STUDY SESSION City Council
September 8, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jeff Boynton, City Manager
ORIGINATED BY: Jason Daunter, Theatre Director
SUBJECT: LA MIRADA SYMPHONY FUNDING REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
BACKGROUND
The La Mirada Symphony has been performing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts since 1977. The Symphony also works with local schools to bring students to its annual youth concerts and presents concerts in the community. The City provides marketing support for the Symphony through placement in the Theatre Season Brochure, marketing postcards, and a lobby presence.
FINDINGS
For more than six decades, the Symphony has provided free, professional orchestral performances that enrich the cultural life of the community. For Fiscal Year 2026-27, the Symphony plans to present four free concerts, including The Phantom of the Opera, An Afternoon of Chamber Music, Sketches of Spain, and Ode to Joy. Alan Mautner will continue to serve as conductor for these performances.
The Symphony submitted a funding request totaling $45,000, consisting of the following:
• $35,000 in in-kind funding for rehearsals at the Activity Center and performances at the Theatre
• $10,000 in direct funding to support Symphony operations The Symphony received $5,000 in direct funding to support its operations last year.
Additionally, the 2026-27 La Mirada Theatre's Resident Groups budget provides for $107,819, of which $53,909 is intended to support the Symphony for theatre rental, marketing, administration, and box office services, as well as posters, programs, and promotional materials. Funding for this request is available in the City's Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended the City Council review and discuss La Mirada Symphony's Fiscal Year 2026-27 funding request in the amount of $10,000 for direct funding and an in-kind contribution of $35,000 for a total of $45,000.
AGENDA NO. 4.1
The La Mirada Symphony Association
LA MIRADA
P.O. Box 117, La Mirada, CA 90637-0117
SYMPHONY (714) 521-0774
[email protected]
ASSOCIATION www.lamiradasymphony.com
THE JEWEL OF LA MIRADA Tax ID# 94-3223735
Alan Mautner Dear Honorable Members of the City Council, Conductor
Artistic Director On behalf of the Board of Directors, Music Director Alan Mautner, and the musicians of the La Mirada Symphony, thank you for your continued partnership and support. We Association
are pleased to present our request for continued funding for the Symphony's 2026- Board 2027 concert season.
David Derks
President For more than six decades, the La Mirada Symphony has provided free, professional orchestral performances that enrich the cultural life of our community. Thanks to the L. C. Harnsberger
Secretary City's investment, thousands of residents and visitors each year experience live symphonic music at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts at no cost.
Elizabeth Caputo
Treasurer
This season represents one of our most exciting and diverse programs to date.
Joan Cain Audiences will journey from the suspense of The Phantom of the Opera performed Director
live with orchestra, to the intimacy of An Afternoon of Chamber Music, the vibrant Jodie Mosley colors of Sketches of Spain, and the inspiring conclusion of Beethoven's Ode to Joy Director featuring orchestra, chorus, and student musicians.
Laura Limon Scott
Orchestra + Personnel Beyond the concert hall, the Symphony continues to serve as an important cultural Manager ambassador for La Mirada, attracting audiences from across Southern California while providing educational opportunities for young musicians and strengthening the City's Dolores Loera
Librarian reputation as a destination for the arts.
The La Mirada Symphony Your continued support allows us to present these performances free of charge while Association is a California
501(c)(3) nonprofit expanding our outreach and introducing new audiences to the power of live orchestral organization. music. Together, we are preserving a cherished tradition while building an exciting future for the arts in La Mirada.
Thank you for your continued confidence in our mission and for helping make another remarkable season possible. We look forward to continuing this partnership and serving the City of La Mirada through the universal language of music.
With sincere appreciation,
DassliDele
David Derks
President, The La Mirada Symphony Association
323.578.4180
[email protected]
www.lamiradasymphony.com
CITY OF LA MIRADA
SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY ASSETS & LIABILITIES FORM
AGENCY NAME: The La Mirada Symphony Association
Minimum Eligibility YES NO
Can the agency provide proof of non-profit status?
