Music Appreciation Day Showcases Student Success Thanks to Instrument Loans

Music Appreciation Day 2023

Thanks to LBC donors and members, as more and more local students borrow instruments to play in their school band or orchestra each year, our Music for Schools instrument lending library grows to accommodate them. Next month, the North Bay community will get to enjoy the results of their practice and hard work when many of them perform during Music Appreciation Day here at LBC.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 29, to come cheer on the accomplishments of some of the 1000 student musicians who had the chance to play in their school band or orchestra this year because LBC loaned them the instrument that was previously out of reach for them. It’s a celebration for the students as well as the community members who donated the now 1200 instruments in the library and the LBC members and donors whose support covers the cost of repair and maintenance for continuous year-round use.

The bands will perform throughout most of morning at Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market here at LBC. They include LBC’s advanced ensemble, Mariachi Cantares de mi Tierra, the younger Chilaquiles mariachi students, and students in our weekly adult guitar class. Students from the band, choir, and guitar classes at San Miguel, Mark West, and Riebli schools also will perform, along with other groups soon to be announced.
Our Music Appreciation Day took place at the farmer’s market for the first time last year, providing the perfect combination of fresh air, Saturday morning sunshine, and neighborly vibes to accompany the live music.

“This is a great opportunity for LBC donors to see their impact, where neighbors, friends, and farmer’s market shoppers gathering to appreciate the music and the arts that are accessible to them, thanks in part to our instrument lending library,” said Tracy Sawyer, Community Engagement Supervisor. “This kind of public performance allows the students to test the power of practice and to discover how good they sound on the live stage. It’s a celebration of making the arts accessible to all!”