Education and inspiration long have been at the heart of Harlingen Concert Association’s (HCA) mission. In recent years, with the generous support of community sponsors, HCA has offered several free educational outreach programs for local students, prior to evening performances for the public at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium.
The energy and excitement at these special events is palpable, whether a master class for a group of orchestra and band students, or a mini-concert for hundreds in an elementary school cafeteria or performing arts center. The talented professionals HCA brings to town are always eager to share their time and talents with young people, and often say educational outreach programs are highlights of their tours. In addition to sharing their music, they often give performance advice and answer questions about their instruments. They also spend time one-on-one, giving hugs and high fives, signing autographs, and taking selfies with dozens of star-struck youngsters and their chaperones.
Our musical heritage is rich, diverse, and ever-evolving. It is our firm belief that, whenever possible, Harlingen Concert Association should share the exceptional artists we bring to the community as widely as possible, so that individuals of all ages can experience the joy of discovering new melodies, creative interpretations, and musical styles that warm the heart. For some students, HCA outreach programs offer their only opportunity to experience a live performance by a world-class tenor, play saxophone alongside a Grammy-nominated artist, hear classical music played on the accordion, or shake hands with a musician from Boston, New York, Russia, or Scotland.
We are very grateful to the many generous businesses and individuals who have signed on as HCA sponsors, as well as our loyal season subscribers, whose support enables us to offer educational outreach programs at no charge to students or schools. If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the 2023-2024 season, and how you might help further HCA efforts to use music to educate and inspire future generations, contact Julie Ng, Education Outreach Chair, at [email protected].