H OUSTON S YMPHONY L EAGUE 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 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