Can the agency provide proof of service to La Mirada residents? Funding request amount for FY 2026-27 $45,000
Funds will serve what purpose?
To support the continued presentation of four free professional orchestra performances for the residents of La Mirada and surrounding communities while enhancing the overall audience experience, expanding community outreach, and ensuring that live symphonic music remains accessible to all.
The requested increase of $5,000 represents an investment in strengthening one of La Mirada's premier partnerships, maximizing the impact of every public dollar invested.
Is there a reasonable correlation k The requested increase represents an investment in strengthening or X Cost to serve each client?: $24.00
Can the agency provide proof of fiscal soundness? X
Can the agency provide clear and concise program/service definition? Target population: Describe service(s) provided:
All ages, youth to adult Four (4) free community concerts 63 years in La Mirada in 2026, incorporated in 1963
Where is the service provided?:
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Explain why the service is needed:
The La Mirada Symphony provides free access to
professional orchestral music for residents of all ages and backgrounds, enriching the City's cultural life while removing financial barriers to participation. The Symphony welcomes audiences from throughout the community, supports music education, provides performance opportunities for student musicians, and strengthens its partnership with the City and the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
DOES
NOT
Finances YES NO APPLY
Can the agency provide proof of current non-profit status? 501 [c] 3?
Joint Powers Authority?
Does the agency have an annual budget, approved and monitoted by the board, which includes all program and management expenses and all sources and uses of funds? Statement of expenditures?
Statement of revenues? X
DOES
NOT
Finances (continued) YES NO APPLY
Does the agency prepare monthly financial statements which compare actual revenues and expenses to the approved budget?
Does the agency follow accounting practices which conform to standard practices? Is an independent audit or review of the agency's financial condition conducted annually? X C Independent audit? Term: to
Independent review? Term: Oct to Sept
Annual Exempt Statement? X
Is a written statement of the organization's financial position (i.e. a financial statement) available to potential funders and donors?
Can the agency identify which programs are running at a surplus or loss and why? Can the agency identify its primary funding sources and whether or not they are secure for L the next few years?
Does the agency differentiate between restricted and unrestricted income? Is the agency running a deficit?
If it has a deficit, is there a plan to eliminate it within the next fiscal year? OC Does the agency have a financial surplus?
If there is a surplus, is it unrestricted money and is it repeatable? Does the agency receive more than 30% of its operating budget from one source? If yes, is the money unrestricted?
If yes, is this funding renewable over the mid- to long-term? DOES
NOT
Personnel YES NO APPLY
Does the agency have a Board of Directors?
Does the agency have an adequate number of active board members? Does the agency have board representation from La Mirada? Does the agency have board members who are recognized leaders in the community? L Does the board provide clear leadership within the organization? Does the board participate in fundraising? X O L
Do board members have relationships that can help leverage additional resources for the organization?
DOES
NOT
Personnel (continued) YES NO APPLY
2 Is the board stable? (e.g. is there orderly turnover of board members, with adequate training of new board members?) XOL
Does the agency have a stable volunteer base?
Is there a system for recruiting, training, and recognizing volunteers? Does the agency effectively match the skills and interests of volunteers with the work to be done?
Are the volunteers trained to be effective "ambassadors" for your agency? Do volunteers have relationships that can help leverage additional resources for the •OC
organization?
Can volunteers be used more effectively to meet the personnel needs of your organization? (e.g. if staff has been cut, can volunteers fill part or all of the gap? •OC Does the agency have adequate staff to implement current programs? Does the agency have adequate administrative and support staff? Does the agency have adequate fundraising staff?
Is there staff leadership that works effectively with the board to implement goals and objectives?
Does the agency have dynamic program staff who could assist in fundraising (motivators, recruiters, speakers)?
DOES
NOT
Credibility YES NO APPLY
Does the agency have documented evidence of community support? Are community leaders on the board of directors?
