Ensemble Chorus; Andrea Yamamoto, soprano; WCSO Mariachis and Charles Shao, tenor.

Watch for Antonovich to wield the baton for a patriotic number.

Tickets are $10, $20, $38 and $50. Boxes of seats are available in sets of four for $80. You can buy them at www.westcovinasymphony.com or Burt's Music, 186 E. Rowland St., Covina.

The symphony orchestra was revived by Sylvia Lee Mann two year ago. She serves as the group's music director and conductor. "Our purpose is to enrich our community by engaging audiences and inspiring a love of music through exciting live symphony performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach," she said on the group's website.

For more information, call 626-771-0462.

 

 

West Covina woman saves the symphony

Conductor leads W.C. symphony back from oblivion

Sandra T. Molina, Staff Writer

Posted: 05/25/2010 09:01:02 PM PDT

 

WEST COVINA - Professional musician and symphony orchestra conductor Sylvia Lee Mann believes in the power of music.

So much so, she has used her own money to finance the relaunch of the West Covina Symphony.

The organization had been dormant for about 20 years before Mann, who is a professional musician and conductor and lives in the West Covina home in which she she grew up, relaunched it nearly two years ago.

"When I moved back from Louisiana to care for my ill parents (who are now deceased), I was surprised the symphony no longer existed," said Mann, 55.

She is now the musical director and conductor of the symphony, which had gone dormant because of no financing.

"It was too important not to do something about it," she said of rejuvenating the symphony.

It hasn't been easy.

"Through the generosity of many in the community, we've kept afloat," said Mann, who played in the symphony's original incarnation as a child and into her teens.

"I think it's heroic," said Ruslan Biryukov, Russian cello soloist, of Mann's financial and musical leadership. "I don't know anyone who has made such a positive change of this magnitude."

Biryukov, who immigrated to the United States in 1995 and now lives in Silver Lake, should know.

He founded the Glendale Symphony.

"This woman revitalized an orchestra from nothing," said Biryukov, who will be under Mann's leadership as the guest soloist in the orchestra's upcoming show

The West Covina Symphony will perform at 4 p.m. June 6 at Haugh Performing Arts Center at Citrus College, 1000 Foothill Blvd., Glendora.

Biryukov, who's toured the globe as a playing professional since age 11, called Mann's rejuvenation of the symphony not only commendable, but vital for the community.

"The positive social impact of music to a community is impossible to estimate," he said. "It changes the appearance of the city completely."

The orchestra consists of more than 60 musicians at every concert, with musicians ranging in age from 14 to 81.

"They come from all over Southern California to perform with our orchestra," Mann said.

"Some even tell stories of rediscovering their passion for life through playing in the symphony, of finding healing through their music," she said.

The symphony also has an educational outreach program which offers free concerts for local area schools, a music academy offering music lessons and a solo competition for music students.

The winners are featured at an annual concert with the orchestra.

Mann, whose original recorded music is now available at iTunes, Napster and a number of other digital music services, said she will continue to lead the symphony for as long as she can.

"Music is very important to a person's well-being, whether you play or listen to it," she said. "It's about the betterment of the bigger self."

Tickets for the show are $20 VIP, $10 Reserved and $5 for seniors.

Free parking is available at the venue.

For tickets and more information, call 323-445-6558 or visit www.celloart.com.

