Classical music fans looking for volunteers

COAST CITIES — Members of San Diego’s Advocates for Classical Music would like to expand the docent base up here in North County and are particularly interested in expanding their visit to Oceanside schools.
Docents of ACFM, from Encinitas, Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside have been sharing their love and knowledge of music with local school children for 14 years. These aren’t professional musicians or music teachers but volunteers dedicated to music education. Many of AFCM’s docents now have regular ‘gigs’ at favorite schools where they take children on a musical journey with Bach, Beethoven, Prokofiev or Stravinksy.
Advocates for Classical Music partner with the San Diego Symphony and Classics for Kids Philharmonic. In response to teachers’ requests, AFCM trains docents who prepare classes scheduled to attend one of their kid-friendly concerts. Conductors say the experience is more valuable and enjoyable when the children already know something about the composers, their music and their place in history.
AFCM plans to expand its programs in the coming school year. To help offset possible reductions in state funding for arts education, docents will be trained to bring an appreciation of classical music into the classrooms of schools who may be unable to afford concert field-trips.
AFCM is reaching out to the community this summer with an Outreach Volunteer Drive. Training sessions will be offered at central locations. Contact Alan Des Roches at (619) 269-2243 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. Visit www.AdvocatesForClassicalMusic.org.