The Pacific Changes Its Schools Program

In an effort to reach more pupils, the Pacific Symphony will replace its in-school programs with a series of 12 free concerts at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.

The two-season series, which is to begin in May, is expected to cost $150,000, about $80,000 more than two seasons of in-school programs. Of the difference, $50,000 will come from a grant from the Taco Bell Corp. in Irvine and the rest will come from smaller anticipated donations, according to Louis Spisto, the orchestra’s executive director.

This season’s programs will include a commissioned work by orchestra artist-in-residence Hector Armienta featuring third-graders playing indigenous instruments of the Americas. Armienta’s residency is being funded with a $20,000 grant from the city of Santa Ana that also will go toward other outreach programs.

The orchestra has been presenting in-school concerts since 1982.