When “Its a Grand Night for Music” returned to the Rabobank Convention Center in Bakersfield on Jan. 27, it did so as one of the longest-lasting academic endeavors in the county. Sponsored by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, the Kern High School District and the Kern County Music Educators Association, annually, it has showcased Kern County's finest school-age musicians since 1948. Although back then, the name was the same, but the event was a music festival strictly for elementary school orchestras. Times changed and over the years, it became an honors showcase for high schools. Choirs were introduced into the festival in later years. As the program evolved, middle/elementary schools were given their own separate venue, the Kern County Honor Music Festival, which takes place this year on Feb. 28 in Bakersfield. Despite tough economic times, It’s a Grand Night for Music remains one of the best, least expensive entertainment/cultural experiences one can see in Bakersfield. Those who attended on Jan. 27 paid just a $5 donation, and the price of that contribution to the arts has not changed in more than a decade. For that donation, attendees could see and take in the melodious sounds of approximately 400 orchestra, band and choir members who had to survive demanding auditions to earn a place in this honor music tradition. More