SAN BERNARDINO, California – Among the many interests shared during their full lives, psychologists Mary Ellen and Tom Brigante loved jazz music. The two were regular attendees at Boston jazz clubs and Tom, who had begun his study of the trumpet as a boy, dreamt of becoming a professional trumpet player, later going on to learn the saxophone, cello and piano. “It was clear,” Mary Ellen was quoted as saying, “that he always carried a little bit of jazz legends Harry James and Louis Armstrong in his heart.”
Jazz was such a significant part of the Brigantes’ life that when their daughter, Beth Higbee and her husband Ken approached the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) about the possibility of establishing an endowment in her parents’ names, she specified a portion of it should benefit music in the Inland Empire.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at IECF is helping make donors’ dreams come true by connecting their personal passions with community needs,” explained IECF’s Chief Development Officer, Brie Griset Smith, CSPG. “The Brigante endowment beautifully illustrates how we can transform a family’s cherished memories—in this case, Mary Ellen and Tom’s love of jazz—into a permanent cultural resource that will enrich our region and honor their legacy for years to come.”
Beth and Ken Higbee had been San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra season subscribers for many years, so at her recommendation, Smith reached out to Orchestra Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel.
“We were excited to learn about the lives and interests of the Brigantes and immediately felt a connection to the annual jazz ensembles begun by our Music Director Anthony Parnther in 2022,” shared Viricel. “We are incredibly honored to have been selected to receive this generous opportunity to honor the Brigante’s love of music.”
The Annual Thomas R. and Mary Ellen Brigante Jazz Performance will begin this September 20 at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium with a concert by the Josh Nelson Jazz Ensemble. IECF’s conservative financial policies will help ensure the annual series will run in perpetuity inspiring many new generations to experience great jazz music.
Concluded Beth Higbee: “Our family feels that having the chance to support this unique and creative program filled with truly talented artists would have delighted our parents. Music meant a great deal to both of them and brought them joy and inspiration throughout their lives.”
About the Inland Empire Community Foundation
Founded in 1941, the Inland Empire Community Foundation is the oldest and largest community foundation in Inland Southern California. We partner with individuals, families and corporations to build a culture of philanthropy. Over the past 25 years, we have given out over $225 million in grants and scholarships. For more information visit the IECF’s website at www.iegives.org. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
About the City of San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra
Established in 1929 and performing under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, the mission of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is to foster a love of music, excite the spirit, and enrich their diverse community and region through live orchestral performances and music education. For 96 years, they have met this mission through an engaging and relevant subscription season and many additional performances throughout the region. In addition, they provide a variety of educational enrichment programs including a Youth Orchestra dedicated to the performance of music by underrepresented composers. They also own and manage the James K. Guthrie Music Rental Library located in the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library. For more information, call (909) 381-5388 or visit their website at https://www.sanbernardinosymphony.org .
