On October 8, 2024, Bay District Schools, in collaboration with several community partners including the Panama City Symphony, Florida Power & Light, Reliant South Construction Group, and Dr. James Clemmons, hosted the inaugural Symphony Surprise Day drawing at Northside Elementary School in Panama City, Florida. This initiative aims to provide students and their families from Bay, Gulf, and Washington counties a chance to experience the joy of live orchestral music. The sponsors generously donated approximately 400 tickets, valuing around $20,000, making it possible for these students to access cultural experiences that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
During the event, Bay District Schools superintendent Mark McQueen and Panama City Symphony maestro Sergey Bogza drew three student winners, each receiving tickets to enjoy upcoming symphony concerts such as “Mischief at the Masquerade Ball” and “Holiday by the Bay.” This drawing not only brought excitement to the students but also reinforced the aim of integrating arts into the educational experience. Among the winners was third grader Reese Hill, who received a free family ticket to the Panama City Symphony. The event underscores the commitment of local educational and cultural leaders to foster a love for the arts in young students.
Superintendent McQueen emphasized the importance of incorporating arts into the curriculum by stating the initiative strives to restore the “A” back into Bay County, signifying the critical role arts play in creating well-rounded individuals. His sentiment is echoed by the efforts to reach out to all students, which the administrators believe will enhance their lives significantly and contribute to their development as well-rounded citizens. The supportive atmosphere of the event reflects a collective vision for a community where arts education is prioritized and made accessible to every student.
Maestro Bogza shared his own vision for the symphony, which involves making symphonic music less intimidating and more accessible to children and families. He noted that part of the experience for the students will include pre-concert discussions with symphony representatives. Through these briefings, students will gain insights about what to expect from the concert, learn about proper etiquette at the symphony, familiarize themselves with the instruments, and have opportunities to meet various musicians. This approach serves to bridge the gap between the children and orchestral music, ensuring that their first experience is welcoming and enjoyable.
In addition to the tickets provided for select events, the initiative serves as an introduction to a larger world of culture and music for students in the region. Engaging with the symphony not only entertains but also cultivates an appreciation for the arts, fostering future generations of audiences and even potential musicians. This outreach program can create lasting impact on the lives of the students and inspire them to pursue creative paths.
For anyone interested in learning more about the offerings of the Panama City Symphony, information is available on their official website or by phone, allowing the community to stay connected with the cultural activities and events planned for the future. The Symphony Surprise Day at Northside Elementary School marks a significant step forward in building a bridge between education and the arts, promoting cultural enthusiasm among students and their families in the Bay District.
