To help raise awareness of arts programs in public schools, there is an associated art exhibit entitled “What Does Music Look Like?” Entries are presented from the 6th graders at B.T. Wilson Elementary, 7th and 8th graders from Hal Peterson Middle School and 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders at Tivy High school. This will be the fifth year the art contest has been held and for the first time there will be an extended showing at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. Winners from all three schools will be shown at the arts center and at the VIP reception the night of the contest.
The Hill Country Youth Orchestra was founded in 1987 as a Suzuki String Program by Lynda Ables, whose little girl wanted to learn violin only to find there wasn’t a string teacher in Kerrville. Lynda decided to do something about it. Her dedication evolved into the Youth Orchestra and she and her music teachers have now taught thousands of students in classical string music. Over 150 HCYO students have gone on to performing in ensembles of one variety or another. Other young HCYO musicians have found the inspiration to move on to higher education in classical music at Texas Universities and performing with world symphonies. This year the Youth Orchestra teaches over one hundred fifty young musical talents.
Perhaps, though, the most remarkable thing about the program is that it is completely tuition free. It is a non-profit organization entirely supported by donations. This year celebrates 28 years of bringing the joy of the orchestral experience to the children of the Texas Hill Country.