The Celebration

Jones Hall was transformed into Candyland when Houston Symphony hosted its 2018-19 Junior Patron’s event. Houston Symphony League board member Connie Kwan-Wong chaired the enchanting occasion. Held annually, the private event is one of the benefits of being a Houston Symphony Junior Patron.

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The Story

Delighted Junior Patrons, ranging in age from two to thirteen, engaged in interactive fun at photo and craft stations along with their families. In keeping with the theme, each decorated a mallet resembling a lollipop, which they used to learn about rhythm, harmony, and other musical concepts.

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Divided into three groups to make activities more meaningful, the young patrons enjoyed musical activities programmed especially for them by Houston Symphony’s Community-Embedded Musicians (CEMs), Rainel Joubert and Patricia Quintero on violin, Alexa Thomson on viola, and David Connor on double bass. Enthusiastic volunteers from the Houston Symphony League guided the groups from station to station.

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The Moments

What trip to Candyland be complete without indulging in some sugary confections? Stopping by the Green Room after enjoying all the stations, guests were treated to a selection of fluffy doughnuts, cupcakes, kolaches, and croissants. The event was decorated beautifully by Mai Le with MV Decorations. 

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To conclude the delightful morning, Houston Symphony’s CEMs treated participants to a vibrant interactive performance on the balcony. Expanding on the morning’s topics, the musicians explored the way in which different candy flavors can be translated into the mood and melody of music. Illustrating the concept, “Winter,” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, was played to signify mint; Schön Rosmarin by Kreisler was played to signify gumdrops; and String Quartet No. 2, “Movement 3” by Borodin was played to signify chocolate.

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As they said “Goodbye” to Candyland, each Junior Patron was given a parting gift of a lollipop in the shape of a musical note.

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About Houston Symphony’s Junior Patrons Program

The Junior Patrons Program is offered by Houston Symphony so parents can share their love of music with their children. Being a member offers the following benefits at all Family Series concerts: priority seating, opportunities to meet Houston Symphony musicians, receipt of the newsletter containing information about upcoming concerts and activities, a listing of each Junior Patron’s name in the Family Concert program, and access to the annual private Junior Patrons event at Jones Hall.

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For more information, please visit houstonsymphony.org/junior-patrons.