Holiday Boutique Helps Youth Learn About Music

By Chris MacDonald

The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee's 9th annual Holiday Boutique recently featured 26 jewelry, craft, décor, gourmet and clothes vendors, who helped raise funds for free, innovative youth music education. The Orange County Philharmonic Society's Youth Programs annually show more than 160,000 students (first grade through high school) how to appreciate all types of music,” said Karen Ridout, chairperson of the popular Boutique at Huntington Harbour Mall.

More than 600 people visited the boutique to purchase their holiday décor and gifts. Helping create the festive atmosphere was renown composer and pianist Danny Barrios, who donated his time to pay back” the Philharmonic for all they do for the schools. I'm troubled by all the cutbacks in music and the arts in our schools,” Barrios said. I grew up in Fullerton and got turned on to music by the programs in our grade, middle and high schools,” he said. Barrios was a music major at Fullerton College and particularly enjoyed classical and piano courses. I'm proud to help support the effort to bring music education to our kids.”

Also helping raise funds for youth music programs is the famous 53rd annual Huntington Harbour Philharmonic's Cruise of Lights, Dec. 17 through 23. Thousands participate on narrated boat tours among the holiday-decorated vessels, harbor and houses,” said longtime volunteer Eva Kilgore. Everyone looks forward to this every year. Millions of colorful lights turn this experience into a festive, fun memory that helps us appreciate the holidays.”

For further information, contact HHPCBOUTIQUE@yahoo.com, phone 714-840-7542 or visit CruiseofLights.org

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