The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will present the 54th Annual Stairway of the Stars at the Civic auditorium in Santa Monica today and Friday at 7:30 p.m. This event remains one of the most popular annual events in the city as it spotlights the proud tradition of music excellence in the community and showcases the talents of the district’s music students, teachers and curriculum. This year’s event will hold special meaning because of the looming budget cuts that have already eliminated the elementary instrumental music program, the fine arts coordinator position, accompanists and music aides.
Without passage of the upcoming school funding initiative on June 3, these programs will not be reinstated, officials said.
The guest conductor this year is Dr. Mary Breden, choral director from Loyola Marymount University.
This year’s award recipient is Neil Hofland. Hofland grew up in South Dakota and Minnesota where he was active in instrumental music, vocal music, and athletics, winning statewide honors in all three. He attended the University of Minnesota on an athletic scholarship and set university records, but continued to be active in music, becoming the first student to win letters in both music and athletics.
Some of the ensembles that will perform this year are the All-District Honor Orchestra (Elementary), High School Jazz Ensemble, Middle and High School Orchestras. This year the Middle and High School Choirs will be spotlighted and featured. Some of the musical selections this year include, O’ Fortuna/Carl Orff, Sing, Sing, Sing/Louis Prima, Pater Noster/Jacob Handl and an inspirational Finale involving nearly all 1,000 performers Tickets cost is $10 and are available at the Professional Development and Learning Center, located at 2802 4th St. or call (310) 450-8338 ext., 79538.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 20, 2003. Read the original PDF.