Ovation’s “The Score” – Fall 2026 Issue
IN THIS ISSUE
1. Chair’s Column from Jennifer “JJ” Jank
Hi Ovation,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 season for Ovation and the Long Beach Symphony! Between the two organizations, we’ve got some great events this year, including Picnic at the Beach and the opening concert of the year which celebrates our nation’s 250th anniversary.
This is also my first year as chair, and I welcome feedback and suggestions from our Ovation community. If you don’t know me, I played violin when I was in grade school and am now learning cello. I lived in San Diego for about a year and a half and during that time I ushered for the San Diego Symphony. When I moved to Long Beach, I knew I wanted to be a part of the music community here as well. For the past two years I’ve served as the Ovation Council’s Administrative Secretary.
I’m excited to be working with our Ovation Council as we support the Symphony. Even if you’re not a member of the Council, as long as you’re an Ovation member, you’re welcome to attend our monthly meetings. They’re held on the 4th Wednesday of each month (not always the last Wednesday) at 4pm at the Conservation Corps offices at 340 Nieto Avenue here in Long Beach. No December meeting.
I hope to see you soon!
Cheers,
Jennifer “JJ” Jank
2. Annual Council Meeting
At Ovation’s Tea Party in June, no one tried to stuff a mouse into a teapot or levitate the plates and saucers, but the laughter and camaraderie were just as loud and the tea and crumpets infinitely better! A big thank you to all our members who joined this year’s Ovation Annual Meeting and Afternoon Tea on June 24th at the Library in the Pacific Condominiums, it was a very special opportunity to celebrate all the past year’s accomplishments and learn about future activities.
The meeting was led by our Ovation Council Chair, Judy D’Ambrosio, and highlighted year end reports from all the Council and Committee Chairs. Updates included: Treasury by Vicki Sawtelle; Ovation Occasions by Kris Ajello; Ovation Volunteers by Glenn and Delfina Skalland; Education Programs by Ethel Sanford; Rehearsal Receptions – Classics & Pops by Shannon Taylor and Ethel Sanford; Patron Engagement by Mary Lang; The Score by Shelley O’Neil, Membership by Victoria Chenevey; Slate of Officers for 2026-2027 by Judy D’Ambrosio and Joan Greenwood. Kelly Ruggirello, Long Beach Symphony President, then provided a very interesting and detailed outline of the Symphony Year in Review highlights and Upcoming Plans and announced Ethel Sanford as the winner of the Bobbie Cusato Volunteer of the Year Award.
A New Business item discussing a 2027 Ovation Fundraising Event was then led by Victoria Chenevey.
Judy finished out the meeting leading a very special recognition to Bobbie Cusato for all her contributions to Ovation and the Symphony throughout her many years of participation. She also gave a shout out to Mark Hilmar as Ovation liaison to the Symphony, and recognized the amazing efforts of Margret Good for catering the event and beautiful table settings and Laurie Lane (Margaret’s sister), Naomi Sakai and Carol Hesse for their help in room set up and clean up.
Attendees were then free to visit and enjoy the abundance of delicious food and drink. It was a special afternoon for all!
3. Ethel Sanford Honored as Bobbie Cusato Volunteer of the Year
On June 2, 2026, the Long Beach Symphony proudly honored Ethel Sanford as the recipient of the annual Bobbie Cusato Volunteer of the Year Award.
Named in honor of Bobbie Cusato’s extraordinary legacy of service, the award recognizes an individual whose selflessness, passion, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Symphony family. Ethel’s decades of devoted service made her a fitting recipient of this special honor.
Decades of Dedicated Leadership & Service
Ethel has been a cornerstone of the Long Beach Symphony for decades. Her commitment to the organization’s mission has touched nearly every corner of the Symphony, with her recent contributions continuing to exemplify what it means to go above and beyond.
Ethel brings her invaluable insight and vision to the Symphony’s strategic planning through her service on the Music Education & Community Committee. She also graciously stepped back into the vital role of Ovation Education Chair, bringing her seasoned leadership to the Symphony’s educational initiatives.
Her dedication to inspiring the next generation of musicians extends to hands-on engagement at the Instrument Petting Zoo and support for the artistic programming behind the Symphony’s Youth Concerts. Through these efforts, Ethel has helped spark a lifelong love of music for thousands of children in our community.
“Ethel’s passion for music education and her unwavering willingness to step up whenever the Symphony needs her are truly inspiring. From her leadership on our Education Committee to her hands-on work with our youth programs, she embodies the very spirit of the Bobbie Cusato Award. We are profoundly grateful for her decades of devotion.”
The Long Beach Symphony extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ethel and gratitude for the countless ways she has contributed to the organization and the community. Her leadership, generosity, and dedication continue to make a lasting difference.
4. Family Concerts Recap: Peter & the Wolf and Pirates of the Caribbean
RuMBa Foundation Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf
On June 7, 2026, Long Beach Symphony welcomed children and families to the Terrace Theater for the RuMBa Foundation Family Concert, a festival-style afternoon celebrating music, creativity, and imagination. Led by Music Director Eckart Preu, the concert featured Prokofiev’s beloved Peter and the Wolf, with narrator James Petri bringing the story to life.
