Introducing Houston Orchestra for All!
Brazos Music is proud to present a learning orchestra dedicated to music education, community engagement and service in Houston beginning in Fall 2022.
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.
How it Works
How to Apply
- Fill out the application & pay the $35 application fee
- Once you fill out the form, Dr. Knight will contact you to set up an interview
- Interview with Dr. Knight
- This is an opportunity for you to meet with the musical director and discuss the orchestra. The purpose of the interview is to get to know each musician and make sure we find the best placement in the orchestra for each participant.
- While we aim to accept all participants, we want to make sure all of the instrument parts are covered and string assignments are evenly distributed.
- After the interview, you will receive a letter (email) with instructions on how to complete the registration process and pay tuition.
Projected Fall Schedule (Subject to change)
Weekly group class and rehearsal, Saturdays from 9:00 am-11:00 am starting in October 2022.
Rehearsal Schedule:
October: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November: 5, 12, 26, no rehearsal on 11/19
December: 3
Concert: December 10 during rehearsal time
Rehearsal Location
The Parsley Center at Strake Jesuit Preparatory School
8900 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
Schedule for Spring 2023 will be announced at a later date.
Tuition
$200 per semester + $35 application fee
Includes:
Weekly group class and rehearsal
At least one performance in December
HOFA t-shirt
Structure of Program
HOFA is a learning orchestra open to string players ages 11 and up. We are devoted to providing enriching musical experience for all participants.
For our first season, we are partnering with the Strake Jesuit and Saint Agnes Orchestra (SJ/SAA) Program to create a one-of-a-kind side by side string orchestra experience for orchestra members.
Inclusion and service in our community are the cornerstones of HOFA.
SJ/SAA Service Program
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
- Be a current member of the SJ/SAA Orchestra Program during the 2022-2023 school year
- Private lessons outside of school encouraged, but not required (Don’t have a teacher? We’ll help you find one!)
- Be available to play and serve at the majority of rehearsals and play in concerts
Conducting Assistant- position for Fall 2022 has been filled
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
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.
Stand Partner Buddy
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.
Orchestra Librarian
The librarian is responsible for distributing music in rehearsals, organizing the music library, and ensuring all orchestra members have music during the rehearsals and concerts. The orchestra librarian will also assist in marking the bowings for the parts.
*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
About HOFA
A Learning Orchestra
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.
