Pacific Symphony Presents the COMMUNITY ENSEMBLES FESTIVAL Today

The third prong of "OC Front and Center," the "Community Ensembles Festival," is an all-day event taking place today, Feb. 8, featuring eight community ensembles from throughout Orange County performing on the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall stage. After a selective screening process, the ensembles have been chosen and their performance times selected. They include: Golden West Pops (10:30-11 a.m.), Saddleback College Emeritus Institute Symphony (11:20-11:50 a.m.), Placentia Symphonic Band (12:10-12:40 p.m.), Laguna Concert Band (1-1:30 p.m.), Orange County Wind Ensemble (3:30-4 p.m.), Symphony Irvine (4:20-4:50 p.m.), Southern California Philharmonic (5:10-5:40 p.m.) and Huntington Beach Concert Band (6-6:30 p.m.).

While music festivals are often limited to students, the Symphony placed importance on extending this experience to the adult musical community, where participants can perform for, listen to and meet like-minded people. Pacific Symphony musicians are on deck to observe and provide feedback for the ensemble. Friends, family and interested community members are invited to come spend a day in the concert hall and listen to some of the county's best music groups.

"Community musicians tell us that one of our most valuable assets is our fabulous Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall," says Pontin. "There is nothing more energizing than getting to play in a concert hall of such high caliber, especially one that is gorgeous both aesthetically and acoustically. It is also always helpful to get feedback from new sources, and we are thrilled to have Pacific Symphony musicians participate as the panel of adjudicators."

Tickets are free, but reservations are required. For more information, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa

Pacific Symphony provides the adult musical community an opportunity to perform on the concert hall stage, learn from other ensembles and receive feedback from Pacific Symphony musicians.