AFA

This month we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month with a multi genre-spanning playlist of AAPI artists and composers. Take a listen here ---> http://tiny.cc/afaplaylist

Can’t wait to make new memories this summer! AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER

Congratulations to all of our spring programs on an awesome semester!

Mark your calendars for July 2nd to hear Efran Zhao perform the 1st movement of Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61 by Camille Saint-Saens with the AFA Symphony Orchestra! Special thanks to our Final Round judges Bingiee Shiu, Michael Fahey, Anne Leek, Bob Walp, and David Connor.

Don’t miss out! Auditions should be submitted by May 15 by those with completed applications. Check www.afatexas.org/summer for an update on sessions and sections with openings.

It's not too late to apply and audition for the AFA Summer Music Festival! Visit afatexas.org/summer for more information.

Congratulations to everyone who competed in the preliminary round of the AFA Concerto Competition on Saturday, April 23rd. We look forward to hearing the finalists' performances on May 7th - stay tuned for the announcement of the Grand Prize winner!

If you're looking to grow as a musician and make new friends, then join us for the AFA Summer Music Festival! Visit afatexas.org/summer to learn more about applications and auditions. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play It Forward Fund.

Here’s another set of "Rep Facts" for one of our Symphony Orchestra pieces! High school musicians can still apply and audition to be a part of this year’s session. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER for more information. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

Here's an exciting update for Fort Bend ISD, Humble Independent School District, and Klein ISD students! We're so glad to partner with these school districts to provide transportation to the AFA Summer Music Festival. Visit afatexas.org for more information on how to apply and audition.

High School Bassonists, for more details on how you can be a part of an exciting summer at the AFA Summer Music Festival, visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play It Forward Fund.

Calling all High School Oboeists: apply and audition for this summer's AFA Symphony Orchestra! Financial aid is available through the AFA Play It Forward Fund. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER for more information!

Calling all Middle and High School Flutists: apply and audition for a one-of-a-kind experience at the AFA Summer Music Festival. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play It Forward Fund. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER for more information!

Our Chamber Music Academy students were in for a special treat today, a masterclass at GARZA STUDIOS with Simone Giessen and Marie Bitlloch of Elias String Quartet! Thank you Da Camera of Houston for your partnership in this endeavor.

Check out our latest Rep Facts for "blue cathedral" by composer Jennifer Higdon which will be performed by the AFA Symphony Orchestra at this year's Summer Music Festival! High School instrumentalists visit afatexas.org/summer for more information on how to apply. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

Harpists, planning for summer? Apply and audition now for the AFA Summer Music Festival! There are two sessions for harpists currently in grades 4-12. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER for more information. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

The Wind Ensembles session offers 5-8th grade wind, brass and percussion students the opportunity to strengthen their playing skills and build confidence in a supportive and positive environment. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/Summer for more information about applications and auditions! Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

Calling all percussionists! Sharpen your skills this summer at the AFA Summer Music Festival. There are multiple sessions for percussionists currently in grades 5-12. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER for more information! Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

Here’s a look at the history behind one of our Symphony Orchestra pieces! You can still apply and audition to be a part of this year’s session. Apply now at AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER and stay tuned for more repertoire highlights.

It's Women's History Month, and we're back with another playlist influenced by some of our favorite Women artists, songwriters, and composers. Check out the playlist and let us know some of your favorites!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5gKhR97bOcKBYWpy6F02ee?si=b05c186585fa44b5

Hey Klein ISD, Humble Independent School District, and Fort Bend ISD musicians! Need a ride to the 2022 Summer Music Festival? Check our website for news regarding bus transportation from your school district this summer. We are thrilled to be able to partner with these area District Fine Arts offices!

Vocal Artist Intensive

Vocalists, take your artistry to the next level and apply for the AFA Vocal Artist Intensive, a *NEW* program presented in collaboration with Houston Grand Opera. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER to apply and also check out additional summer camp opportunities and special tuition discounts at Houston Grand Opera!

Vocal Artist Intensive Click here to learn about tuition assistance, discounts, and other information. Did you know? Students who attended the 2021 Summer Music Festival receive a discount of $25.00!

High School Orchestra & Chamber Music is an intensive experience for motivated and passionate young musicians from across the Houston area that takes place from June 13-July 2. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/SUMMER for more information. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

The AFA Composition Studio is a one-of-a-kind pre-professional experience for young composers. Intensive students even get the chance to be a part of our 25 year Composer Choreographer collaboration with Houston Ballet's Summer Intensive! In addition to that we're excited to announce a new 2 week Boot Camp for young musicians looking to expand their composition skills! Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/Summer for more information. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

AFA Alumni Intern applications close on Monday, March 7th!!

Applications are now open for the 2022 AFA Alumni Internship program! Apply to be a part of our team through March 7th. For more information, visit www.afatexas.org/alumni.

Planning for summer 2022? We have two fun and challenging sessions for young musicians who play string instruments. Visit AFATEXAS.ORG/apply for more information. Financial aid is available through the AFA Play it Forward Fund.

Grand Prize Winner will perform with the AFA Symphony Orchestra on July 2, 2022 and will receive $750. Visit www.afatexas.org/afa-competitions/ for information on eligibility and competition dates.

AFA is so grateful to have Kinder HSPVA as a longtime partner. We had such a great time yesterday showing our appreciation for their faculty and staff. We're looking forward to returning to their campus for the 2022 Summer Music Festival!

We are excited to announce the concert repertoire for the 2022 AFA Symphony Orchestra, part of the HS Orchestra & Chamber Music session (June 13 - July 2). Stay tuned for highlights of each of these pieces and info on the AFA Concerto Competition! Apply online now: www.afatexas.org/apply

We'd like to give a big THANK YOU to AFA Board of Directors for their continuous support and service to the AFA community!

As we celebrate Black History Month, here's a new playlist of songs by Black composers and artists that we have on repeat. Check out the full playlist here https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1HxO9ZVKrZ2ZXSW8KeG6PW?si=F0g-58fnSN6-HjKrhXnZRg and let us know what your favorites are!

We are looking forward to seeing audition videos for the 2022 AFA Summer Music Festival! Start your application at afatexas.org/apply and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

We're back with another Alumni Spotlight! AFA Alum Sixto F. Montesinos attended the Summer Music Festival from 2000-2002 and is currently an Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Instrumental Studies at Saint Mary’s College of California. Read his full spotlight here: https://afatexas.org/news/afa-alumni-spotlight-sixto-montesinos/