According to Dallas Symphony Orchestra Board of Governors Member Dr. James Scott,
“At the heart of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s mission is an unwavering commitment to music education in our community through the Young Strings and Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs. The extensive impact that instrumental music training, provided through both programs, has in supporting cognitive development in children has been well established. One of the areas in North Texas where there remains a significant void in arts education and after-school programs is the region of Southern Dallas.
“In response, the DSO launched Young Strings in 1992 to provide a pathway for under-served students who historically and currently encounter barriers to pursuing a career in classical music. Young Strings has outpaced other local programs with incredible 100% high school graduation and 100% college admission rates. Broadening their reach even further, the DSO established the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program in 2019 to provide over 300 hours of free music lessons each year to students in Southern Dallas schools. The program is now offered at seven sites in the area and serves more than 700 students.
“As a member of the DSO’s Board of Governors and Education Committee Chair, I am proud of the work this great organization is doing to create these life-changing musical experiences for young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Through my experience as Dean Emeritus of the University of North Texas College of Music for many years, as well as a 50+ year career as a performer, teacher and administrator, I have seen firsthand the impact music education can have on a child’s life. Regardless of whether they go on to pursue musical studies or even a career in classical music, students in the DSO’s music education programs learn invaluable life skills—teamwork, discipline and nonverbal reasoning—that create pathways to success as they become tomorrow’s leaders.
“For just $75, you can provide one week of music lessons to a student in either Young Strings or the DSO’s Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program. I hope that you will join us in providing the transformative power of music to a child in our community this season. Please contact Alex Small at [email protected] or 214-871-4077 to give the gift of music today.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