Money from ticket sales will help fund the symphony. Donations can also be made by logging on to www.westcovinasymphony.com.

sandra.molina@sgvn.com

562-698-0955, ext. 3029

Read more: http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_15162072?IADID=Search-www.sgvtribune.com-www.sgvtribune.com#ixzz0p6HRlIM8

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE #08192010a

Subject :	West Covina Resident, Dr. Sylvia Mann Selected as "Community Hero"
Contact :	Sharon Autry    909 865-4262 Cathie Lou Parker    909 865-4269

West Covina Resident, Dr. Sylvia Mann Selected as "Community Hero" Each year, the Los Angeles County Fair honors special heroes from the community during a special West Covina Day at the Fair. This year it is slated for Wednesday, September 29th. As part of the festivities, a parade is held at 5:00pm down Broadway, followed by a presentation to this year's adult Community Hero at 5:30pm. The entire community is encouraged to attend when Dr. Sylvia Mann will be honored as West Covina's Community Hero. Dr. Sylvia Mann, a dedicated resident who has volunteered thousands of hours for the past two years, is a composer, conductor and virtuoso performer.  Thanks to her love of music and a wealth of experience, she was able to single-handedly coordinate the re-birth of the West Covina Symphony Orchestra. In order to accomplish the goal, of completely transforming a dormant orchestra to where it is now, as a regionally respected ensemble in only two years, it took someone with the enormous experience that Dr. Mann has to offer. Sylvia grew up in West Covina beginning her music studies when she was only 4 years old. She continued her passion for music by completing her undergraduate work at Chapman University, and graduate studies at USC and London University. She then became the Principal Violist of the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Ark-La-Tex Youth Symphony Orchestra. But life brought Sylvia full circle, since she had performed with the West Covina Orchestra as a child into her teenage years Ms. Mann felt compelled to give back to her community, with hopes of inspiring both children and adults to follow their love of music. In addition to volunteering much of her time back to her community, Dr. Sylvia Mann is currently composing, conducting and recording music for an upcoming independent feature film (something she has done prior for many short film festivals and theatre productions). We hope you will join us to honor this true Community Hero. The entry fee is only $5.00 with a coupon or voucher available at the West Covina City Hall, 1444 West Garvey Avenue. Dr. Mann is truly deserving of this honor! ###

After an early bleak prognosis, Orange County prodigy moves to LB’s Ridgewood Heights to continue prosperous science, music careers

August 20th, 2010 · No Comments · News

Jennifer Lindsay has overcome nearly insurmountable odds since birth, when she suffered through brain trauma and oxygen loss.

By Brett Ashley Hawkins
Editorial Intern

A violinist, soprano, composer, systems engineer, and concertmistress, Orange County native Jennifer Lindsay has settled down in her first home in the Ridgewood Heights area of Bixby Knolls. She has shown a prowess in mathematics and computer science and a talent for both vocal and instrumental music.
“The homes in Ridgewood are several decades older [than homes in Orange County],” said Lindsay. “It’s really fun to walk up and down the streets and see all the different architectural additions and modifications that have been made. And they‘re all so colorful– the entire rainbow is represented. It‘s a bit like walking through a candy shop.”
Lindsay has faced nearly insurmountable odds since birth, when she suffered through brain trauma and oxygen loss. After her brain scan test results were abnormal and her Apgar score (an assessment of the health of an infant immediately after birth) was very low, the situation in the intensive care unit at San Diego Children’s Hospital of Orange County looked bleak. However, Lindsay eventually triumphed over her trauma and began an impressive academic and musical journey.
She started reading words at eight months old and then children’s books independently at three years old. Lindsay began studying the Suzuki Violin Method at 3 and then received her first voice lessons at the age of 8. In the subsequent years, Lindsay became a founding member of the Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, a MENSA member, and a college student at the age of 13, taking calculus and advanced chemistry courses. She also managed to be a National Merit Scholar and a National Renaissance Scholar in both academics and music.
“At 13 my parents and I decided to forego traditional high school in favor of attending Orange Coast College, a decision I do not regret,” Lindsay said.
Continuing her academic pursuits, Lindsay received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in mathematics and computer science from Harvey Mudd College, Columbia University, and Johns Hopkins University, and she now serves on the board of trustees for the former. Lindsay is now employed as a systems engineer for Science Applications International Corporation, a Fortune 500 company.
While completing her studies, Lindsay continued to play violin and sing– performing vocally and instrumentally at several high-profile events. Among her venues played are Disney Hall in 2009 and 2010, as part of the Southeast Symphony, and Carnegie Hall in 2009 with the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Lindsay now serves locally as concertmistress of the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra.
In 2009, she released her debut album on Sinfonia Records— Songs in the Dark, a collection of electronic, world beat, ambient, and classical songs with allusions to Gothic melancholy. Lindsay composed, produced, engineered, and arranged every song on the album. “I wrote [the songs] mostly during the long winters and harsh summers while I was living in Maryland,” she said. “Several of them are inspired by my spiritual side… discovering, accepting, and expressing your inner voice.”
Because of her medical struggles and success academically and musically, Lindsay has appeared on CBS’s Day and Date, ABC’s The View and Inside Edition, NBC’s The Other Side, and KCAL’s The Hour of Power with Rev. Robert Schuller. She was also featured in Essence magazine.
Lindsay is currently preparing to perform one of her songs, “End of Days,” live with the West Covina Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 7:30pm at the East Meets West concert at the Sophia B. Clarke Theater at Mt. San Antonio College. The concert aims to celebrate diverse cultures and communities with music from African-American, Chinese, Latino, and classic “Americana” composers. Michael Antonovich, LA County Supervisor of the 5th District will appear as a guest conductor.
For more about Lindsay’s music, visit JenniferLindsayMusic.com.

