Performing Arts hosts free concerts featuring professional musicians

Story by Ripp Friesen 

Concert Hour, a free hour-long concert, provides the Palomar campus community with artistic performances year-round.

The performances are held from 1 – 2 p.m. most Thursdays throughout the semester. 

These events feature musical talents from local artists and students. At the end of the semester, Concert Hour hosts a special ceremony to honor students in Palomar Performing Arts.

The performances are normally held in the Howard Brubeck Theatre or in the Performance Lab (Room D10).

Those who attend the performance are allowed to enter 10 minutes prior to the concert starting and any late arrivals will be admitted during the first performance pause.

Seating is on a first come first serve basis so arriving early is recommended. For those who come from off campus, campus police provide guest parking passes along with directions to designated parking areas for the event.

According to box office and house manager, Heather Murray, Concert Hour originated in the mid-seventies as a way for students to attend full concerts with professional musicians.

“Not all students have the resources to go out and see professional musicians,” Murray said. “If we can bring professional musicians to them, all the better, right?” 

For music lovers or people looking for something to do, Concert Hour is here for students the community.

“They have no excuse not to see a jazz quartet as well as a solo violinist,” Murray said. “We’ve had everything from classical pianists to folk jug bands and everything in-between.”

One Concert Hour goer was music major Weston Scrivner, a three year Palomar student who has been going to the performances since his first semester.

“I think it’s fantastic and I think it should be continued” Scrivner said. “Music is such a universal communication.”

Concert Hour will end the semester with an Honors Recital put on by the top Applied Music students. 

After the recital, the Annual Scholarship Awards will be held honoring all Palomar Arts students.

For more information on future Concert Hour performances visit www.palomarperforms.com or call (760) 214-9109.