June 12: Concert in the Park

Tradition in Temple City says everyone goes to Temple City Park next to City Hall at least once in the summer. This Saturday the concert series kicked off with the Oak Avenue Middle School orchestra (pictured) and band. Here, the first viola player is the "guest conductor) while teacher Richard Meyer plays snare drum! Loving Temple City is appreciating its schools and their fine arts programs. Every year moms and dads gather to hear their children play. Like I said, it is an annual ritual in the park. And today was not different. I remember when my oldest, Matt, played violin in this orchestra. They were some of the best concerts I ever attended.

I thought this kind of parent-kid picture captured what Temple City is all about. It's a family place. A suburban town in between other suburban cities. A small place not that far from a very large place -- Los Angeles. I owe this idea to Petrea Burchard, whose Pasadena Daily Photo blog inspires me every day. This was a good time to do a Temple City Daily Photo because (a) no one has done so and (b) it is the city's 50th anniversary. I don't know if I'll succeed at this. I just needed something to do this summer. And I like creative projects. Wish me luck. (steve scauzillo).