Does the agency receive financial contributions from individuals? Does the agency receive cash or in-kind donations from local businesses? How many clients were served agency-wide last fiscal/calendar year? 1640 unique individuals Estimated
based on
audience
surveys and
ZIP code
How many La Mirada residents were served last fiscal/calendar year? analysis.
Does the agency receive recognition by the press, government, other agencies? Is an active volunteer base involved with the agency?
Are positive testimonials from clients, members, volunteers, etc. on file? 3 DOES
NOT
Credibility (continued) YES NO APPLY
Is there a measurable performance evaluation process provided (e.g. number of clients served, or units of service)?
Has the agency documented program success?
an the agency demonstrate the results of the services it provides (e.g. changes their clients as a result of services)? 6 success: undetermine is there continuity in the successful provision of these services (e.g. history plus track record)?
Is there evidence of good organizational health?
Is the organization financially stable?
Does the agency operate with board-approved by-laws?
Does the board give money, as well as time, to the organization? Is the agency getting funds from a diverse array of funders/donors? If so, where? XC City of La Mirada, private foundations, individual donors, memberships, corporate sponsorships, volunteer support, and community fundraising.
Is the agency's staff and board well-qualified?
Does the agency work collaboratively with other agencies? If so, which agencies? La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
The Music Man Foundation
Hennings-Fischer Foundation
Does the agency demonstrate a high standard of professional service? Service and Value to La Mirada YES NO
Is the service accessible to La Mirada residents? #of miles to city: 0 Is there a continuing La Mirada resident demand for the agency's service(s)? Does the agency provide a unique service in the La Mirada service area? Does this agency's service duplicate another service provided to La Mirada residents? If yes, how?
Is the funding request reasonable for the number of La Mirada clients served? For City of La Mirada use only:
Is the funding request consistent with similar services funded by the City? Can the City afford the service?
Will the service have a minimal impact on staff time?
Evaluator:
4 CITY OF LA MIRADA - BUDGET REQUEST FORM
Organization: The La Mirada Symphony Association
Address: P.O. Box 117, La Mirada, CA 90637
Website: www.lamiradasymphony.com
Contact: David Derks
Telephone: 323.578.4180
Contract Request: 2025/26 $40,000
Contract Request: 2026/27 $45,000
If the request is a larger amount from Fiscal Year 2025/2026, please state your organization's rationale for the increase:
For more than sixty years, The La Mirada Symphony Association has proudly served as the City's professional orchestra, presenting free public performances that enrich the cultural life of our community and welcome audiences from throughout Southern California. Through the City's longstanding partnership, generations of residents have experienced the excitement of live orchestral music at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts at no cost.
For the 2026-2027 season, the La Mirada Symphony respectfully requests $45,000 in support from the City of La Mirada. This investment will enable the Symphony to continue presenting four free public performances while enhancing the overall audience experience and expanding our community outreach.
This season represents one of the most ambitious and artistically diverse programs in the Symphony's recent history. Audiences will experience four unique musical events: Stage to Screen: The Phantom of the Opera, featuring the 1925 silent film accompanied live by orchestra; Chamber Music Up Close, an intimate performance showcasing members of the Symphony; Sketches of Spain, featuring acclaimed guitarist Marcus Gerakos performing Rodrigo's beloved Concierto de Aranjuez; and Ode to Joy, Beethoven's monumental Ninth Symphony, bringing together orchestra, chorus, and student musicians for a powerful celebration of hope and community.
Beyond the concert hall, the Symphony continues to strengthen La Mirada's cultural identity by attracting audiences from across the region, promoting the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts as a premier cultural destination, creating educational opportunities for student musicians, and building partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and volunteers. These efforts extend the City's investment beyond each performance while enhancing community pride and supporting the local economy.
The requested increase represents an investment in the continued growth of one of La Mirada's most valued cultural institutions. City funding serves as the foundation that enables the Symphony to secure additional grants, sponsorships, private donations, volunteer support, and community partnerships, multiplying the impact of every public dollar invested while ensuring that professional orchestral music remains free and accessible to the public.
