Placer Arts
808 Lincoln Way
Auburn CA 95603
Phone: 530-885-5670
Fax: 530-885-0348
Description:
Our History :
In July of 1987, Monroe DeJarnette, musician and member of the Auburn Community, met with Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Bruce Cosgrove, to discuss a proposal to form a community orchestra under the auspices of the Chamber.
After a series of meetings, a steering committee formed to develop an orchestra. The committee received charter committee status in September 1987 from the Chamber Board of Directors. This committee served through May 1990.
Following a year of preparation, the premier concert entitled, “The Birth of an Orchestra,” took place in the Placer High School Auditorium on May 20, 1988. The orchestra performed two concerts the 1988-1989 season due to the increase in attendance.
The Auburn Symphony Guild formed in the fall of 1988. The Guild functioned as a support group and provided the fledgling symphony with ushers, refreshments, publicity, a young artist competition, and financial support.
Beginning with the 1989-1990 season, the orchestra performed three concerts, plus a Messiah sing-a-long. In addition, a young artist sponsored by the Guild would appear at the spring concert.
The Steering Committee interviewed for conductors in December 0f 1987, one month prior to the commencement of rehearsals. Clyde Quick, formerly the music teacher at Placer High School, was selected to conduct the new orchestra of 70 members.
On June 1, 1990, the first Symphony Board was elected. Maestro Michael Goodwin was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor in 1995 and brought the Auburn Symphony into its present state of excellence.