The Houston Symphony is excited to announce the newly selected recipients of our Community-Embedded Fellowship! The Community-Embedded Fellowship, a collaboration with Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, is an apprenticeship program that provides graduate music students with the opportunity to develop community engagement skills. The fellowship … Continued
ABOVE: Spec’s President/Owner and Houston Symphony Board President John Rydman and Houston Symphony Chief of Education & Community Engagement Pam Blaine presenting the Spec’s Charitable Foundation Educator Award to representatives from HISD’s Chavez Feeder Pattern. Each year, the Houston Symphony honors educators in the Salute to Educators concert. Educators who particularly stand out receive the … Continued
On October 30, the Houston Symphony participated in the Magnolia Park Día de Los Muertos Festival for the first time. This annual celebration occurred in the historic Latino neighborhood of Magnolia Park. We spoke with some key participants about their experience and involvement with the festival. Rovion Reed, Houston Symphony Associate Director of Education & … Continued
Since the Houston Symphony launched its Community-Embedded Musicians initiative in 2015, the musicians holding these specialized, hybrid performer-teaching artist positions have improved thousands of students’ and community members’ quality of life through music. As highly skilled musicians with a special passion and skill for community engagement, the Community-Embedded Musicians (CEMs) work in many different settings—schools, … Continued
According to John Rydman, President of Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods and current Houston Symphony Board President, his experience with music education led to his success in life and business. Rydman began piano lessons in third grade, began playing saxophone in middle school band, and taught band to younger students in high school and … Continued
While we often hear about how studying music improves students’ academic achievement, music education programs can also play an important role in building community. A strong music education program can establish a trusting and nurturing community of students and families who look out for one another during challenging times. Houston Symphony musicians see this frequently in their work with schools throughout Greater Houston, and we’d like to shine a light on the example set by Waltrip … Continued
This month, we are celebrating music educators in Houston and beyond for all they do to foster the love of music in their students. This year more than ever, teachers have had to overcome challenges to innovate and inspire students, and we’re proud to highlight their achievements during the Spec’s Charitable Foundation Salute to Educators concert on … Continued
Did you know that many great works of art are inspired by other works of art? Even in classical music, composers will often use other pieces as the springboard for their own creativity. These activities were designed to help inspire creativity in children ages 7–11 as they make their own meaning from two pieces of classical … Continued
This series of activities is designed for kids ages 7–11 to have a personal experience with two works of classical music. The first four activities can each take anywhere from five to 15 minutes (or more), depending on your child’s interest. Activities 1 and 3 can be paired together for a 15-minute activity. How do … Continued
Most people will probably agree that this new “normal” of social-distancing and working or learning from home has required us all to find new ways to stay motivated and socially engaged. Music students across Greater Houston are accustomed to learning music in a social environment, with encouragement from their peers in school ensembles, so music … Continued
Community-Embedded Musician, David Connor, double bass, recently completed a virtual chamber music project with Houston-area students as part of the Symphony’s High School Residency program, presented by Occidental. Here, Dave reflects on the experience and shares some highlights from performances with students. Over the last two years, I’ve had the great opportunity to make monthly visits … Continued
For students on any instrument, building your ear is an important part of learning music. Learn more in this blog from Colin Gatwood, Houston Symphony oboe. Play along with music you love Pick a piece you like that you find really motivational and challenging. Through this process, you will not only build your ear, but … Continued
Hi, kids! Today we are going to talk about high and low sounds using the music Also sprach Zarathustra by Richard (pronounced REE-card) Strauss! THE CHALLENGE: We are going to use our bodies and objects around the house to demonstrate high and low-pitched sounds. We can pretend our bodies are rockets going up to space … Continued
Staying productive while in isolation is difficult for every level of musician. We hope that music can be respite, as opposed to hard work. In this blog, Rian Craypo, principal bassoon, describes tips for shaping your practice routine to make the most out of your time. She also offers some creative challenges to lift your … Continued
Rhythm is such an important part of music and life. Another word that we use in music to describe the rhythm is “pulse.” Just like the important function that our heart performs for our body, the pulse in music regulates the groove, pumps excitement into the music, and keeps the body of musicians together in … Continued
Hi, kids! Today, we are going to continue moving our bodies to the music! Let’s talk about Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance No. 8. THE CHALLENGE: Let the music guide you through an imaginary walk in the enchanted forest! See if you can walk, march, glide, and hop with the music. Follow along with me to get started … Continued
“It’s incredible that through the power of technology we can continue to interact with the students and stay connected to this community. Even though it is through a different platform, I can see that the students are very excited and eager to continue learning about the violin. In this unprecedented time of isolation, our interaction … Continued
Hi, kids! Today, we are going to listen to a famous piece of music by Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 1. THE CHALLENGE: Go grab a scarf, towel, or pillowcase to explore how many types of fast and slow motions you can make! Try making as many different kinds of motions you can. Now you’re ready … Continued
Hi, kids! Put on your dancing shoes: today, we are going to talk about music that was written for a ballet, where dancers move their bodies to show a story. THE CHALLENGE: Create a ballet dancer snowflake, hook it to a string, and try to make it dance along with the Dance of the Sugar … Continued
Hey, kids! Guess what? It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Teachers guide us in all areas of our lives, and it’s important to let them know what they mean to us. THE CHALLENGE: Can you write a poem for your favorite teachers? Can you turn it into a song? The words could be put the tune of … Continued