Posted: Thursday, August 19, 2010 3:11 pm

By Leslie A.M. Smith
Staff Writer | 0 comments

    Award-winning singer, composer, lyricist and violinist Jennifer Lindsay made Long Beach her home in May, but the neighbors might not see too much of her.

    Residing in Ridgewood Heights between San Antonio and Del Amo, and Orange and Cherry avenues, her music career is a consuming hobby. During the day she makes a living as a systems engineer at SAIC in Los Angeles.

    “I work in aeronautics,” she said. “I am working on the next generation of GPS satellites.

    “I was living in the South Bay but was priced out of buying there and my Realtor suggested this neighborhood.”

    On some nights she rehearses as the concertmistress for the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra and is tuning up for an upcoming performance as a special guest at the West Covina Symphony Orchestra’s “East Meets West” concert Aug. 28. This presentation is a celebration of the diverse cultures in Los Angeles and will celebrate the cultures, communities and music of African-American, Latino, Chinese and Classic “Americana” composers and performers.

    Lindsay will sing the world premiere of “End of Days,” a song from her debut album “Songs In The Dark.” Released in 2009, Lindsay said “Songs In The Dark” is a collection of 10 songs representing a unique blend of many influences.

    A self-taught composer and orchestrator, 29-year-old Lindsay not only wrote the music and lyrics, but she also produced, engineered and arranged all of the tracks on Songs In The Dark.

    Lindsay described arranging for an orchestra to perform her work as intense and a little scary — as well as time consuming.

    She said she learned orchestrating and composing from performing in ensembles since she was 10 years old.

    “You pick up ideas when you are playing in groups,” she said. “You learn that an English horn sounds melancholy, that a flute or a violin can make more vivacious sounds and that a bassoon, cello or bass can sound ominous.”

    Self-training, she said, is an advantage. “You can do things because you were never told not to do them. You can take an orchestra and do more than classical. There’s an evolution of orchestra.”

    Having played violin (Suzuki Method) since age 3, Lindsay said she is best at arranging strings.

    “I’m grasping the wind and brass instruments, though,” she added. “In the strings, I actually like writing for cello better than violin — I think if I had my choice back then I would have chosen cello and not violin to play. I sing soprano so the low register of the cello is a compliment to my voice.”

    Lindsay’s parents enrolled her in voice lessons around age 8 when they realized she was hitting the soprano notes as she sung along to “The Magic Flute” playing on a CD.

    If she had to choose between violin or singing, Lindsay said she would choose singing.

