Students and teachers across Houston faced many challenges during the first weeks of the school year as they dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Late starts, damaged facilities, and the stress of uncertainty permeated campuses throughout the region. Despite the late start to the school year, Crespo Elementary students are eager to embrace a new year of the Houston Symphony in their classrooms. Excitement rang out among third, fourth and fifth graders when Houston Symphony Community-Embedded Musicians invited them to be part of the “Crespo Symphony” this year!
In the third year of the Houston Symphony residency at Crespo Elementary presented by BBVA Compass, Houston Symphony Community-Embedded Musicians are bringing a fresh element to the classroom. They began the first week by introducing Crespo Symphony Skills to students, including communication, giving feedback, working in an ensemble, practicing, and making a statement. These skills will not only make them successful members of the “Crespo Symphony,” but will also help them succeed in all areas of life. Students will develop these skills as they learn to analyze and appreciate orchestral music and even play some of their own melodies.
“These skills are freshly relevant for students facing a dramatic changes from Harvey and a shortened school year,” says Community-Embedded Musician Anthony Parce, “I am very excited about the trajectory we are taking. In our third year of this residency, we are hitting our stride in discovering what impressive talents these students have.”
The Houston Symphony is excited to be back at Crespo Elementary, where we will provide regular classroom lessons, in-school concerts and family engagement concerts, as well as invite students and families to Houston Symphony concerts at Jones Hall. Special thanks to presenting sponsor BBVA Compass and Houston Independent School District for making this collaboration possible.
