Looking for something to warm your heart, lift your spirits and stir the soul? Then you’ll want to attend tonight’s second annual Hart District Honor Band Gala set to begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium on Newhall Avenue.

The stage is set as the gala is about to get underway. The musicians are practiced, silent auction items beckon, and hors d’oeuvre trays ready to pass. The only thing left is to welcome the audience. Tickets are still available for tonight’s concert performance that you won’t want to miss.

While the honor band itself marks a 25-year tradition, the Friday night gala was first developed last year to give the community opportunity to experience the musical excellence of talented student performers from each of our high school campuses. Representing the “best of the best,” tonight’s concert performance includes leading musicians from Canyon, Golden Valley, Hart, Saugus, Valencia and West Ranch high schools, along with select ensemble members from the junior high schools.

The most successful students in school are typically those who connect with something that brings a positive influence into their young lives. Every teenager on stage this evening possesses a strong connection to music. Many will pursue careers in music; others will seek different paths. But one thing is certain and common amongst all – each embraces music as an important element in life.

One thing that makes the honor band stand apart from other local band performances is the competitive audition process. In fact, there are so many students involved in local school music programs that auditions are spread across two days. Based on qualifying try-outs and interviews in January, students scoring high marks earned a spot on the junior high and senior high school honor bands respectively. Beyond the resume-building distinction of performing in the district-wide honor band, students gain the experience of exposure to renowned guest conductors.

Kudos and thanks go to the individuals and local businesses who helped make this evening’s gala possible. Participating sponsors include KHTS AM-1220, Cambrass Music, Nick Rail, Remo Drums, Little School of Music, Mostly Saxes, World Music, Keyboard Galleria, SCV-Arts, Santa Clarita Valley Facilities Foundation, Owen Patterson & Owen, Kellar Davis Real Estate, and Mark Hershey. All involved in tonight’s gala performance hope to fill the house – our hardworking, talented students deserve nothing less than our community’s lively fanfare and enthusiastic applause.

Please join us for an evening of wonderful music that’s too good to miss. All proceeds benefit music programs in our schools and award scholarships to outstanding student musicians. Ticket window opens at 6:45 p.m., silent auction at 7:00 p.m. followed by the concert performance at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

The Hart Auditorium is located at 24825 Newhall Avenue. For more information, contact Pat Willett, Hart District, at 259-0033, ext. 227.