    “I’m a better singer than violinist — but there are some simply beautiful violin pieces,” she said.

    Her list of accomplishments and awards show that her singing talent is rivaled not only by her violin playing skills but by academics also. At age 11, Lindsay was a founding member of the Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra. She joined MENSA and entered Orange Coast Community College at age 13, taking courses in calculus and advanced chemistry. At age 14, she was the guest soprano soloist for the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition at Ambassador Auditorium. She has performed as a singer and violinist at Disney Concert Hall in 2009 and with the Southeast Symphony 2010, and at Carnegie Hall in 2009 with the International YouTube Symphony Orchestra.

    With undergraduate and graduate degrees in mathematics and computer science from Harvey Mudd College, Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University, and winning numerous awards, excelling is a song that Lindsay knows well and sings often.

    Lindsay started reading words on flashcards at just 8 months old, books at 2-and-a-half. The most amazing part is that Lindsay was expected to have severe learning and physical disabilities from birth. She experienced a traumatic birth and was deprived of oxygen.

    Her mother, Gloria Lindsay, wrote a book about the unique protocol she took to stimulate her daughter’s brain. “Triumph Over Trauma — Learning Begins in Infancy” recounts the unique learning tools that Gloria Lindsay followed and forged to help her daughter obliterate the odds set before her.

    “East Meets West” is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28. at the Sophia B. Clarke Theater at Mt. San Antonio College (located at 1100 N. Grand Ave. in Walnut). Individual tickets range from $10 to $50 or a four-seat box can be purchased for $40-80.

    For more information, call (626) 771-0462 or visit www.westcovinasymphony.com.

"Our Purpose: to enrich our community by engaging audiences and inspiring a love of music through exciting live symphony performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach."

"West Covina Symphony Orchestra is a fresh new contribution to the community, a proficient group of musicians reaching out to all age groups and making a difference with beautiful, energizing music and exciting programming. Gets my vote!"... Carol Worthey, composer.

(A quote re our Communi-Cause campaign)(Thanks Carol)

West Covina orchestra performs free show

Cellist Ruslan Biryukov performs with The West Covina Symphony Orchestra during their free Spirit of America concert at Covina United Methodist Church on June 27.

Full Story: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

 

Thursday Jul 2

 

What a wonderful performance

by the WC Symphony Orchestra and the various soloists! A truly 1st class production. Impressive!!

Calliope

Cellist Ruslan Biryukov performs with The West Covina Symphony Orchestra during their free Spirit of America concert at Covina United Methodist Church on June 27. Biryukov is also pictured below. Right, violinists perform during the show.

Anissa V. Rivera: Symphony to offer free concert

Posted: 04/01/2009 02:49:50 PM PDT

Hankering for good news? One of the best bits of cheer in West Covina is the re-emergence of our very own symphony orchestra.

Sylvia Mann remembers the heyday of the symphony orchestra in the 1960s and '70s, when she was still a student in local schools. (She later graduated from West Covina High.)

Now a successful composer, conductor and performer, Mann is a member of the Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, Rio Hondo Symphony Orchestra and La Mirada Symphony. She is also principal violinist for the Golden State Pops Symphony Orchestra, the Culver City Symphony and Beach Cities Symphony.

Now add founder of the new West Covina Symphony to that list.

Communities need symphony orchestras, we need music of all types, Mann writes in the group's Web site.

"Think of being able to hear a symphony right here. No long drives, no parking hassles downtown. Our children will learn the beauty of all types of music. Our quality of life will get even better than it already is," she added.

The symphony already has an impressive list of performances under its belt: holiday concerts, shows at the senior center, and an appearance at the city's Rose Float celebration. All the events, mind you, were free.

Next up for the symphony is a Concert for the Arts at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the West Covina Civic Center courtyard amphitheater, 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina. Admission is free but donations will be gladly accepted.
Advertisement

For more information, call (626) 771-0462.

