Central Texas Philharmonic receives W.D. Kelley Foundation grant for youth program
The Youth Orchestra Program of the Central Texas Philharmonic received a $50,000 grant from the W.D. Kelley Foundation earlier this month.
The program offers young musicians an opportunity to be mentored by professionals within the philharmonic. Participants train with their instruments at a high level and perform at up to four shows alongside the adult musicians at shows. The training results in optimum experience for these students aged 13-18 who wish to pursue degrees or professions in music and can help lead to placement in prestigious music programs once they graduate.
“They also learn life skills,” said Charlotte Barbini, the philharmonic board’s president. “It’s great on their resume since this is a premiere orchestra. The requirements and artistic ability is expected to be on a professional level. They learn conduct, discipline, commitment to the rehearsal schedule and organizational skills just from being a part of the program.”
The Youth Orchestra was started in 2018, when the Georgetown Symphony Society and the Round Rock Symphony merged to form the Central Texas Philharmonic.
“When we formed the Central Texas Philharmonic, we realized the importance of young people and bringing them along as part of the process,” Ms. Barbini said.
They started with a small group of 20 students back in 2018. The pandemic and the closing of schools put a particular strain on the program with not being able to meet in person, but the students never stopped practicing over Zoom.
“We had a hard time coming back after Covid,” she said. “At first, there were only three students.”
The program has now grown to 50. It’s under the direction of Jager Loyde — the director of fine arts, music in Round Rock ISD — and assisted by Justin Anderson, the associate orchestra director at Westwood High School.
Ms. Barbini said she was introduced to the Kelley Foundation by a member, Cindy Posey. It was Ms. Posey who, after hearing about the Youth Orchestra, urged Ms. Barbini to apply for a grant to support the program. The foundation delivered a check of $50,000 to the group, which will be used to provide administrative support, purchase required orchestral instruments, increase mentorships and individual instruction, provide scholarships and a summer music camp.
“This is the first grant we received and we all are so very grateful for the opportunity to fund, support and increase the viability of our [Youth Orchestra],” Ms. Barbini said.
Any student between the ages of 13-18 who are actively enrolled in a music program — whether in public, private, charter or homeschool — is eligible to audition for the CTP’s Youth Orchestra. The board also issues scholarships for lower income students after review.
The Youth Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. on May 21 at the Klett Performing Arts Center, 2211 North Austin Avenue. Admission is free with the purchase of a ticket to the CTP concert.