Home Events ‘Music Is Instrumental’ Benefit Concert Returns

‘Music Is Instrumental’ Benefit Concert Returns

The Burbank Unified School District and the Musicians at Play Foundation’s “Music Is Instrumental Benefit” Concert on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m.
This benefit concert marks the return of the BUSD’s All District Symphonic Orchestra and Choir, accompanied by world class orchestral and studio musicians from the Musicians at Play Foundation which have been mentoring BUSD music students over this past school year, and throughout the pandemic. Together, they will perform iconic music from film and television to support much needed auditorium lighting and sound repairs in addition to ongoing instrument repair and replacement.
The COVID 19 pandemic and the subsequent three-year restriction on live instruction, performances and fundraising events had a devastating impact on parent and teacher led fundraising activities. Proceeds from the concert will again support the John Burroughs and Burbank High School music programs, as they work to regain the progress made during the 2017-2019 Music is Instrumental Collective Impact Campaign that raised more than one-fourth of the district’s identified $1.4 million need.
Despite a five-year budget crisis, BUSD has maintained its commitment to sustaining student access to quality music instruction through maintaining music educator positions. Fundraising efforts remain essential to ensuring all students have access to functional, well-maintained instruments and performance venues.
MAP Mentors are members of the Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra in Los Angeles, California, a rotating group of classically trained musicians responsible for playing the soundtrack music for motion pictures since the 1920s. These artists also perform with the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra and in premiere concert venues throughout the world. In the Hollywood studios, they perform and record the music of award-winning composers, such as John Williams and Michael Giacchino, and can be heard on the soundtracks of thousands of films, including “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Back to the Future,” “UP,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Coco,” “Schindler’s List,” “Home Alone” and “Jaws.”
At the concert, MAP Mentors will take the stage alongside their young protégés. Since 2016, esteemed musician, philanthropist and co-founder of the Musicians at Play Foundation, Don Williams has teamed with esteemed conductor Angel Velez and award-winning BUSD Music Directors Brendan Jennings, Brett Carroll, Annie Cavanaugh and David Espana to assemble some of the finest professional studio and orchestral musicians to mentor BUSD music students.
“It is so important to nurture music and the arts in schools,” Williams said. “MAP offers an opportunity to inspire young people to consider a life in music. It takes not only the schools to educate young people but there is a need for assistance from the private sector. We see MAP as an educational tool that helps students tap into their talent and artistic interests. Music and the arts is as important as everything else that is taught in the classroom.”
April Williams, co-founder of Musicians at Play Foundation added: “It’s an honor to work with BUSD and their fine students. Over the years, I have noticed we are building citizens. Better and better citizens for our communities.”
For one night only, these talented musicians will perform together on one stage in an unprecedented celebration of the music from “Saving Private Ryan,” “The Incredibles,” John Williams’ “Tribute to the Film Composer,” and more, including a performance of “O Fortuna – Carmina Burana.”
“The Music Is Instrumental Concert shows exactly why Burbank is one of the best cities for music education in the country,” Jennings said. “Our top student performers are paired with world class professionals in a concert collaboration like no other. You will forget you are watching high school students!”
Peggy Flynn, Arts and CTE coordinator and Music Is Important co-chair added: “Our partnership with the Musicians at Play Foundation has been so impactful. They are true partners who are dedicated to bettering the lives of students through music education. Music is Instrumental concerts are exceptional — like no other — audience members can expect a deeply moving and meaningful experience.”
Tickets can be purchased online at events.s34t.com/Burbank-high/10007/tickets/215, or at the door starting at 6:15 p.m. on Jan. 28. Student and senior tickets at the door are $10, general admission tickets are $25 and VIP with reception at intermission tickets are $50.

  • Sponsoring Organization: Burbank Unified School District / Musicians at Play Foundation
  • Location or Venue: N/A

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