Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Houston Symphony

Big Brothers Big Sisters brought some very special guests for the Houston Symphony’s “A Frosty & Frozen Christmas” Family Concert on Saturday, December 12 at Jones Hall. A mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) in the Houston area. Before the concert, unmatched “Littles” and their families enjoyed a breakfast reception sponsored by the Houston Symphony and Macquarie.

The balcony lobby of Jones Hall was full of excitement during the breakfast reception. Throughout the event, Houston Symphony volunteers helped the children make crafts. The highlight of the event was a “meet & greet” with the Houston Symphony’s four Community-Embedded Musicians. Children of all ages were awe-struck as they interacted with Jenna Barghouti (violin), David Connor (double bass), Anthony Parce (viola) and Hellen Weberpal (cello).

The breakfast reception and Houston Symphony concert turned out to be an extra special treat for one unmatched little named Joshua. Joshua, who plays the double bass in his school, has attended several Houston Symphony concerts at the Woodlands but rarely is able to make the trip to Jones Hall. Joshua remembered meeting Houston Symphony Principal Bass Robin Kesselman at one of the Woodlands concerts and was eager to reconnect with him. He was also thrilled to meet Houston Symphony Community-Embedded Musician and double bassist David Connor. After the concert, both Robin and David met Joshua in the lobby of Jones Hall to talk about playing the bass and what it’s like to play in the Houston Symphony. “I really enjoyed the performance today and want to thank Big Brothers Big Sisters for letting me go and allowing me to see my friend Robin and my new friend Dave,” Joshua says. “I was really excited to see them, seeing as I’m a double bass player too.”

If you liked this story, you can help support these and many other Houston Symphony performances and activities. To make a gift, visit houstonsymphony.org/donate. You can also get involved and help mentor unmatched “littles” like Joshua through Big Brothers Big Sisters Houston. Stay inspired and happy holidays!