Houston Symphony League

1
Houston Symphony League
Houston Symphony Junior Patron Program and
Celebration Event
2
The Junior Patron program, together with the
Family Concert Series, is an important part of
Houston Symphonys 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
childrens 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
3
Robert Franz, Associate Conductor, works closely
with Roger Daily, Director of Music Matters!,
Houston Symphonys 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 Franzs
appearances. The visual stimulation they provide
keep audiences engaged throughout the concert.
4
Family Concert Series
The Family Concerts are very popular and Saturday
mornings are busy with families coming to one of
two performances in Jones Hall.
5
Saturday Mornings at a Family Concert
Each concert has a theme and dressing the part,
whether its Lion King, Wizard of Oz or fairy
tale royalty, is always encouraged!
6
Family Concert days are filled with pre-concert
activities like the Instrument Petting Zoo.
Our Petting Zoo isnt Scary!
7
Theres a lot to see and do in Jones Hall
Pre- and post-concert activities include arts and
crafts activities and performances by young
artists in local schools and music programs.
8
The Junior Patron Experience
Quarterly newsletter with information about the
composers, music being performed and
music-related activities.
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
9
Junior Patrons have up close and personal
opportunities to interact with Symphony musicians
at family concerts and the Celebration event.
10
Planning Highlights for a Junior Patron Event

• 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.

11
Our Theme The Big Bang
A Big Bang theme screams forPERCUSSION! 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.
12
Scenes from The Big Bang
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.
13
Junior Patron Celebrationvolunteers make the
difference
Volunteers at The 2012 Junior Patron Event
14
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