AFA

CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL TRUMPETERS 🎺✨

Join us this summer for the AFA Orchestra & Chamber Music Workshop, June 13–27! Students will have the opportunity to perform in a full symphonic orchestra, play in chamber ensembles, and grow alongside fellow young musicians in an inspiring and supportive environment.

Apply now and we’ll schedule your audition! 🎶

‼️ APPLY HERE: https://afatexas.org/program/summer-music-festival-orchestra-chamber-music-workshop/

MEET THE AFA STAFF SERIES ✨🎶

We are thrilled to introduce Amanda Fisher, AFA’s Executive Director! 🎉

For 30+ years, Executive Director Amanda Fisher has been a visionary force driving AFA’s major growth, engineering unique cross-sector partnerships, and advising leaders from across the philanthropic sector.

Houston music education wouldn’t be what it is today without her leadership! 🎻✨

From student to mentor 🎶✨

Nathan is one of many AFA alumni who has returned to invest in the next generation of young musicians, sharing the same guidance and encouragement that once shaped his own journey.

When you give to the Play It Forward Fund, you’re helping provide student scholarships, access to world-class music instruction, and transformative opportunities that make programs like AFA possible.

As we celebrate 31 years of changing lives through music, help us reach our $31,000 goal by July 31! 🎉

Every gift makes an impact. Donate today: https://givebutter.com/NsmItB

CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL CLARINETISTS 🎶✨

Join us this summer for the Orchestra & Chamber Music Workshop, June 13 - June 27! The Orchestra & Chamber Music Workshop features a full symphonic orchestra tailored to younger players, offering a unique experience for this age group.

Apply now and we’ll schedule your audition! 🎼 https://afatexas.org/program/summer-music-festival-orchestra-chamber-music-workshop/

Congratulations to the 29th AFA Concerto Competition Grand Prize Winner, Noah Baskin! 🎶✨

Noah, a percussionist finishing his senior year at Conroe ISD’s Oak Ridge High School, earned this year’s top honor with an outstanding marimba performance. He is the first percussionist to win the AFA Concerto Competition!

We are so excited to hear Noah perform this summer with the AFA Symphony Orchestra at the 2026 Summer Music Festival on Saturday, July 11th.

📸 Slide 1: 2026 Concerto Competition Grand Prize Winner, Noah Baskin

📸 Slide 2: Concerto Competition judges Bingiee Shiu, Dr. Kayoko Dan, and Evan Leslie with this year’s winner.

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL PERCUSSIONISTS 🎶✨

Join us this summer for the Orchestra & Chamber Music Intensive, June 20 - July 11! The Orchestra & Chamber Music Intensive is a conservatory-style experience for motivated and passionate high school musicians from across the Houston area!

Exciting orchestral repertoire, percussion ensemble, and music with friends, what could be better?

‼️ APPLY HERE: https://afatexas.org/program/summer-music-festival-orchestra-chamber-music-intensive/

Learn more at the link in our bio! 🔗

CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL HARPISTS 🎶✨

Join us this summer for the AFA String Institute, July 6–18! Harp students get the opportunity to play with string orchestra, in harp ensemble, plus musicianship classes.

‼️ APPLY HERE: https://afatexas.org/program/summer-music-festival-string-institute/

MEET THE AFA STAFF SERIES ✨🎶

We are thrilled to introduce Amanda Heathco, AFA’s Sr. Director of Programs! 🎉

A proud alum of AFA herself, Amanda Heathco manages the planning and implementation of AFA’s programs including the Summer Music Festival and Chamber Music Academy, coordinating student recruiting, auditions and enrollment, curriculum, Teaching Artists, and program development.

THROWBACK to the 2025 AFA Summer Music Festival 🎶✨

For 30 years, the AFA Summer Music Festival has brought together Houston’s young musicians for intensive music-making, collaboration, and community in a fun and supportive environment.

Applications in select sessions and sections for Summer 2026 are still open — but not for much longer!

‼️ APPLY NOW: https://afatexas.org/programs/summer/

LAST CALL! AUDITIONS CLOSE MAY 9 🎶✨

There’s still time to join the 2026 AFA Summer Music Festival — but spots are filling quickly! Apply by Thursday, May 7 to schedule your audition before auditions officially close on May 9. Can’t make it on the 9th? Call AFA at 713-522-9699.

🎻 String Institute
(Harp, Violin, Viola, Bass)

🎼 Orchestra & Chamber Music Workshop
(Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, All Brass)

🎶 Orchestra & Chamber Music Intensive
(Violin, Viola, Oboe, Bassoon, Percussion)

✍️ Composition Intensive

Spend your summer making music, building friendships, and learning from world-class conductors and teaching artists.

‼️ APPLY HERE: https://afatexas.org/programs/summer/