History
 

       The San Diego Symphony celebrated its first season in 1910-1911 and has enjoyed strong public support throughout most of its history. But the lights went out in Symphony Hall in 1996 and the Symphony League was disbanded at the same time. Since there remained a need to further the community's appreciation of music, a group that included many former League Board-members established Advocates for Classical Music (AFCM), a non-profit corporation consisting entirely of volunteers.

During the years between its creation in 1996 and the reorganization of the Symphony, AFCM helped facilitate Sweetwater Union High School District Honors Orchestra performances and developed a music docent program to increase children's enjoyment of those concerts.

When the San Diego Symphony reopened its doors, AFCM expanded its docent program to include children attending the Symphony's Young People's Concerts.  In addition, AFCM members provided financial assistance to the Symphony and were the first to "Partner with a Player." 

Though AFCM no longer participates in the "Partner with a Player" program, it continues to make financial contributions to various organizations involved in classical music for our youth community.  These include the San Diego Youth Symphony, San Diego Unified School District's Educational Fund for Honors Concerts, Sweetwater Unified High School District's Honors Concert, and Classics for Kids.  Funding is also available for tickets and student bus transportation to youth-oriented concerts when students might not otherwise be able to attend.

AFCM provides financial prizes for the winners of the San Diego Symphony's Young Artists Competition ("Hot Shots") and the San Diego Youth Symphony's concerto competition.  We also provide opportunities for them to perform at social and fundraising events. Vice President, Ron Bierman here presents the 2006 Hot Shot first- place scholarship award of $1000 to flutist Mark Teplitsky.
 

All of this years competitors received Youth Symphony and AFCM awards.

In 2005, Classics for Kids asked AFCM's docents to assist in the preparation of students attending their concerts. We were pleased to add them to our schedule.