ABOUT US

The Big Bear Strings program provides students from around the Big Bear Valley with the opportunity to develop music skills.  With recent cuts to public education spending, private funds are needed to continue these programs. Music programs in the schools help our kids and communities in real and substantial ways.  Skills learned through the discipline of music transfer to study skills, communication skills, and cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum. Studying music encourages self-discipline and diligence, traits that carry over into intellectual pursuits that lead to effective study and work habits.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Sharon Rizzo, a Connecticut native, holds music degrees in cello performance from the University of Connecticut and the University of California, Irvine.  Sharon also holds an Artist Certificate in Cello from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and a single subject teaching credential in music. As a professional cellist, she has been a member of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra for nine years and has performed with many symphony orchestras in California, Texas and Connecticut.  Her strength is chamber music, and she is one of the founding members and cellist of the Bella Musica Quartet.  She has performed across the U.S. and abroad to Rome, Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong. Through the Bear Valley Unified School District and Steven G. Mihaylo Strings, Sharon has built her Programs to serve over 100 students per year. Her dream is to take her students to perform abroad and share her unique musical experiences with them.

WHAT’S NEW

As of August 15th, the Elementary Strings Program is up and running with classes in all three elementary schools. Meeting our goal of 100 applications, we’re sure to blow the roof off at our next concert.

Be sure to mark your calendars for our two upcoming benefit concerts. On September 10th, Pianist Mike Cross debuts his new album “Gemini’s Dream” at the home of John and Barbara King in Big Bear.  Sharon Rizzo and Barbara King will begin the concert with several French cello pieces.  The Concert will begin at 7:00pm with wine and cheese on the deck at 6:30pm.  There will be an afterglow reception featuring desert from the Copper Q.  The cost is $30, with proceeds to benefit the Elementary Strings Program.

On Saturday, October 1st, please join us for a return engagement of Sharon Rizzo’s Quartet, Bella Musica. Enjoy the talents of this professional flute and strings ensemble with delightful stories about the music. The concert begins at 7:00 pm at the Community Church in Big Bear Lake. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for students with proceeds to benefit the Elementary Strings Program. To make reservations for both concerts, contact Tracy Walton at 909-585-1786, P.O. Box 2591, Big Bear City, CA 92314.

If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation of any size, please send to:

Lighthouse Project/Big Bear Strings, c/o Tracy Walton, P.O. Box 2591, Big Bear City, CA 92314

Awards and Recognition

Big Bear Strings have earned a Gold Rating (a score of 90% or above) at the Forum Music Festival four years in a row. Last year, Big Bear had a record high number of seventeen elementary students accepted into the All County Orchestra, where they participated in a concert at the University of Redlands with other county musicians.

Students who began in the Elementary Strings Program have gone on to win numerous awards, both as an orchestra and individually. These awards include first place at the Judges Invitation Only Festival, two first place winners and two runner ups at San Bernardino County Solofest, and Rotary winners who have advanced both to regionals and again on to finals.