Prelude in the Park Begins Concert Season

Musicians from are preparing to share their talents with the community at the fifth annual Prelude at the Park.

On Sunday, the school's instrumental ensembles will put on a free community concert at  from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This year, the school's new symphony orchestra will be kicking off the concert portion of the event, said band director Dan Fritz.

"It is a nice way to start the summer season," he said. "An outdoor concert is pretty rare for us. It presents some challenges (like logistics and amplification) but is something different and fun for us to do."

Fritz said that the toughest part of the concert is fitting in performances by all the musical groups in the short time frame.

"We start fairly late to avoid the heat of the day but need to conclude early enough so it's not too dark when we end," he said.

The music on Sunday will begin at 5 p.m. "We have so many ensembles and performing groups and they all do something at the event," he said.

The performances will feature a variety of music styles, ranging from English orchestra to traditional American wind band to modern jazz. The El Toro High School Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band will perform, as will the Drum Line and Color Guard.

In addition to the music, Prelude in the Park will have food for sale, games for children and family activities.

• (See Lake Forest Patch's coverage of the 2011 Prelude in the Park here: )

Proceeds from the event will support the school’s music, marching band and pageantry programs by helping fund operating costs such as repair and replacement of instruments; transportation, competition and festival entry fees; sheet music and staff support.

"I think that sometimes we forget the huge role that music plays in all of our lives in so many ways," Fritz said. "Supporting the next generation of musicians and artists allows the students to continue to appreciate and participate in art and music throughout their lives."

Budget cuts have reduced the already-limited funding available for music education at California's public schools.

"There is very limited funding from the state of California to support the continued music education of students so we are grateful for any support from the community," he added.

The concert is a partnership between the city of Lake Forest and the El Toro High School Instrumental Music Pageantry Boosters.

"One of our booster presidents several years ago approached the city with the idea," Fritz said. "We have participated in the city's fourth of July parade for many many years and this was a way to expand our relationship with the community."

Prelude in the Park is the first in a series of concerts the city of Lake Forest will host throughout the summer at city parks.