The Thousand Oaks Philharmonic is one of two regional professional orchestras in the greater Ventura County area. It was founded in 2000 to provide the chance for young soloists from the area to perform with a professional orchestra in front of a live audience, and to provide educational and culturally enriching experiences for the communities it serves. The musicians of the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic are all professional union musicians from the Los Angeles musician's union AFM Local 47.

The soloists are selected for a performance spot through scholarship competitions. Entrants are awarded scholarships from multiple arts organizations or from Steinway and Sons. These scholarships are augmented by additional scholarships from the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic.

The Thousand Oaks Philharmonic performs in the finest concert hall in Ventura County, the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. They also perform as a community outreach at the Camarillo United Methodist Church, and have been the featured orchestra with the Ventura Music Festival.

The orchestra's conductor Dr. John Roscigno, began directing the orchestra in 2010 for its 11th season.

The Thousand Oaks Philharmonic is a 501c3 charity and governed by a working board of directors. There are no paid staff positions, all the work of the orchestra is done by dedicated volunteers.

Unique Qualities

The Thousand Oaks Philharmonic performs concerto repertoire, featuring six to eight student soloists. The soloists develop the focus and self discipline to plan and prepare their performance for up to a year in advance. They also develop the confidence to stand with the professionals, and in front of an audience while presenting themselves.

The soloists are interviewed during dress rehearsals, and the interviews are broadcast on internet television.

Educational Programs for Young Artists and Future Leaders

• The Hammered Master Class Series provides lecture and performance class opportunities for young pianists with the faculty from the major universities in the area, including California State University Northridge, Pepperdine, Loyola, UCLA and USC. The selected students receive musical guidance, form personal connections with potential future teachers, and ask about those schools.

• The WINGS Master Class Series provides similar lecture, class and personal connection development for wind and string soloists.

Community Service Programs

• Selected soloists of the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic program perform as instrumental soloists in recitals for senior communities in the region.

• The Thousand Oaks Philharmonic holds joint fundraising events with other arts groups and community events in the region, including the New West Symphony, the Conejo Valley Days and the Ventura County Community Foundation.

Volunteers

The volunteer organization of the orchestra is called the "Friends of the Phil." The all-volunteer organization provides

• Meals for the orchestra at rehearsals

• Receptions after concerts

• Parties and fundraising events

• Help with community events

External links

• Thousand Oaks Philharmonic Official website
• Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Official website