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Houston Orchestra for All (HOFA) believes that anyone who loves making music should have the opportunity to learn and grow as a musician. With that in mind, HOFA provides educational and rewarding experiences for musicians of all ages and backgrounds.
Houston Orchestra for All is a unique program dedicated to inclusive and equitable music education and performance for all. We are committed to providing access to high quality music instruction for anyone with the desire to learn. Pre-teens, teens, adults, and seniors are all invited to participate.
Weekly group class and rehearsal, Saturdays from 9:00 am-11:00 am
Fall ’24 Orchestra Rehearsal Dates:
September: 7, 14, 21, 28
October: 5, 19, 26
November: 2, 9, 16, 23
December: 7 (Concert)
Fall ’24 Chamber Music Rehearsal Dates:
August: 3, 10, 17, 24
September: 7 (Concert)
Rehearsal Location
The Parsley Center at Strake Jesuit Preparatory School
8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
New Orchestra Member: $265 per semester + $35 application fee
Returning Orchestra Member: $265 per semester
Chamber Music: $100 per semester
Includes:
Weekly group class and rehearsal
At least one performance per semester
HOFA is a learning orchestra open to string players ages 11 and up. We are devoted to providing enriching musical experience for all participants.
Our orchestra is centered on learning at all levels. We have a service program in partnership with the Strake Jesuit/Saint Agnes Orchestra Program.
The chamber music portion of Houston Orchestra for All provides members with the opportunity to play and perform in a small chamber ensemble such as a trio, quartet, or quintet.The repertoire for each ensemble is carefully selected to be at a comfortable level for each player and ensemble. The primary focus in rehearsals is playing independently and confidently, as well as communicating and playing musically with others. A concert is scheduled for September 7, 2024.
This class is for adults who want to begin learning violin, viola, cello, or bass. It will meet once a week on Saturday morning at Strake Jesuit from October 19 through May 3, with a break over the winter holidays. Class is open to all adults who have never had an opportunity to learn to play a bowed string instrument.
Over the course of the year, the class will cover basic string instrumental skills, including bowing (arco) and plucking (pizzicato) on all strings, music reading, playing in unison and harmony, and ensemble skills to prepare for eventual participation in HOFA. There will be a concert performances in May. No previous knowledge of music is needed.
Participants will be expected to provide their own instrument and the designated music books for the course. Information and guidance for renting an instrument and obtaining music will be provided.
Weekly Group Class & Rehearsal, Saturdays from 9:45 am-11:00 am
2024-2025 Never Too Late Rehearsal Dates:
October: 19, 26
November: 2, 9, 16, 23
December: 7
January: 11, 18, 25
February: 1, 8, 15, 22
March: 1, 8, 22, 29
April: 5, 12, 19, 26
May: 3 (concert)
The Parsley Center at Strake Jesuit Preparatory School
8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
$350 + $35 Application Fee
This fun and interactive chamber music experience for strings is open to all levels and ages above 16. Haven’t played in a while? No problem. Our inclusive and nurturing environment encourages all players regardless of age and stage.
Participants will enjoy daily rehearsals and coaching culminating in a final concert.
Monday, July 22 – Friday, July 26
9:00 am – 11:30 am
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church
2119 Avalon Place, Houston, TX 77019
$125
Members of the SJ/SAA Orchestra have the opportunity to join as tuition paying members or serve in the orchestra as volunteer service members. Service members will earn service hours for their participation in the program.*
Requirements for SJ/SAA Service Program
The conducting assistant will help take attendance, help tune the orchestra, and help oversee the day to day needs of the orchestra. They will also have opportunities to conduct during some rehearsals.
Stage crew members help set up and tear down the stage/rehearsal space. These individuals will set up all chairs and stands for rehearsals and concerts.
SJ/SAA Students will be paired with a stand partner who they will assist that semester. This job requires the stand partner buddy to be responsible for their musical part and be ready to assist in any way needed with their stand partner.
*Service hours will be determined by amount of time served and is based on the service job requirements under the supervision of Mr. Hernandez-Ching
Co-Founders Nina Knight and Suzanne Reyes see a need in the Greater Houston area for an ensemble that invites any and all to participate in an orchestral experience. Inspired by intergenerational orchestras in California, Europe, and Australia, HOFA will provide a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn to make music together.
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