Houston Symphony (EIN 741157373)
Briefly describe your mission.
The mission of the Houston Symphony is to inspire and engage a large and diverse audience in Greater Houston and beyond through exceptional orchestral and non-orchestral performances, educational programs, and community activities.
Who does your agency help?
In a typical year, the Houston Symphony serves more than 410,000 people annually—including more than 225,000 through free and low-cost programs, events, and concerts. Typically, students from 350 public, private and home schools, and 20 school districts participate in the Symphony’s education initiatives. Additionally, musicians of the orchestra and the Symphony’s two Community-Embedded Musicians offer over 1,000 community-based performances each year at various schools, community centers, hospitals, and churches. During a pandemic year, the Houston Symphony served more than 1.3 million people through a combination of digital and live events.
Why should a City of Houston employee give to your organization?
One of the oldest performing arts organizations in Texas, the Symphony held its inaugural performance at The Majestic Theater in downtown Houston on June 21, 1913. Today, the full-time ensemble of professional musicians presents nearly 170 concerts annually, making it the largest performing arts organization in Houston. Arts education and access is essential to stimulating creativity, imagination, and innovation. From early childhood to high school and beyond, the Houston Symphony’s education programs were designed to provide students with meaningful artistic experiences that engage, inspire, and nurture a life-long love of music.
What is something unique about your agency?
The Houston Symphony’s HISD Orchestra Support Series, launched in 2021-22, is designed to support orchestra educators in their ability to teach string instruments and inspire students to play or continue playing their instruments. Through this program, the Houston Symphony seeks to support Houston Independent School District (HISD) in its efforts to increase access to and quality of orchestra programs in the district.
String teachers are in high demand across the country and are especially difficult to find in urban school districts. Music educators who are not string specialists often teach orchestra in these schools and need additional support to feel equipped to set students up for success in playing string instruments. This series not only provides educators with instruction on fundamental techniques for string instruments but also built a stronger network for orchestra educators to discuss best practices.
Who should City employees contact if they want more information?
Christina Trunzo, Director of Foundation Relations
Christina.trunzo@houstonsymphony.org
Sarah Thompson, Institutional Giving Associate
Sarah.thompson@houstonsymphony.org
