By Lookout Staff

September 26, 2023 -- The award-winning Santa Monica High School Orchestra Program, which is celebrating 120 years this season, will present a benefit concert next week showcasing movie music, School District officials said Wednesday.

The concert -- titled Movie Music Magic -- will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, October 6 in the Historic Barnum Hall on the Samohi campus.

The Sinfonia, Intermezzo, Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras under the direction of Jason Aiello and Jim Wang will perform pieces from movie favorites, concert organizers said.

They include music from the soundtracks for "Aladdin," "Harry Potter," "My Neighbor Totoro," "Howl’s Moving Castle" and "Highlights from Studio Ghibli."

Open to the community at large, the event will feature a number of activities, including a bake sale with "sweet and savory treats," a costume parade and a movie character meet and greet.

"Children are welcome and encouraged to attend, and to dress up as their favorite movie character," organizers said.

"As a benefit concert for the Samohi Orchestras, this event plays a critical role in funding the program, which welcomes all interested students regardless of experience or financial situation."

The School provides instruments and music instruction to all interested students starting in fourth grade, District officials said.

Samohi's music program is recognized as one of the top programs in the country, and the school's top orchestras have performed in world class venues across the U.S. and the world, officials said.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets click here

Concessions start at 5:30 p.m., doors open at 6:15 p.m., and the costume parade starts at 6:45 p.m. the concert begins at 7 p.m.

To learn more about, or to donate to the Samohi Orchestras program visit: https://www.samohiorchestras.com/