arts & entertainment

A brass quintet from the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will bring “The Night Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol,” to life in another installment of the popular Once Upon an Orchestra musical series for small fry at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM on Saturday, December 12 at McKee Botanical Garden, 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach, 32962.  Designed for preschool and kindergarten aged children, the 40-minute outdoor story time will entertain as well as educate tots about the instruments of the brass family, including the trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba. At each event, youngsters will receive a free copy of the Once Upon an Orchestra coloring book. The musical program for children is free, with regular admission to McKee Botanical Garden. The Once Upon an Orchestra series is funded through a grant by Indian River Impact 100, an organization of women dedicated to impacting the community through transformational giving. For more information about Once Upon an Orchestra, call toll free to 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.  

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Artistic Director, Aaron T. Collins is delighted to present the Once Upon an Orchestra concerts for kids by way of their favorite holiday stories.

“These two concerts are like a musical story time to help introduce brass instruments to the youngsters,” said Collins. “Families are welcome to bring their babies and toddlers, too. The informal concerts are all about fun and learning.”  

For more information about the Space Coast Symphony’s 2020-21 Season, youth programs or the Symphony for Everyone discount ticket program, please visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.

ABOUT INDIAN RIVER IMPACT 100 — Working with nonprofits who serve Indian River County, Indian River Impact 100 are women who collectively impact the lives of individuals and our community through transformational giving. Members each contribute $1,000 and these funds are pooled into $100,000 grants  addressing four focus areas: Education, Enrichment & Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness.

Each year, total funding available for grants is determined by the number of members who join Indian River Impact 100 by February 28. In a typical year, 400 members donate $1,000 and Indian River Impact 100 awards three nonprofits with $100,000 each to fund a high impact grant project. The outcome of projects funded by these grants lead to lasting change in the community. For more information about Indian River Impact 100, visit Impact100ir.com.

ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability.  The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices.  The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.

37-year old Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements.  LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor.  Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County.  Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community. 

Due to COVID-19, the symphony will be performing outdoor “drive-in” concerts through the end of December, 2020.  School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID.  In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert.  Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the non-profit organization also has a youth orchestra and provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.