Temecula Valley Symphony is very sad to announce the passing of one of our founding members, Sharon Rollinson. This year the Symphony was beginning to celebrate our 25th Season and Sharon has been one of the pillars of our organization since its inception. She was our rock, extremely dedicated, and tirelessly volunteered throughout the years to keep things running smoothly. Sharon served in just about every capacity on our Board of Directors. For the 14 years that I have served the symphony as President of the Board and now Managing and Artistic Director, Sharon was always the one I would turn to for advice, or for the history of how things have always been done in the past. Even as she has gracefully aged over the years she would still move staging, carry chairs, transport heavy cases of music to rehearsals and concerts, schlepp the conductor's podium in her car, organize our music into folders, file the music back in the library after concerts, and assist with setting up all of the chairs and music stands on the stage.

Sharon was tough but had a heart of gold. She loved Temecula Valley Symphony and playing violin in our orchestra. Sharon had a passion for music education and for making sure our young musicians were provided the opportunity to perform alongside our more seasoned players.

I cannot begin to tell you how much she will be missed. Change is always inevitable but we thought we would have her with us for many years to come. I knew Sharon was going through some health issues back in March and would frequently check in on her via phone. When I spoke with her a couple of weeks before she passed she said she felt fine and would soon be going to her last Chemo treatment. Her spirits were good and I could tell that Sharon was her same old strong spirit.

I was sad to receive an email from her daughter stating that Sharon developed a fever on a Thursday from an infection and passed away the next morning. We lost a strong leader, a friend, a mentor, a dedicated musician, and a terrific person.

Sincerely and with a sad heart,
Alana Joos
Managing & Artistic Director
Temecula Valley Symphony
951-587-1536 - http://www.TemeculaValleySymphony.org