Symphony Blog
“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.
The Santa Cruz Symphony Open Rehearsals at the Civic are the part of our education program that allows music lovers to see for themselves how a symphonic performance is constructed and prepared for. Having free open rehearsals was one of Danny Stewart’s top priorities when he became our maestro – he even discussed their value in his initial job interview.
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.
Priscilla joined the Santa Cruz Symphony in 1981 when it was still a community orchestra and has seen the orchestra grow significantly over the years. As with so many musicians, her interest started early.
“I wanted to take violin lessons when I was four. Mrs. Low (a Suzuki violin teacher) and her 3 children moved in two houses down from me.”
