A Passion for Music

For the second year, Valley View High School student Lindsey Finkelstein will help raise funds for The Moreno Valley Wind Symphony. Finkelstein will be working to raise funds during the upcoming Moreno Valley Wind Symphony concert on Dec. 3 at the Moreno Valley Conference Center. The Wind Symphony will be performing the first concert of the season, "Celebrate the Season" at 7 p.m. Finkelstein is a sophomore at Valley View High School as well as a member of the schools Marching Band and Jazz Band where she plays both the alto and baritone saxophones. She is also a member of the pit crew, The Crimson Regiment, where she plays the Marimba. “I have always loved music. I have been playing since I was in the sixth grade,” Finkelstein said. It was Finkelstein’s sixth grade band teacher, also a member of the Moreno Valley Wind Symphony who first drew Finkelstein and her family to the holiday concert. “I went to support my band teacher who was in the Wind Symphony. After that we kept going more and more. I liked it.” Finkelstein over time grew a strong appreciation for the symphony and grew a desire to help. “It just came to me. I thought, ‘Hey I love this group, why not help them?’” The Moreno Valley Wind Symphony is an all-volunteer band with 70 members. The band is supported through benefactors and donations. Last year, Finkelstein started the Teddy Bear Project for the Symphony, designed to not only raise funds, but also awareness to the benefits of music. “Music is very important. It can help you understand things and touch you,” Finkelstein said, “It is a beautiful thing that you can connect to music. I hope that the community feels the same way too.” Finkelstein sets boxes up for donated Teddy bears throughout Moreno Valley and at community events. Currently one is placed at the Moreno Valley Senior Center. With the donated Teddy bears Finkelstein cleans them. She then dresses them with clothes and accessories. These bears will go with her to community events such as concerts and festivals to be adopted. “I love seeing how people in the community are so happy when they adopt a bear. Especially the kids. I love seeing how their faces light up and knowing they are helping the community,” Finkelstein said. With each adopted Teddy bear an official adoption certificate is given to the person who adopts. There are no price tags with these bears, adopters are encouraged to donate what they can. “I ask for whatever they want to give because it all helps,” Finkelstein said. Through her project Finkelstein was able to fundraise enough money to help the Symphony purchase new music folders last year. Finkelstein plans to continue to raise funds for the Symphony until 2018. “My main goal is to help them get the things they need,” Finkelstein said. Finkelstein's mother, Cindy, feels the experience has been an incredible learning lesson for herself, her daughter, and her family. “What we have learned is there are many people and non-profits who are working to improve the city and help the youth,” said Cindy. For Lindsey Finkelstein she hopes her project continues to help the Symphony as well as her community. “I think it is important to give back to your community and treasure the music. Music is one of those things we can all enjoy together. Be there for your community and support each other.”