VENTURA — Ventura College’s Miriam & Henry Schwab Academy of Music, scheduled for mid-July, has been cancelled in keeping with state, health and school closure guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
“We are very disappointed that we cannot hold the academy this year,” says Tim Harrison, dean of Performing Arts at Ventura College. “Over 100 student musicians from throughout the county had registered and were looking forward to participating.” Students are currently being notified of the cancellation.
All summer school classes at the college have been moved online. “The nature of the summer music program requires close proximity of students so proper distancing would be impossible to achieve,” says Harrison.
In 2018, the Ventura College Foundation received $12 million from the estate of Miriam Schwab. Eighty-five percent of her gift was earmarked for the Ventura College Instrumental Music Program and included an annual summer instrumental music academy. The first academy took place in 2019.
During the intensive three-week program, students develop chamber music, orchestral instrumental music and ensemble skills. Students rehearse and take part in nine public performances. Also canceled is the 11th Annual Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition. Held in the final week of the academy, it is an opportunity for young musicians to showcase their talents.
“We hope to add additional Schwab Academy programs in the fall and spring leading to the summer academy in 2021,” says Harrison.
For more about the Miriam & Henry Schwab Academy of Music at Ventura College, go to https://www.venturacollege.edu and type in Schwab Academy in the Search box.
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org