Mission
American
Festival for the Arts (AFA) was established in 1993 to provide accessible,
high-quality music education and performance opportunities for youth
and to broaden the audience for both new American works and the standard
classical music repertory.
History
In
the summer of 1996, AFA reached its goal of establishing an annual Summer
Music Conservatory and Concert Series for the youth and communities
of Houston, Texas. The AFA Conservatory has become recognized as an
important annual event in Houston’s cultural life and a model
for programs of its kind around the nation.
Since 1996, the Conservatory has experienced significant annual growth
in enrollment, faculty, curriculum, special projects and collaborations.
In its 1996 inaugural season, AFA enrolled 43 students representing
27 Houston area schools. Enrollment has grown substantially over subsequent
seasons, resulting in a 2007 Conservatory enrollment of 292 students
representing 99 Houston and Southeast Texas area schools and Independent
School Districts (ISDs).
AFA’s Scholarship/Enrichment Fund has kept pace with an increasing
annual demand, providing deserving students with need-based tuition
support. In 2007, more than 61.9% of students attending the program
received Scholarship/Enrichment Fund assistance with more than 24% of
matriculated students received full scholarship awards. Financial hardship
has never been, nor will it ever be, a barrier to attending AFA.
1995-2007:
Making Music Matter
“I
have always believed that the arts play an essential role in the complete
education and optimum, balanced development of an individual. The knowledge
and experience gained from the study of the arts develop a person in
many ways: mentally, spiritually and through building one’s confidence,
concentration, self-respect and discipline. These traits are then carried
into all aspects of life. The American Festival for the Arts Summer
Music Conservatory offers a unique haven for aspiring youth from diverse
backgrounds and independent school districts to immerse themselves in
a stimulating artistic environment with peers of similar interests.
AFA concerts provide students with a supportive atmosphere in which
to demonstrate their achievements and allow their families, teachers
and members of the community to support their learning process. As a
result, AFA directly enhances the cultural and educational lives of
our youth and, in turn, their families, their friends, the local arts
community, its concert audiences and the well being of our cultural
future.”
–
J. Todd Frazier, Founder
“In twelve years, American Festival for the Arts (AFA) has emerged
as one of the nation’s premier community-based music education
programs. As this unique organization celebrates its second decade of
safeguarding the arts in education and continues to build an impressive
record of growth throughout Southeast Texas, AFA remains firmly committed
to the full potential of our youth and to the extraordinary vision set
forth by our founder and former director, Todd Frazier. ‘Making
Music Matter’ represents what AFA students achieve every day as
a result of their involvement in music. Through AFA, they experience
the kind of personal, intellectual and social growth that can only be
achieved through the study of the arts. As we embark on our thirteenth
year, we invite you to help AFA continue ‘Making Music Matter’
for thousands of Houston and Southeast Texas area youth.”
–
Michael Remson, Executive Director
