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 ’25 Orchestra Rehearsal Dates (Tentative):
September: 6, 13, 20, 27
October: 4, 11, 18
November: 1, 8, 15, 22
December 6 (concert at 10:30am)
Rehearsal Location
The Parsley Center at Strake Jesuit Preparatory School
8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
New Orchestra Member: $280 per semester + $35 application fee
Returning Orchestra Member: $280 per semester
Chamber Music: $100 per semester
Includes:
Weekly group class and rehearsal
At least one performance per semester
This class is designed to build, refresh, and rebuild advancing string technique skills. It will be structured to accommodate varying skill levels and will cover bow use, bowing styles, intonation in basic finger patterns and keys, shifting and playing in third position (violin and viola) and second, third, and fourth position (cello and bass), and vibrato. As we start this class, the planning will be flexible enough to accommodate and address the skillsets of the individuals in the class. Materials will be provided.
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.
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:
January: 18, 25
February: 1, 8, 15, 22
March: 1, 8, 29
April: 5, 12, 19, 26
May: 3, 10
Concert: Saturday, May 10th, 10am
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 participate in two ways:
as tuition-paying members or as volunteer service members.
Volunteer members contribute their time and talent to the ensemble and receive approved service hours for their participation.*
Eligibility & Requirements
Conducting Assistant (1 position available)
The Conducting Assistant supports the director by taking attendance, assisting with orchestra tuning, and helping manage daily rehearsal needs. This role also includes opportunities to conduct during selected rehearsals.
Stage Crew (all service members participate)
Stage Crew members are responsible for setting up and breaking down rehearsal and performance spaces. Duties include arranging chairs, music stands, and other equipment before and after each session.
Stand Partner Buddy (4 positions available)
Stand Partner Buddies are paired with another student musician to provide musical and logistical support throughout the semester. Responsibilities include maintaining readiness, assisting with music preparation, and promoting teamwork within each section.
*Service hours are awarded based on total time served and fulfillment of assigned duties under the supervision of Dr. Hernández-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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August 4th – 6th, 2025
August 7th – 8th, 2025
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Are you a member of the SJ/SAA High School Orchestra program?
