Concert will include fireworks and a world record-breaking piccolo performance

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will present its annual concert under the stars with fireworks, “America, the Beautiful,” on Saturday, July 6, at 7:30 p.m. on the football field at San Bernardino Valley College.

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Our annual July concert has quickly become a community staple as well as our largest crowd of the year. It’s great to see so many people from throughout the Inland Empire joined together as we celebrate America and put on this spectacular show!”

Los Angeles-based vocal group DC6 will join with the Symphony in performing the music of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked as well as traditional Patriotic fare culminating in Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture performed to a fireworks display.

This concert will also see a world record breaking piccolo attempt as players from all over the state have been invited to participate in performing John Phillip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” at the concert. The record – 189 – was previously set July 4, 2016 at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.

Symphony piccoloist Kathleen Dyer is leading the charge to break the record.

“It has been an absolute joy to receive the registrations – the enthusiasm is contagious – and more will be accepted all month long!” explained Dyer.

The Symphony is also seeking to welcome more Veterans than ever before to this annual event and hopes the community will want to partner with them to make this happen.

“One of the highlights of each summer concert is the performance of The Armed Forces Medley where, traditionally, members of the branch of the service which is being recognized in song stand to the applause of the audience,” explained Symphony Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel, adding “As the mother and mother-in-law of US Army Veterans, and as someone working in a city made strong by the work of our Service Personnel, this moment is something I look forward to every year.”

In fact, the Symphony has been honored to welcome thousands of Service Members to their concerts through a longtime partnership with VetTix which coordinates donated tickets to vetted members of all branches of currently-serving Military and Veterans, as well as immediate family of troops KIA, The annual concert under the stars is held at an especially relevant location for the requested support as San Bernardino Valley College is known for its outstanding Veteran’s programs.

“We are delighted to host the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra’s concert under the stars at San Bernardino Valley College again this year,” shared San Bernardino Community College Shared District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together in celebration and unity. We look forward to welcoming our military veterans and their families from our Valley College and Crafton Hills College Veterans Resource Centers to join us. Their service and dedication inspire us, and we are honored to celebrate Independence Day alongside them. This evening will be an unforgettable blend of live music, connection, and community pride.”

The concert begins at 7:30 pm, but the public is invited to arrive by 5 p.m. to take part in the College’s annual SUMMERFEST which will include information on the Veteran’s Resource Center, as well as many other educational opportunities, kids activities, campus tours, and a number of food trucks. Concert attendees may also bring their own picnic baskets into the stadium for the concert.

Members of the public who wish to fund a $10 General Admission ticket for one or more local heroes, may visit the Symphony Sponsorship Page, click on “Click to Make a Gift,” and select “Seats for Service Personnel” from the drop down menu. Donations may also be mailed to the Symphony at PO Box 109, San Bernardino, CA 92402 (be sure to indicate your check is for Seats for Service Personnel) or made via credit card by phone to (909) 381-5388.

All donations will be recognized at the July 6th Concert and in concert program books for the following 12 months.

Last year’s annual concert under the stars welcomed over 3,000 people at reserved table seating and at general admission lawn seating for which sales stay open until event time.

“Once again, Maestro Parnther has curated a concert that will exceed expectations! This annual evening under the stars  has never failed to bring the entire community together to share in the uniting power of music,” declared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano.

Tickets, Location Details, and Piccolo Registration

Assigned table seating tickets for “America, the Beautiful” are available at $30-$100 per seat and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. General admission lawn seats are $10 per person with children under 12 free. General admission ticketholders are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or blankets.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available throughout the campus. General admission tickets will be on sale at the event.

Piccoloists who register, rehearse, and participate in the performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” will receive General Admission tickets for themselves and their families.