Join the Symphony League!

MUSIC VAN
	Winner of the 2007 Sally Parker Education Gold Award from the American Symphony Orchestra League!
The Santa Barbara Symphony’s Music Van Mobile Classroom program has been in operation since 1978. The Van, donated by Marilynn and Tom Sullivan, is full of orchestral instruments, donated by Nick Rail Music, and annually visits all third grade classrooms in the greater Santa Barbara area from September through December. The Van is quickly booked every year and serves about 2,000 students in more than 40 schools. A favorite with children, the Music Van is often the first time many of them can see and “play” an instrument.
Click here for pictures of the Music Van at Isla Vista School
Docents conduct a one-hour session with the students. In the first half hour they talk about the orchestra, conductor, and the instruments. They use a CD to demonstrate the sound of each instrument. A professional musician accompanies the team and demonstrates an instrument group (strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion). During the second half hour the children try out all the instruments. This is the most fun part for them! There are usually two one-hour sessions at a school, and the teachers LOVE the program. From January to June the Van travels to San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. Click here for a mail-in form to receive information about becoming a Music Van docent and/or making a donation to the Music Van! Click here for Music Van Docent Packet Handouts. Click here for Project Description (ASOL conference).