ARC's Symphonic sounds fill community center

Some members are doctors, lawyers, teachers, business executives or retired professionals. Others are ARC students such as Lana Popova, who has played the cello for two years in the orchestra. She is transferring to Davis next semester to pursue her major in English, a career that "has nothing to do with music," she said.

This is not the case for Jenifer Michael, who has played the flute for 10 years. She has always been in concert bands and is majoring in music. She shares her enthusiasm with her friend, Ellen Moore, a former percussion player who now plays the bass in orchestra. Moore says she learned to play the new instrument at ARC.

"[The professors] are very good. They encourage you in the music world," she said.

According to Lopes, who has worked with the orchestra for 10 years now, about 25 percent of the members are ARC students. The rehearsal for the fall season begins in August.

The next concert, also free, will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at the ARC Theatre at 8 p.m. For more information interested students can call (916) 484-8368.