LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Clear Lake Performing Arts issued a plea to its members at its recent 34th annual meeting to help in a special funding project, over and above annual membership dues.

It was the first time in its 34-year history that such a request had been required.

The response was immediate and gratifying, according to president Edward Bublitz.

A crisis had been brought about because Mendocino College, which had for years helped to support the organization, said – because of budget cuts – they would no longer be able to do so.

This included chairs for the 65-plus members of the symphony, which had traditionally been borrowed from the college.

These were chairs designed especially for musicians to use during the long hours of rehearsals and performances.

Without them, the orchestra would be unable to play in their fall season opener, taking place on Nov. 20, at Lakeport's Soper-Reese Community Theatre.

Bublitz said that the total cost of $14,000, was oversubscribed in less than a month.

Two major contributions from anonymous donors started the fund , and many members then agreed to underwrite the cost of a single chair – estimated at $200 – while others teamed up with friends to sponsor half a chair, or even a quarter chair.

Those who could afford only $20 or $25 sent their checks, usually accompanied by notes expressing their support for continuing fine music in Lake County.

Andi Skelton, symphony concertmaster and first chair violin – working with Conductor John Parkinson – tracked down a supplier who agreed to send the entire shipment before the November concert deadline.

CLPA and Soper-Reese members will unpack the chairs and see that they are delivered to the theater.

Bublitz said his board of directors was thrilled by the community response.

“Everyone stepped up the plate, and that includes members of the orchestra itself, many of whom underwrote the very chairs they will be sitting on,” he said.

The second performance of the fall schedule will take place with the always-popular Christmas Celebration on Dec. 18.

Under its new arrangement with the Soper-Reese, season tickets are now available.

Those in the premium loge section are $27, with general seating for CLPA members of $22.

Tickets can be obtained online at www.soperreesetheatre.com, or at the box office at 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport any Thursday or Friday from noon to 5 p.m., or call 707-263-0577 for telephonic purchases.