Nonpro t
BY COLE GEE
Symphony North of Houston celebrates 50 years of music
The community-based orchestra Symphony North of Houston is o cially celebrating its 50th anniversary, headlined by a spring gala on March 22. The organization When he’s not teaching courses at Rice University, Karl Blench serves as the eighth conductor for the Symphony North of Houston orchestra. Having been a part of Symphony North for three years, Blench said in his own eyes, the biggest change the organization has seen is the growth. “One of the biggest changes we’ve had is the growth of the ensemble,” Blench said. “We’re over 70 [musicians] now. I think we were just under 60 when I started, and in terms of the maturity of the sound of the group, it’s grown immensely. That’s in part because the musicians have stepped up, and mostly because I treat them like they’re profession- als even though they are community members. They donate their time, and I’m so appreciative of that.” Recruitment for the orchestra begins with inter- ested musicians having to ll out a detailed form on the orchestra’s website. After lling out the appli- cation, a “low-key, non-stressful interview” takes place with the conductor to determine the seating arrangement, Blench said. Community members are expected to pay dues yearly of $35 per person or $20 for students. Rehearsals take place from 7-10 p.m. on Mondays and the Fridays before a concert. Jennifer Moorhead, who has been the vice president of the orchestra for 10 years, noted the growth of not only the orchestra’s ensemble, but its audience as well. “Our concerts are by donation only, so we’re not as expensive as going to the Houston Symphony or the venues downtown,” Moorhead said. “So it’s a good alternative for people who live in the area who love classical music.” More details Blench said that despite its classical route, Sym- phony North is open to all community members. The organization makes the extra e ort to make sure everyone feels welcome, Blench said. “It’s very easy and it’s very understandable why people feel like events like this are sort of hoity-to- ity, for lack of a better term,” