During this season of giving, the Houston Symphony is grateful for the Legacy Society, whose members have included the Houston Symphony Endowment in their long-term estate plans. Through a bequest in a will, life income gift, or other planned giving arrangements, Legacy Society members invest in the durability and growth of our orchestra.

In this issue, we spotlight Houston Symphony League member and Legacy Society Crescendo Circle member Tammie Johnson.

The Texas-native has a deep appreciation and passion for orchestral music and has devoted a great deal of time to the Houston Symphony. Tammie previously served on the Houston Symphony Board of Trustees where she was on several committees, including the Education and Development committees. She is currently a Houston Symphony League Executive Board Member and has previously served on League committees, including the Auction and Ima Hogg Competition committees. In addition, Tammie—along with her husband, Dr. Charles Anders Johnson—has been a Legacy Society member since 2021.

We spoke to Tammie about her passion for music, her involvement in the Houston Symphony, and why she decided to join the Legacy Society.

What sparked your passion for music and the arts?

My mother sparked my love for music and the arts when I was a small child because she was a musician, herself—she sang, played the piano, and played the oboe. My mother was also an artist and she loved painting with oils. She would make frequent trips to Puerto Vallarta to paint landscapes.  Because of my mother’s love for the arts, I began playing the piano in middle school and continued playing for three years.

When I had children, I wanted to teach them to love and appreciate music and the arts like my mother had done for me. My daughter, Brittney, began playing the violin at the age of six. She learned to play the violin using the Suzuki learning method, which emphasizes parental involvement, so we practiced together every day for years. She earned the position of second chair violin with the Austin Youth Orchestra when she was eight years old. Brittney continued playing the violin until the age of 13, and she especially loved playing Beethoven pieces. I enjoyed the arts and music so very much that I went to graduate school at Rice University where I studied arts, social science, and music, and graduated with a master’s degree in Liberal Studies.

What initially attracted you to the city of Houston and what made you stay?

I was born in San Antonio, and I lived in Houston when I was a child. I have lived in five states including:  New York, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.  As an adult, I moved back to Texas and lived in Austin for 18 years. I met my husband—my soulmate—in Austin 20 years ago. He is a very busy ophthalmologist based in Houston with the Texas Eye Institute, so I moved back to Houston, and we were married in 2003. Without a doubt, Texas is my favorite state and Houston is my favorite city!

All three of our children graduated from high school in Houston and graduated from Texas colleges. Our whole family loves Texas and Houston! We have three beautiful, precious granddaughters—two live in Houston and one lives in San Antonio. Our whole family enjoys the Houston Symphony, the Astros, and Tex-Mex food!

When was the first time you saw a Houston Symphony performance? Could you describe what it was like?

I saw my first Houston Symphony performance was when I was in middle school, and I was around 12 years old. Since I was taking piano lessons at the time, my parents took me to a concert to help me develop a love and appreciation for the orchestra. I remember being thrilled to see all the different instruments, and I was incredibly impressed with the conductor and musicians!

When did you decide to become a Houston Symphony donor? Why?

I decided to become a Houston Symphony donor when I joined the Houston Symphony League in 2018. I wanted to get involved at the Houston Symphony because of my appreciation for music, the arts, and Houston. The Houston Symphony attracts some of the world’s finest classical musicians and popular artists to perform with our incredible orchestra! The Symphony also brings great joy to me, my children, and grandchildren. Although I am delighted to be a part of the Houston Symphony for these reasons, one of the most important reasons that I chose to be a donor is because the Houston Symphony includes free and low-cost programs, events, and concerts in schools, hospitals, senior centers, and other community venues through their Community-Embedded Musicians initiative. The Houston Symphony also offers Student Concerts, which sparks the imagination of children!

My mother taught me from a young age that when much is given, much is required. Being a Houston Symphony donor and giving my time and resources to this organization brings me great happiness. I have chaired several Houston Symphony events, and I enjoy being a small part of a large mission. The Houston Symphony is one of the very best orchestras in the country, and the Houston Symphony gives back to the Houston community. I am thrilled to be a donor for the Houston Symphony because of my deep roots in Houston, arts appreciation, and my philosophy of giving back to the community. This is why my husband and I support the Houston Symphony as Legacy Society donors.

How did you learn about the Houston Symphony Legacy Society and why did you decide to join?

My husband and I learned about the Legacy Society through Betty and Jesse Tutor, who are the Houston Symphony Legacy Society Chairs. When Betty and Jesse shared information with us about the Houston Symphony Legacy Society, Charles and I were very impressed. We wanted to be a part of its mission to preserve and build up the orchestra. We decided to join the Legacy Society because we love music and the arts, and we appreciate that the Houston Symphony gives back to the community.

We included the Houston Symphony in our estate plans because we understand that a strong endowment is integral to the stability and growth of the orchestra. As an added benefit, Houston Symphony Legacy Society donors can receive a variety of tax and estate benefits. Most importantly, being a Houston Symphony Legacy Society donor helps ensure that the gift of live orchestral music will be available for future generations.

What is your favorite Houston Symphony memory? 

I cannot name just one favorite Houston Symphony memory. I have many favorite Houston Symphony memories. Some of my favorites include: my first Houston Symphony concert as a teenager, being a Houston Symphony Trustee, joining the Houston Symphony League, meeting new Houston Symphony friends, chairing Houston Symphony events—especially Magical Musical Morning with my children and grandchildren—and joining the Houston Symphony Legacy Society. Charles and I love the Houston Symphony and we are thrilled to be a part of the Symphony family now and for many years to come!