The concert will feature music from different aspects of the performing arts such as symphony, ballet, opera and musical theater. Featured music includes selections from Mussorsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," and even excerpts from opera and musical theater.

And did I say all this comes free?

After the April 9 concert, have dinner at Chili's in West Covina and help out the symphony at the same time.

Go to www.westcovinasymphony.com and print out a Chili's fundraiser flyer. Then go eat at Chili's on Tuesday, April 14, between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Give your server the flyer and Chili's will donate 15 percent of that sale to the symphony. Simple, huh? And you might see some of the symphony musicians chowing down, too.

Chili's is at 2929 Eastland Center Drive in West Covina.

The restaurant number is (626) 915-8809.

Another reason to cheer?

This summer, the symphony will offer an orchestra music academy for budding musicians of all ages. Check out the group's Web site for information or call (626) 771-0462.

Let's make some noise about how happy we are to have our very own symphony in town. Support our orchestra!

(Emma Gallegos / Staff Photographer)
Members of the newly formed West Covina Symphony Orchestra managed to play a few songs before the rain started at their "Concert for the Arts" in the West Covina Civic Center Courtyard on April 9.*


*Please note - it didn't rain - and we performed the entire concert! It was a cold evening and a challenge - but great fun, and a very successful performance. Thanks to all!

To get a pdf copy of this. click here:
Highlander Photo 41509

West Covina, California is a wonderful vacation destination. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, West Covina offers a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and cuisine. Just because you are taking a trip to Hollywood doesn’t mean you have to pay outrageous prices for accommodations. We find hotel deals so you can relax knowing you are getting the best available price.

Enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment with the West Covina Symphony Orchestra.

West Covina hosts a farmers market weekly. Get fresh produce as well as locally made arts and crafts.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually in West Covina. Come enjoy great music, food, and entertainment.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is held in West Covina every January and includes music, games, entertainment, food, arts, and crafts.

Winterfest is another annual festival in West Covina and features food and arts as well as a visit from Santa. You can also enjoy sledding on artificial snow.

Hurst Ranch is a historic ranch and showcases antique farm equipment.

Although West Covina does not have its own sporting teams, you can take the short drive to Los Angeles to watch the Lakers, Dodgers, Clippers, Sparks, or Kings.

You will find several first class golf courses in West Covina and the surrounding area. With such pleasant weather year round, golf in West Covina is excellent at any time of year.

With such an excellent location, West Covina is just minutes from some of California’s most popular attractions including Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, and Six Flags.

There are dozens of wineries and vineyards within a few minutes of West Covina. Take a tour of the vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting at the wineries.

Some of California’s best beaches are located just a short drive from West Covina. Spend a day relaxing on the beach or take the opportunity to engage in one of your favorite water activities including boating, fishing, or parasailing.

Night life in and around West Covina couldn’t be more exciting. Take your pick of night clubs, dance clubs, bars, or pubs. You will find an excellent selection of delicious cuisine in West Covina as well. Fresh seafood is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

For some real relaxation, check out one of many day spas located in and around West Covina. Treat yourself to your favorite spa treatment.

Who wouldn’t enjoy a relaxing vacation to West Covina? An enjoyable vacation doesn’t require stressful preparation. Let us find you the best hotel deals so you don’t have to.

PRESS RELEASE

West Covina Symphony Orchestra presents free “Concert for the Arts”

The West Covina Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, presents a "Concert for the Arts" on April 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. The program is a joint production with the West Covina Chamber of Commerce, the City of West Covina and the East Valley Art Association. Music by Rossini, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Mussorgsky will be performed.

West Covina, CA 28 March 2009 – In these challenging times, the West Covina Symphony is presenting another free concert! “The little orchestra that could” is rapidly growing. The free “Concert for the Arts” will be presented April 9, 2009 at 7pm at the West Covina Civic Center “Courtyard Amphitheatre”, 1444 West Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, CA 91790. Full information is available on the symphony’s website, http://www.westcovinasymphony.com.

