Corona Symphony Orchestra seeks new classrooms amid relocation concerns

The Corona City Council meeting on April 16, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the future of the Corona Symphony Orchestra and its associated conservatory, which serves approximately 85 young music students. During the meeting, representatives from the orchestra expressed their worries about a potential relocation due to space constraints, emphasizing the need for adequate facilities to support their educational programs.

Dawn, a representative from the orchestra, detailed the challenges posed by the proposed move to an upstairs location, citing logistical issues related to transporting expensive string instruments and the necessity for multiple classrooms to accommodate their teaching staff and students. The orchestra currently operates with 12 teachers and requires 9 to 10 individual classrooms to effectively manage their programs, which include beginning, intermediate, and advanced orchestras.

Another speaker, Don Fuller, echoed these concerns, urging the council to consider the needs of existing organizations before making decisions that could displace them. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any relocation efforts are accompanied by genuine support and not merely empty promises. Fuller also raised concerns about the auditorium's capacity, questioning its suitability as a performing arts center.

The discussions underscored the critical role that the Corona Symphony Orchestra plays in the community, particularly in providing string music education that was previously unavailable in local schools. As the council considers future plans for the facility, the voices of those directly impacted by these decisions will be essential in shaping a solution that meets the needs of both the orchestra and the broader community. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the future of arts education in Corona.