Orchestra Support Series with HISD

Starting with our 2021–22 Season, the Houston Symphony began a new initiative that aims to improve the quality of strings programs with the Houston Independent School District. The initiative, led by our Community-Embedded Musicians (CEMs), fills an important gap for HISD orchestra teachers—many of whom have extensive training in leading a school band ensemble, but lack the specialized skills needed to provide students with high-level strings instruction.

CEM Rainel Joubert leads a session on string instruction for HISD teachers

CEM David Connor during a classroom observation session with orchestra instructors and students at Crespo Elementary School David Connor demonstrates the proper way to hold a bow to an HISD orchestra teacher

During the 2021–22 Season, CEMs David Connor and Rainel Joubert held 22 in-depth sessions that supported 23 HISD teachers—48% of the total orchestra instructors in the district with professional development, including 12 non-strings specialists. These sessions provided critical support to the teachers, providing instruction on the fundamentals of violin and bass instruction, and supporting the instruction of 1,800 students in orchestra programs throughout the district. Additionally, the program saw CEMs interact directly with 200 orchestra students through classroom observations and demonstrations.

Feedback from orchestra teachers who attended these sessions makes it clear the Orchestra Support Series provided valuable support for their students. One attendee shared their experience, “I personally wanted to say thank you to all involved in the Houston Symphony Orchestra Support Series. The development was very well structured, informative, and overall, a positive learning experience. The instructors were patient, hands on, and clear with all information taught regarding string pedagogy. I look forward to further professional development hosted by the Houston Symphony orchestra and truly think HISD directors can benefit from this.”

Learning from our success, the Houston Symphony will continue the Orchestra Support Series with HISD during our 2022-23 Season, not only providing a series of four workshops to provide orchestra teachers with the fundamental techniques for playing and teaching string instruments, but additionally holding a series of classroom observations for each of the participating schools.

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Classical Series

Bank of America POPS Series