Palomar Symphony Orchestra joyously advances into its 80th year
Since the college opened on September 23, 1946, Palomar College has had lively music and choral programs. The college's first student concert was on December 12, 13 and 15th, 1946 at churches in Escondido, Fallbrook and Vista. Performing Handel's Messiah, this choral and orchestra ensemble of 80 people was the germ of the current Palomar Symphony Orchestra.
Beginnings
One of Palomar College's first faculty members was William Vogel, pianist and composer. He had been the previous director for the School of Music at the University of Alabama and moved to San Diego County on August 27, 1946 to take up position at the brand new community college.
The first public concert for the college was in fact given by Mr. Vogel at the Vista High School Auditorium on November 7, 1946.
Growth
Shortly after the college's beginning, a dance orchestra was established in December of 1946. Ear-training and Dictation classes were added in the Spring of 1947 and the chorus began to rehearse "Grand Opera" choruses, although it fell through. It was decided to "put increased emphasis this year upon the new orchestra."
In the Fall of 1947, the first concert took place in December with Mendelssohn's Elijah, and an invitation to members of the community to join the orchestra was published.
The final concert of the orchestra that semester took place at Vista high school's auditorium with 30 players. The concert included the Nutcracker Suite and Schubert's Unfinished Symphony. In addition, the Glee Club presented an unnamed cantata interpreted by 22 costumed dancers as the first interdisciplinary performance.
In 1948, the college decided to build permenantly in San Marcos, CA and the band and Glee club gave a joint concert in May 1948. In 1949, Howard Kay became the next head of the Music Department,, getting the Comet Band organized and underway.
In 1950, classes began at San Marcos and the orchestra (originally organized by Alfred Williams in 1946 to meet at San Dieguito High School and conducted by Anna MacClanahan, followed by Fritz Emrich) shifted to be associated with the Palomar College Adult Education Program in that location.
Ralph Streano's Symphonette was invited in October of that year and the first fall concert featured Strauss, J.S.Bach, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
Howard Kay conducted his last performance in 1952 and Howard Brubeck was hired to lead the orchestra in 1953.
Today
Today, Palomar Community College is recognized as the oldest performing ensemble in the North San Diego County area and is currently directed by Dr. Ellen Weller.
Its mission is to train up students as the professional musicians of tomorrow and instill a love of music to all.
To another 80 years!
If you would like to read more about some of Palomar College's music history, please feel free to click the link below to access an article written by Joe Stanford from the Golden Jubilee book on the Music Department.
Credits for pictures go to this article and also to the Palomar Telescope website.