“Santa Cruz is the kind of place where you can play a meaningful role in anything you’re interested in,” said Diane Klein, “and make a difference.” Diane (pronounced Dee-On) and husband Richard (or Dick) know because they have been involved in the arts and community life in Santa Cruz since moving to Aptos in 1974.

Dottie Hyde was very excited in the mid-1950’s when word went out that a symphony orchestra was being formed in Santa Cruz. “I have loved music since I was a child,” says Dottie. “I don’t play any instruments like others in my family, but I can listen endlessly.”

She made sure to get tickets to the first concerts held at the E.A. Hall Middle School in Watsonville and has been a regular subscriber to the Santa Cruz Symphony ever since. Besides attending concerts, Hal and Dottie Hyde have been committed to the community around the Santa Cruz Symphony.