HOUSTON SYMPHONY LEAGUE

Houston Symphony

Junior Patron

Program

and Celebration

Event

The Junior Patron program,

together with the Family

Concert Series, is an

important part of Houston

Symphony’s overall

education program.

“The Houston Symphony is involved with education

because music makes a unique and vital impact on how the

brain develops in children. While it is a common

misperception that orchestras perform children’s concerts

solely to ensure audiences for the future, the reality for me

is quite different. If we do our job properly, students will

become better learners, more engaged citizens and

generally more successful.” Robert Franz, Associate

Conductor

Robert Franz, Associate Conductor, works closely

with Roger Daily, Director of Music Matters!,

Houston Symphony’s education programs, to

develop entertaining programming and create an

environment that stimulates active listening skills.

“What will the conductor be wearing?” is a typical question at each of the Family Concerts. Costumes are an integral part of Robert Franz’s appearances. The visual stimulation they provide keep audiences engaged throughout the concert.

The Family Concerts are very popular and Saturday mornings are busy with families coming to one of two performances in Jones Hall.

Each concert has a theme and dressing the part, whether it’s Lion King, Wizard of Oz or fairy tale royalty, is always encouraged!

Our Petting Zoo isn’t Scary!

Pre- and post-concert activities include arts and crafts activities and performances by young artists in local schools and music programs.

There’s a lot to see and do in Jones Hall…

Reserved crafts area during the family concert

Reserved crafts area during the family concert

Priority seating on the orchestra level, program listing for each family concert and invitation to the Celebration event

Priority seating on the orchestra level, program listing for each family concert and invitation to the Celebration event

Quarterly newsletter with information about the composers, music being performed and music-related activities.

Pick a theme and tie it throughout the event,

from invitations to crafts.

Schedule a Symphony musician that works with

the event theme.

Select a craft that coordinates and that can be

incorporated in to the mini concert

A back stage tour of the concert hall and one-

on-one with the conductor is a must!

Give Junior Patrons the opportunity to

individually experience the instruments and

interact with the musician.

A “Big Bang” theme screams for…PERCUSSION! Our musician showed the young patrons a variety of percussion instruments as well as how many everyday items can be used to make interesting sounds.

Volunteers greet Junior Patrons and pass out packets with the tambourine craft. One of the highlights of the Celebration event is sitting on stage in the musicians’ chairs and visiting with Associate Conductor Robert Franz.

Volunteers at The 2012 Junior Patron Event

Children learn to talk by experimenting and listening;

they can learn to make music by experimenting and

listening--unless we stop them! Place children in

surroundings that are full of "invitations to learn,"

provide them with encouraging and sympathetic

attitudes from adults, as well as knowledge, and

amazing things can happen--especially to the sensory

perceptions that are central to the arts…

--Emma D. Sheehy