Rachel Bell, 11, of Eagle Rock, and Julia Carras, 12, of Burbank, were trying every instrument.
The two met and became best friends at Jordan Middle School in Burbank.
Rachel has since moved with her family to Eagle Rock and is attending Renaissance Academy, where she is thriving in the arts programs, said her mother, Judi Bell.
"Rachel just loves a variety of things, and cultural arts are so essential to the energy and life of any community, so that's why we try to do as many things as possible," Judi Bell said. "I couldn't believe this concert was free."
Judi has taken Rachel to classical-music concerts at the Starlight Bowl, Royce Hall and others. Rachel and Julia were trying instruments from the horn section.
"We came early and they've played every instrument," Judi Bell said. "They are just loving it. The question is which one to buy."
Some of the philharmonic officials attending were Lynda Willner of Glendale, president of the board of directors; Connie Cummins, of Eagle Rock, a board member; Elsbeth Riess, of Manhattan Beach, vice president and Judy Gragg, board member.
Several others attending were Robert and Rita Burns, of Glendale attending with Mary Margaret Smith, of Glendale. Smith has underwritten the orchestra's tuba chair. Smith's donation will be given special acknowledgment in the program throughout the orchestra's season.
At least three standing ovations were given to the evening's guest soloist, violinist Lindsay Deutsch, who played Tchaikovsky's "Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra. She literally danced with the violin in a difficult program that she made look effortless.
The Burbank Philharmonic gave energetic renditions to two Mozart selections — Overture to "Don Giovanni" and Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter."
JOYCE RUDOLPH is the features editor. She may be reached at (818) 637-3241 or by e-mail at joyce.rudolphlatimes.com.
