Not only are we the premier presenter of modern classical music in Houston, but we present a program to 5000 underprivileged HISD schoolchildren every year. This program enables them to appreciate classical music, and, further, to understand what they are listening to. Karol Bennett goes to schools and does workshops that prepare the children for the concert hall. When they get there, they are active participants; thus, helping to further their musical experience. We need to become better organized and we need to get a development director who can help us survive in the current attack on arts funding.
There are very few truly innovative arts organizations in Houston, and virtually none oriented toward music. Musiqa fills that void beautifully, with their fresh and inspired collaborations with other like-minded arts groups from differing disciplines. Their educational outreach has exposed literally thousands of public school kids to music other than hip hop, often for the first time.
Working with Musiqa was a great experience. I learned a great deal about new music -- contemporary classical -- and enjoyed working with composers. The organization is deeply committed to the arts and education. In addition to multi-disciplinary concerts that feature other modern art forms, Musiqa reaches out and teaches kids about music. This program, Around the World with Musiqa, has received funding from a variety of sources including the NEA. From staff to board, this is a great group of people making a difference through the arts. I look forward to their concerts and to greater involvement with the organization.