The event is presented in cooperation with the West Covina Chamber of Commerce, the City of West Covina, and the East Valley Art Association. The orchestra will be featuring an exhibit of original artworks by local artists while providing great music performed by the West Covina Symphony Orchestra.

The musical program will include Rossini's Overture to the Barber of Seville, Mozart's "Porgi, Amor" from "The Marriage of Figaro" featuring soprano Frances Anthony, Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" Suite, and Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" (Ravel’s orchestration).

The concert begins at 7pm. Art exhibits by the East Valley Art Association will be available for viewing before and during the concert, as well at during the concert intermission.

Free parking is available in the City of West Covina Civic Center parking structure and lot.

For additional information about the West Covina Symphony Orchestra and the April 9th “Concert for the Arts”, contact Sandy Gunn or Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann or visit www.westcovinasymphony.com.

About the West Covina Symphony Orchestra:
" Our purpose is to enrich our community by engaging audiences and inspiring a love of music through exciting live symphony performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach." …Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann
The West Covina Symphony Orchestra is a sponsored member of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible. We accept donations of any amount. Please visit our website to discover how to support the symphony.

Contact:
Sandy Gunn, Manager
Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, Music Director & Conductor
West Covina Symphony Orchestra
626-771-0452
http://westcovinasymphony.com

There is music once more in West Covina! Thanks to the partnership of West Covina UMC and the newly re-formed West Covina Symphony Orchestra, the sounds of beautiful melodies will echo through the hearts of the city. The effort to bring back the symphony was spearheaded by Dr. Sylvia Mann, a West Covina native who had recently returned to live in the city. Upon hearing that there was no longer an orchestra, she immediately set out to remedy the situation. Working with Pastor Mary Hollifield and special events director Linda Robinson, Sylvia found the church to be a willing partner. Not only did the church open its facilities for practices, but it also provided the sanctuary for the "debut" concert. In welcoming the concert attendees, Pastor Mary said, "We are a church that believes in resurrections and loves new life!" The church continues to be an Oasis for the Community, reflecting the love of Christ.

Anissa V. Rivera: Hooray to West Covina
Published on Thursday, January 15, 2009
By San Gabriel Valley Tribune Staff Writer

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Never mind that I only caught the replay of the Rose Parade, it was still a thrill to see West Covina's "Hooray for Hollywood" float on TV.

The float is the city's 11th consecutive entry into the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. The float's design included oversized film reels, a director's chair, film camera, and ribbons of filmstrips. The float honored Old Hollywood and film-making. After the parade, the float was on display at Eastland Shopping Center, where the West Covina Rose Float Foundation hosted its annual Family Celebration, featuring the Tournament of Roses Queen and her royal court and a performance by the West Covina Symphony Orchestra.

Thanks to the West Covina Rose Float Foundation for all the work they do

West Covina Rose Float Foundation honors massacre victims
By Brian Day, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/04/2009 09:24:18 PM PST

WEST COVINA - The West Covina Rose Float Foundation honored the victims of a Christmas Eve slaying Sunday during its annual float celebration.

Foundation president Frank Scalfaro presented nine rose vials to Covina Cub Scout Pack 820 in memory of the victims killed in the Dec. 24 attack in Covina.

Scalfaro had the vials in his breast pocket as he rode atop the foundation's float during the Rose Parade. Each of the vials bore the name of one of the victims.

"It was my honor to carry those roses as I rode in the float," Scalfaro said.

"We send (the Ortega family) our love. We send them our sympathy. They're in our prayers. We wish them the very best."

The Cub Scouts will be turning over the roses to the victims' family members, Den Leader Gary Rodriguez said.

Nine members of the Ortega family were killed Dec. 24 when, according to police, 45-year-old Bruce Pardo of Montrose went on a shooting spree at a holiday party attended by his ex-wife and her relatives.

