In an effort to keep the community at bay, the Houston Symphony has created four full-time positions for string musicians. The effort comes as part of an outreach program that accommodates an increasingly diverse city.
The primary role of the program will be community engagement and music education in schools around neighborhood centers and healthcare facilities in the area.
However, the Houston Chronicle writes that the musicians will largely work outside of Jones Hall to perform with the orchestra.
The symphony's other 87 professional musicians — who spend about 80 percent of their time on stage — will not accommodate these four musicians, though. They will also perform about 25 shows a year with the symphony.
"Our ability to do more outside the concert hall has been limited," said Mark C. Hanson, executive director and chief executive officer of the Houston Symphony. "Traditional musicians are so consumed by the increasing number of full orchestra performances. So as an institution we're excited about significantly expanding the scope of our programming."
Hanson also claims that the symphony has intended to expand its outreach for years despite the decision coming only a few months ago. As of late, no other orchestras in the country are providing similar opportunities.
The expansion, though, comes as part of a 10-year strategic plan and is intended to increase the organization's funding during a time where most orchestra in the country are enduring financial strife.
In the meantime, get down with the orchestra below.