Before the performance, families enjoyed hands-on activities including the Instrument Petting Zoo, arts and crafts, lawn games, and Conducting 101, where children could make their own batons and experience what it’s like to lead an orchestra.
Ovation members played a key role in helping make the day fun and engaging for children and families, assisting with activities and creating welcoming, memorable experiences throughout the event. Their enthusiasm and support helped bring the Symphony’s mission of connecting young people with music to life.
With children 17 and under admitted free, the event provided an accessible and joyful opportunity for families to discover the sights, sounds, and excitement of a live orchestra together.
Pirates of the Caribbean at F&M Bank Amphitheater
On August 20, 2026, Long Beach Symphony welcomed audiences to the brand-new F&M Bank Amphitheater for its first concert at the beautiful new venue. Under the direction of conductor Susie Benchasil Seiter, the Symphony performed Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer’s iconic score to Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl live alongside the film.
The evening also featured Family Concert activities throughout the venue, giving children and families the opportunity to enjoy hands-on fun before the performance. Ovation members were there to help staff the activity stations, engaging with families and helping create a welcoming and memorable experience for young concertgoers.
With music, movies, family activities, and a summer evening by the sea, the concert offered a memorable introduction to the Symphony’s new home at F&M Bank Amphitheater.
5. Instrument Petting Zoo Summer Series
This summer, Long Beach Symphony brought the Instrument Petting Zoo (IPZ) to 20 local libraries, giving young music lovers the chance to get up close and hands-on with the instruments of the orchestra! Knowledgeable volunteers shared how each instrument works, how to make it sing, and where it fits into the orchestra. Then came the fun part: kids got to put what they learned to the test and try the instruments themselves! The IPZ is all about sparking curiosity, encouraging kids to pick up an instrument, and creating lifelong music lovers. important because dues and contributions are used to support the goals and mission of the Long Beach Symphony. Once again, our Ovation volunteers played a very special part in helping to bring these IPZs to life. And a special call out to Glenn Skalland who picked up a trombone for the first time in decades to perform alongside the volunteers at several IPZs!
6. Ovation Occasion: Piano Recital
Ovation members were treated to a special summer garden party on August 27th and from the sounds of the feedback, everyone who attended had a great time! Lyn and John Pohlmann graciously opened their beautiful home and gardens to host a piano recital on their two custom one-of-a-kind Italian Fazioli pianos featuring the talented Don Briggs as pianist. The gathering was held from 4-6pm, hors d’oeuvres, wine, cold beverages and dessert were served, and guests were able to mingle before enjoying the main event. Don played both pianos and sang a number of classics and contemporary numbers including light rock, jazz and a very special original composition. A heartfelt thank you to Don, Lyn, John and the Ovation Occasions team for bringing us this lovely event.↑ Back to top
7. Ovation Membership Renewal
by Judy D’Ambrosio
Thank you so much to everyone that has renewed your membership and support for Long Beach Symphony activities. Your willingness to give freely of your time and service is greatly appreciated. Our annual membership year is July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. We would like to welcome three new members who joined Ovation during the annual renewal cycle: Tera Fowler, Sheila Gibbons and Alan Giomi. If you have not yet renewed your membership, please go to www.longbeachsymphony.org/ovation and follow the instructions online. Your membership is important because dues and contributions are used to support the goals and mission of the Long Beach Symphony.Like most organizations, Ovation is always looking for more members. If you know a friend of neighbor who may be interested in anything from working with students in music education programs to raising funds at special benefit events, please encourage them to join Ovation. Volunteering gives individuals the chance to give back to their community, develop new skills, and meet people with similar interests. Feel free to share the online enrollment information with friends and family.We look forward to your continued volunteer involvement with Ovation!.↑ Back to top
8. Save the Date: Picnic At The Beach
Hope you’re planning to join us for this year’s Picnic at the Beach with Maestro Preu. We will be Beachside at the Pacific on October 9th at 11am. This year’s special event is a great way to start the 2026-27 Symphony season and celebrate Maestro Eckart Preu’s 10th Anniversary with the Long Beach Symphony! Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the season ahead as Maestro Preu shares the stories and inspiration behind this year’s exciting lineup while visiting with other Ovation members and enjoying the beautiful beach view. Looking forward to seeing you there!.↑ Back to top
9. Ovation Council and Committee Chair Members
Chair – Jennifer “JJ” Jank
Chair Elect for 2028-29 – Shelley O’Neil
Past Chair – Judy D’Ambrosio
Secretary – Bernetta Evans
Treasurer – Doug Lane
Membership – Judy D’Ambrosio & Joan Greenwood
Committee Chairs:
- Education – Ethel Sanford & Richard Metzler
- Fundraising – Victoria Chenevey
- Nominating – Judy D’Ambrosio
- Ovation Occasions – Kris Ajello
- Parliamentarian – Joan Greenwood
- Patron Engagement – Mary and Steve Lang
- Personal Communications – Kay Marsik
- Classics Rehearsal Refreshments – Shannon Taylor
- POPS Rehearsal Refreshments – Bobbie Cusato
- Tributes & Memorials – Judy Way
- Volunteer Coordinators – Delfina and Glenn Skalland
- Vital Information Custodian–Vicki Sawtelle
- Weekly Office Team – Victoria Chenevey