Pardo set the house on fire, then later shot himself to death at his brother's Sylmar home.

After the incident, an anonymous neighbor contacted the foundation about dedicating some of the float's roses to the victims.

Scalfaro said purchasing roses with messages to be placed on the float is a regular tradition, "but this one's really close to home," he said.

Rodriguez, along with Cubmaster Hugo Jiminez and about half a dozen cub scouts, accepted the roses in front of the foundation's float, "Hooray for Hollywood."

The float was on display at the Eastland Shopping Center as part of the foundation's annual celebration, when the float is displayed to the public for a final time before it's torn down, Scalfaro said.

About 100 people attended the event, which also included a performance by the West Covina Symphony Orchestra and appearances by the Rose Queen and her Royal Court.

Rodriquez said he and his scouts were there to support the community as well as the family affected by the massacre.
PHOTO GALLERY
Roses in Memory of the Ortegas

"I'm here to support the family that passed away," Cub Scout Dillon Klena said.

Rodriguez said he believed it was beneficial for the boys to participate in the ceremony.

"They need closure," he said. "That's what we're here for, to start the healing. As a community, we're here for (the family), whatever they need."

La Puente resident and former La Puente mayor Renee Chavez said it was not the float that drew her to the event but rather the memory of her longtime friend, Cheri Ortega, who was among the nine victims.

"Today, I'm just trying to remember the positive things about her," she said.

Renee Chavez and her husband Ed Chavez, of the Upper San Gabriel Municipal Water District, said they attended Bassett High School with Cheri Ortega.

Renee Chavez recalled high school memories of Cheri and said Cheri was a devoted mother of five who always was smiling.

"I can still remember her laugh in my head," Renee Chavez said.

Six of the nine people reported missing since the massacre officially were identified by coroner's officials over the weekend.

Those positively identified include Joseph Ortega, 80, and his wife Alicia, 70, of Covina, Alicia Ortiz, 46, of Upland, Teresa Ortega, 51, of Upland, Charles Ortega, 50, and his wife, Cheri, 45, of West Covina, Smith said.

Still listed as missing with police were the alleged gunman's ex-wife Sylvia Ortega, her brother and Teresa Ortega's husband James Ortega, 52, and Alicia Ortiz's 17-year-old son, Michael.

Press Release/Media Release
For Immediate Release

The new West Covina Symphony is bringing the gift of music to our community!
Under the direction of Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, the symphony has scheduled the following performances in December:

• Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. City of West Covina Holiday Tree Lighting,
The Lakes Entertainment Center, 1200 Lakes Drive, West Covina, CA 91791

• Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. “A Magical Holiday Gift of Music,”
West Covina United Methodist Church, 718 S. Azusa Ave. West Covina, CA 91791

• Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. Holiday Luncheon performance,
West Covina Senior Center, 2501 E. Cortez St. West Covina, CA 91791

Visit www.westcovinasymphony.com, or call (626) 771-0462 for more information.

Here is our story:
Once upon a time...there was a full symphony orchestra thriving in the City of West Covina, complete with holiday concerts, volunteers, children’s concerts, and opportunities for everyone to hear fantastic symphony orchestra music right here in West Covina!

The symphony was in its prime in the late 60’s and early 70’s, and that’s when Sylvia Mann began to perform with them. She was still just a student in the West Covina Public Schools, but she held her own as one of the top musicians in the West Covina Symphony Orchestra.

Recently, when Sylvia returned to restore and live in her family home in West Covina, she found that the symphony was gone. Communities need symphony orchestras. We need music of all types. In the best of times and the hardest of times, music restores our soul. Experience the joy of being able to hear a symphony right here in our town! Think of it....no long drives or parking hassles downtown. Our children will learn and experience the beauty of all types of music. Our quality of life will become even better than it already is!

Music brings people together and enriches our lives. We need all the music we can get! The West Covina Symphony is back, bringing the gift of music to our community.

