Houston Symphony Receives Boeing Grant

The Houston Symphony recently received a grant from The Boeing Company in support of the Houston Symphony Bay Area League's "I Heart Music" programs, which will be used to directly impact Clear Creek Independent School District and Boeing's arts education efforts in Houston's Bay Area.

"The generous grant from Boeing allows us to take the arts to all elementary schools in Clear Creek Independent School District at each grade level, culminating with the opportunity to hear a live performance by the Houston Symphony," said Nina McGlashan, the Houston Symphony Bay Area League education vice president. "It is a wonderful program that has impacted many lives and, thanks to grants like Boeing's, will continue to do so."

The sequential program begins in the first grade with a puppet show called "Maestro the Magnificent," where students are introduced to the sights and sounds of the orchestra. Next, classrooms in grades 2 through 4 receive visits by Houston Symphony musicians like Principal Percussionist and Associate Principal Timpanist Brian del Signore and Bay Area volunteers who work with students on examining various musical instrument families. These presentations encourage active listening and student participation regarding the fundamentals of music such as sound, melody, rhythm and harmony. The final step in "I Heart Music" finishes with a visit to Jones Hall to watch the Houston Symphony perform live, bringing together all of the elements taught throughout the program.

"Research shows that when students are involved in the arts, they are inspired to learn and deepen their critical and creative thinking skills, preparing them for excellence in work and life," said Dayni Alba, Boeing Texas Community Investor. "That is why Boeing supports the "I Heart Music" program with the Houston Symphony Bay Area League. It gives elementary students the opportunity to experience an interactive, progressive musical program."

Demand for the program is growing, which is currently supported by more than 5,000 volunteer hours, reaching more than 13,000 students in the Clear Creek Independent School District.