Back to School Benefit Concert featuring DJUSD Orchestra Students with Lara Downes

The 88 KEYS Foundation and the Davis Schools Orchestral Music Association (DSOMA) are presenting a "Back to School Benefit Concert" on Sunday afternoon, September 23, at 2:00 p.m. In the Brunelle Performance Hall at Davis High School. Proceeds will benefit music education in the Davis Schools Orchestra program as well as strengthen small music programs in local schools through the 88 Keys Foundation.

The concert program is very personal, featuring chamber works by Brahms, Schumann, and Beethoven, with Lara Downes—founder and director of the 88 KEYS Foundation—performing selected works  alongside students in the Davis Schools Orchestra program.

Admission is available at the door only, and is by suggested donation of $12 for adults and $6 for  students or children—although not required. The organizations believe that music is meant to be enjoyed by all and no attendee will be turned away due to the ability to donate if there is space available.

Since its founding in 2008 by Lara Downes (Steinway Concert Artist and Artist-in-Residence at the Mondavi Center) the 88 KEYS Foundation has placed dozens of pianos in K–12 public schools, where these instruments are bringing life to struggling music programs. Recently featured in the New York Times, the 88 KEYS Foundation, aptly named for the 88 keys on the piano, is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, active throughout the Sacramento region in creating and rejuvenating music education efforts in local schools through donations of pianos and the support of music education programming.