“Our purpose is to enrich our community by engaging audiences and inspiring a love of music through exciting live symphony performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach.”

West Covina Symphony Orchestra 2694 E Garvey Ave S. #364 West Covina CA 91791
626-771-0462 www.westcovinasymphony.com info@westcovinasymphony.com

City native returns to lead local orchestra
By Emma Gallegos, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/18/2008 11:41:50 AM PST


Though Sylvia Mann has played in symphonies all over the Southland, composed music for films and even performed for a stint as the principal violist in the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in Louisiana, starting up a symphony in West Covina wasn't the work of a carpetbagger - it was a homecoming.

West Covina is where Mann grew up and where she's returned to care for her parents. It's also where she first had the opportunity to play with professional musicians as a junior high student in the late 1960s.

So it was jarring for her when she moved back to find that nothing was left of the symphony where she cut her teeth.

"I said, `Hey! Where's the symphony?"' Mann recalled.

The project of making sure West Covina had its own homegrown symphony quickly mushroomed from that initial reaction.

West Covina hasn't had its own symphony for nearly 15 years, but city officials gave their blessing, Mt. SAC agreed to loan some of the more expensive percussion instruments and the West Covina United Methodist Church offered rehearsal space. About 35 members jumped on board, including professionals and amateurs, students from Cal Poly and Mt. SAC and retirees.

"This community hasn't had much in arts in recent years, and they're hungry for it," said Mann, who is now at the helm as director.

Within a few months, the symphony had a full season of shows planned out - a few concerts during the holiday season as well as a performance
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at the city's arts festival in April, a concert for Valentine's Day and one for Independence Day.

Mann has enlisted the help of her professional contacts, like Ruslan Biryukov, a cellist based on Los Angeles, who will play in the symphony's upcoming concert in June. He met Mann when she filled in briefly for the conductor at the Bellflower Symphony.

"She proved to be a wonderful conductor with a strong beat," Biryukov said, adding that the fact that he and others are came on board so quickly is evidence of her charismatic personality.

The symphony orchestra already has its first two performances under its belt. It made its debut over a week ago at the West Covina Holiday Tree Lighting, and its first concert this Sunday.

Mann said that for their upcoming performances they will play some more traditional orchestral pieces - classical music and maybe even a few instrumental selections from operas.

While she and other local, professional musicians regularly crisscross Southern California to play for different symphonies and chamber groups, she said it would be a nice change of pace for both a local, classical music-loving audience and local musicians - professional and not.

Mann said she thinks especially of young, talented students who need a local outlet.

"I was one of those obsessed kids," Mann said, thinking back to her junior high days, when she said she held her own alongside older, more experienced adults.

She said for that reason, a local symphony like West Covina's is the best of both worlds for amateurs and pros alike: The pros can get a tiny supplement for their income from subsidies, while amateurs and students get the chance to play alongside pros.

"They're all excited," Mann said. "Maybe when times are bad people need the arts."

For more information about the West Covina Symphony Orchestra and its 2009 concert season, visit the Web site at www.westcovinasymphony.com or call (626) 771-0462.

emma.gallegos@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2705

around town music
Class Act
By Robert D. Thomas Correspondent
Posted: 12/12/2008 02:24:24 PM PST

In an era when orchestras are struggling, the West Covina Symphony has undergone a resurrection and will play a free holiday music concert today at 3 p.m. at the West Covina United Methodist Church. Sylvia Lee Mann, who was an orchestra member in the 1960s and 1970s when she attended the city's public schools, has come home to help bring the symphony back to life.

The concert will feature holiday pieces, including "A Christmas Festival " by Leroy Anderson and several carol arrangements, along with "Fantasia on Greensleeves" and "Rhosymedre" by Ralph Vaughan Williams and the Intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana" by Mascagni. Info: (626) 771-0462; www.westcovinasymphony.org.