The Symphony remains committed to responsible financial stewardship through careful budgeting, continued endowment growth, active fundraising, and the development of new community partnerships. We are grateful for the City Council's longstanding partnership and continued investment in the arts, and we look forward to another %, anthetic We are grant to Currently, the following concert dates are scheduled at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts:
• October 22, 2026 - Stage to Screen: 1925's Silent Masterpiece The Phantom of the Opera • January 24, 2027 - An Afternoon of Chamber Music: Intimate Masterworks March 14, 2027 - Sketches of Spain: A Symphony of Passion • May 16, 2027 - Ode to Joy: Beethoven's Triumphant Ninth Clearly state what your organization expects to provide the City of La Mirada:
Four free professional orchestra performances for the community. • Educational performance opportunities for student musicians.
Expanded marketing and social media promoting the City of La Mirada and the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups.
Responsible stewardship of public funds through grants, sponsorships, private donations, volunteer leadership, and continued endowment growth.
Effectiveness Questionnaire 2026/2027
Agency Name: The La Mirada Symphony Association
Contact / Title: David Derks, President
Phone: 323.578.4180
1. What is the purpose of the agency as it relates to La Mirada residents? The La Mirada Symphony Association enriches the cultural life of the City of La Mirada by presenting free professional orchestral performances, supporting music education, and creating opportunities for residents of all ages to experience live symphonic music. Through our partnership with the City and the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, we make high-quality orchestral music accessible to the entire community while strengthening La Mirada's reputation as a destination for the arts.
2. How does the agency measure its effectiveness? What formula is used? The Symphony measures its effectiveness using a combination of quantitative and qualitative performance indicators, including:
Attendance at each concert and year-over-year audience growth. • Audience feedback received through surveys, emails, social media, and personal comments. • Growth in grants, sponsorships, donations, and community partnerships. • Participation and retention of professional musicians and guest artists. • Educational opportunities provided for student musicians. • Growth in website traffic, social media engagement, and public awareness. • Successful presentation of four free public performances that meet artistic and operational objectives.
Together, these measures provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Symphony's artistic quality, community impact, financial sustainability, and public engagement.
3. What does the measure mean? What does it tell us?
These measurements help determine whether the Symphony is successfully fulfiling its mission while responsibly investing public funds. They demonstrate our ability to attract audiences, engage the community, maintain artistic excellence, develop educational opportunities, and build long-term financial sustainability through grants, sponsorships, donations, and community partnerships. They also help identify opportunities to improve programming and expand our reach to new audiences.
4. Why is the measure used? (i.e. requirement of principal funder) These performance measures are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Symphony's programs, ensure accountability for public funding, and demonstrate that the organization is meeting its mission of providing free professional orchestral performances for the community. The measures also assist the Board of Directors in strategic planning and continuous improvement.
5. Do similar agencies use the same measure? If not, why? What do they use? Yes. Many nonprofit performing arts organizations use similar performance measures, including attendance, audience satisfaction, educational participation, fundraising success, community engagement, financial stability, and public outreach. The La Mirada Symphony follows many of these same best practices while tailoring its evaluation methods to its unique mission of providing free professional concerts for the community.
The Symphony maintains ongoing communication with patrons, donors, sponsors, grantors, volunteers, and community partners through concert programs, newsletters, email communications, social media, website updates, audience surveys, and letters of appreciation. Educational materials are shared with participating schools, and grant reports are provided to funding organizations to document the impact of supported programs and performances.
Note: the goal is to have a clear measurable performance data to determine whether programs and services are accomplishing their intended purpose.
Effectiveness Questionnaire 2026/2027
7. How many people from La Mirada did you refer to another agency if you were full to capacity or could not help the client in the past year?
Because the Symphony provides free public performances rather than direct client services, this question is generally not applicable to our organization. However, when individuals contact us seeking information regarding theatre operations, ticketing, or other cultural resources, we refer them to the appropriate organizations, including the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and other community partners.
