On October 18 and 19, members from Santa Barbara City College’s Symphony and Concert Band were featured in the Santa Barbara Symphony’s 2025-26 season opening concerts. Under the baton of Maestro Nir Kabaretti, the 18 SBCC musicians provided an additional boost of energy to the legendary professionals of the Santa Barbara Symphony at the conclusion of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture.
Hearing the legendary musicians of the Santa Barbara Symphony mere feet from the bells of our students’ instruments was awe inspiring. Upon hearing the professionals play, one of my students said, “Every note is centered and in-tune, no matter how difficult the music is.
It’s amazing!” After hearing Jon Lewis play, a trumpet student said, “His double tonguing is so even. I’ve got to work on that.” These were only a sampling of the positive comments from the SBCC members. This experience has set a new standard of excellence for our students.
In addition to setting a new musical precedent, the members of the Santa Barbara Symphony set a precedent of kindness, hospitality, and mentorship. The tuba player of the SBCC Symphony was so taken with the playing of Luke Storm that he sought out Luke during his precious rehearsal break time. Mr. Storm took the time to answer the student’s questions and even arrange for a private lesson.
Similarly, legendary Principal Trumpeter Jon Lewis had a nice meeting
with eight of our musicians in the hallway backstage. He shared stories, answered questions, and held great conversation with the community and student musicians. Later, just before the concert started, he opened the door to the greenroom and jokingly said, “Be sure to play really loud so I don’t have to play.” Everyone burst out laughing.
The internationally acclaimed conductor of the Santa Barbara Symphony, Maestro Kabaretti, was incredibly gracious. Demonstrating his educational expertise with any level of musician, he gently corrected the student musicians in rehearsal to promote a blend and balance with
the professionals. On several occasions he talked with the SBCC musicians while they staged in the hallway before the concert, thanking them for taking part, and even taking a selfie with the group.
The SBCC Music Department wishes to thank Maestro Kabaretti and the Santa Barbara Symphony for this invitation to collaborate and educate. This is one of many collaborations to come!
