For over 60 years, the Oxnard Community Concert Association (OCCA) has been providing reasonably priced musical entertainment to the residents of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. During many of those years, the Association sponsored Student Outreach programs for grade school level children from Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura and other neighboring areas. A few years ago, scheduling conflicts with government-imposed testing and funding cuts for transportation prevented the OCCA the ability to provide enriching and educational music and theater arts programs for our youth.
In its 61
st Season, the OCCA received donations of a small keyboard, two trumpets, and a trombone from association members to kick-off an effort to reach students wanting to participate in the academic pursuit of music programs. The association also purchased a used drums set (two toms, a bass, large tom and a cymbal) to contribute and used Henson's Music Company in Oxnard to refurbish all the instruments. The cost of making these instruments available for presentation to local Junior High/Middle Schools is borne by the association's Student Outreach Fund. The instruments are donated to the schools with the proviso that they belong to the school for the sole purpose of providing an instrument for a student who desires to enter the program but do not have the financial resources to obtain one. The instrument is a loan only and must be returned to the school upon departure from the school or program.
The OCCA, kicking off its 62
nd season on October 4
th with Franc D'Ambrosio Hollywood, will present a violin donated by Mrs. Norma Jean Schneider of Ventura to Haydock Junior High School. A euphonium will also be presented to Blackstock Junior High School. The music directors of these schools are giving the instruments in response to indicated needs of the students.
During the summer of 2007, association members have been shopping for available instruments at reasonable prices. The shopping has been successful, as we have accumulated ten instruments for the program. Eight are in refurbished condition, with one currently in Henson's Music Company and one intended to go to the shop. We currently have on hand three flutes, three clarinets and two trombones. These instruments will all be distributed to schools in the county during the Association's 2007-2008 Season.
The OCCA's 62
nd Season is comprised of five presentations for a season membership price of $70. The season:
Franc D'Ambrosia Hollywood Thursday, October 4, 2007
Harry James Orchestra Sunday, January 10, 2008
Chamber Orchestra Kremlin Wednesday, February 27, 2008
On Broadway Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Celtic Tenors Sunday, April 6, 2008
Tickets are available at the door. 30 minutes before show-time, for $25/person (cash or checks only). For additional information, call 488-1200 or 483-3858.
Visit us online at
www.oxnardcca.com