8. What is the agency's cost to serve one person? Over what period of time? The Symphony's average operating cost ranges from approximately $17,000 to $20,000 per concert, including musician compensation, union obligations, theatre expenses, music, production, marketing, and administrative costs. Average theatre-related expenses are approximately $7,000 per performance, with direct Symphony expenditures ranging from $11,000 to $16,000.
With average attendance of approximately 800 patrons per concert, the total cost of providing a free professional orchestral performance is approximately $21 to $25 per attendee. Through grants, sponsorships, donations, volunteer leadership, and City support, the Symphony continues to maximize the value of every public dollar invested while ensuring that professional orchestral music remains free and accessible to the community.
Note: the goal is to have a clear measurable performance data to determine whether programs and services are accomplishing their intended purpose.
LA MIRADA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION
PROPOSED BUDGET - 62nd SEASON
FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1, 2026 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027
INCOME:
City of La Mirada 45,000
Grants 25,000
Performance Income
Ads in Program 1,000
Association Memberships & Door Donations 6,000
Other Income - Opportunity Drawings 700
TOTAL PROJECTED INCOME $ 77,700
EXPENDITURES:
Advertising $ 2,000
Conductor $ 3,000
Guest Soloists $ 1,000
Music Rental $ 1,000
Brochures Graphics & Printing $ 1,400
Miscellaneous Other Expenses $ 6,000
Orchestral Musicians $ 30,300
Youth Enrichment Program $ 500
Rehearsal Hall $ 2,500
Theatre Costs $ 30,000
TOTAL PROJECTED EXPENDITURES $ 77,700
NET $
25/26 Season
Oct 20 - Jun 22
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
300 • GRANTS RECEIVED 47,000.00
305 • PERFORMANCE INCOME 0.00
306 • CITY OF LA MIRADA 5,000.00
309 - YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM INCOME
309D • GRANTS INCOME 0.00
Total 309 - YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM INCOME 0.00
311 • OPPORTUNITY DRAWING INCOME 1,000.00
315 • DONATIONS, MEMBERSHIP DUES 7,364.00
317 • FUNDRAISER INCOME
317B • FUNDRAISING CONTRIBUTIONS 1,270.00
-
Total 317 • FUNDRAISER INCOME 1,270.00
Total Income 61,634.00
Gross Profit 61,634.00
Expense
321 • MUSIC & MUSIC RENTAL 300.00
324 • CONDUCTOR - LMS SEASON 3,000.00
325 • MUSICIANS - LMS SEASON 20,000.00
326 - SOLOISTS - LMS SEASON 1,500.00
327 • CARTAGE - LMS SEASON 100.00
328 • UNION DUES
328A • HEALTH & WELLNESS 338.45
328B • PENSION 0.00
328C • WORK DUES 0.00
328 • UNION DUES - Other 0.00
-
Total 328 • UNION DUES 338.45
337 • BANK CHARGES 43.55
340 • DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 349.00
349 - ENTERTAINMENT & PROMOTION 0.00
352 • FUNDRAISER EXPENSES 1,500.00
352F • ADVERTISING 0.00
Total 352 • FUNDRAISER EXPENSES 1,650.00
366 - LIABILITY INSURANCE 1,121.00
368 • PROFESSIONAL FEES 1,000.00
370 • PRINTED PROGRAMS & BROCHURES
370A. PROGRAM PRINTING 1,800.00
370B • PROGRAM GRAPHICS 0.00
370 : PRINTED PROGRAMS & BROCHURES 0.00
Total 370 • PRINTED PROGRAMS & BROCHURES 1,800.00
372 - YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGR. EXPENSE
372A • CONDUCTOR 0.00
372B . ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANS 0.00
372C • SOLOISTS 0.00
372M• OTHER 0.00
Total 372 • YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGR. EXPENSE 0.00
374 • RECORDINGS 400.00
380 • SUPPLIES 250.00
385 • TAXES & LICENSES 50.00
Total Expense 31,902.00
Net Ordinary Income 29,732.00
Net Income 29,732.00