SBSO Heads for the OK Corral

The San Bernardino Symphony Guild has announced Saturday, Sept. 20 as the date of their annual Bach to Boots Gala to be held at Old Glen Ranch in Lytle Creek. This year’s event will feature an authentic chuck wagon dinner prepared by cowboy chefs, dancing to the western sounds Electric Tumbleweeds, and lots of opportunities to support the Symphony’s many educational and community programs. This year, the Guild has engaged the Tombstone Legends, a western re-enactment group to bring a lively touch of the old west to the evening. “People often misinterpret a symphony event as one which is stuffy or requires everyone to dress formally, but this is far from what we do at our performances or at Bach to Boots!” said event chair Carrie Schmidt, adding, “People come to concerts and realize the focus isn’t on what the audience is wearing, it’s on the amazing live music, and as for Bach to Boots, well, it’s definitely tough to be stuffy having dinner wearing denim and cowboy hats in a horse corral!” The goal of the event is to raise funds for the San Bernardino Symphony which provides five season concerts, many community concerts, and music education through the San Bernardino City Unified School District’s over 60 facilities. Their Music in the Schools program has introduced orchestral instruments to over 90,000 elementary school students. They also offer free music workshops led by Maestro Frank Fetta and orchestra members and discounted student tickets to all subscription concerts. For over 30 years, the Guild has also offered the Symphony Debs and Red Tie Associates, a unique job skills training program for local teens. “Our educational programs are part of our commitment to the community,” said Symphony Guild President Judy Podskalan. “We are blessed to have been the recipients of an unparalleled level of community support for 86 seasons; we owe our future audiences the experience of live symphonic music and music education to the greatest possible extent we can provide.” For Bach to Boots ticket information, contact Carrie Schmidt at (909)534-2693.