Ovation’s “The Score” – Winter 2026 Issue

Chair’s Column from Judy D’Ambrosio

As we start 2026, I have been thinking about New Year’s resolutions, defined as personal commitments to improve oneself at the start of the year, often focusing on mental, health (exercise, eating well), finances (saving money, budgeting), personal growth (learning skills, reading), or relationships (family time, connecting). Volunteering can benefit an individual’s mental, physical, and professional well-being, as well as for the community at large. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers. Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.”

I want to recap some of the recent activities supported by Ovation volunteers:

• At the annual Long Beach Symphony Golf Tournament at Virginia Country Club on December 3, 2025 Ovation volunteers were out in force helping make the fundraiser a success.

• In December, Instrument Petting Zoos (IPZ) were held for neighborhood children. New this year was the IPZ held at the Tichenor Clinic for Children in Long Beach. Staff at the clinic said the children really enjoyed the event.

• On January 28 and 29, 2026 Ovation volunteers helped make the Youth Concerts a huge success. Thousands of Long Beach fourth and fifth graders filed into the Terrace Theater. For some of the children it was the first time they were in the Terrace Theater and heard classical music. Additionally, volunteers hosted a VIP reception between youth concerts for our donors, sponsors, and special invited guests.

There are more volunteer opportunities coming up later this year and we will need your participation. We will be soliciting volunteers for Crescendo on May 3, 2026, additional Instrument Petting Zoos, refreshments for concert rehearsals for POPS and Classical, the Family Concert on June 7, 2026 and office support. Please watch your emails for more information. Remember Ovation Council meetings are open to all members. The Council meets at 4:00 PM on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 340 Nieto Ave Long Beach, CA 90814. A standing agenda item at these meetings is volunteer activities.

I hope that volunteering is on your resolution list for 2026 because volunteering is more fun than running on a treadmill.

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Youth Concerts:

Celebrating Inspiration: A Look at the Symphony’s Youth Concerts – by Nancy Fox

This January, the Long Beach Symphony once again opened its doors—and its stage—to approximately 12,000 4^th and 5^th graders from across our community for the annual Youth Concerts. Held on January 28 and 29, 2026, these concerts continued a cherished tradition of nurturing music appreciation, sparking curiosity, and giving students the unforgettable experience of hearing a live orchestra.

The Youth Concerts are among the most meaningful events of the Symphony’s season, and they are made possible in large part by the commitment of Ovation volunteers, who played a vital role throughout both days—greeting classes, guiding teachers and students to their seats, assisting with logistics, and helping ensure a welcoming and smooth-flowing experience for all attendees. Shepherding so many young people does not require any special skills, but it does require a large number of volunteers. This year, a total of 35 volunteers contributed more than 140 hours of service to the Youth Concerts. Though this number is remarkable, we could have used even more help, and it is our hope that more Ovation members will come forward next year for this emotionally rewarding program.

While the performances themselves are the heart of these concerts, the impact goes far beyond the music. For many students, this marks their first visit to a concert hall—and perhaps even their first encounter with a live orchestra. Moments like these can shape a young person’s educational and artistic journey for years to come. As we reflect on the success of this year’s Youth Concerts, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all who volunteered their time and energy. Your enthusiasm and dedication created an atmosphere of warmth and excitement that made these concerts not only possible, but memorable. We look forward to bringing this magic to even more young listeners in the years ahead.

On behalf of the Working Group, I want to thank everyone who attended the Ovation Orientation on December 3, 2025. This inaugural event was designed to enhance volunteer awareness of the Long Beach Symphony Association (LBSA) Governance Structure, Ovation’s Roles and Responsibilities for assisting LBS, and to make one-on-one connections with the various Ovation Committee Chairs. Assisted by Judy D’Ambrosio and Judy Way, I prepared the slide presentation. However, I am forever grateful to them for taking care of all the other details that made this another successful Ovation event. Input and comments from Kelly Ruggirello, Mark Hilmer and Victoria Chenevey were also greatly appreciated. Following a warm introduction by Council Chair Judy D’Ambrosio, Kelly Ruggirello gave an inspiring overview of the Vision and Mission of LBS, how LBSA is organized, and introduced the staff members that make things happen. Then, Judy presented a concise summary of the roles and responsibilities of the various committee chairs and their volunteers. She wrapped up her presentation by reminding us that volunteering is fun and rewarding as well as being a cherished LBS asset. The capstone activity was the breakout session that gave each attendee an opportunity to interact with Chairs to help them find how one of their passions could be converted to Ovation Treasure.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give” (Kahlil Gibran)

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