Symphony’s Music Van Gets Rolling

New West Symphony’s music van will make its debut today at 10 a.m. at the Bank of America at 152 Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.

The van, a musical “petting zoo” filled with instruments, will travel to schools, after-school programs, libraries and other community locations offering hands-on experiences to children.

The symphony’s music director, Boris Brott, will preside over today’s event, and the New West Youth Symphony Brass Quintet will play.

“We hope to have children appreciate music and understand the value of each instrument,” said Chris Francum of Newbury Park, a van volunteer.

The Music Van program was developed a decade ago by the Santa Barbara Symphony. New West has rented that organization’s van for five years, but this year the symphony will have its own vehicle--a gift from a coalition of county Rotary Clubs.

For information on becoming a music van volunteer, call New West Symphony at 643-8646 or 497-5800.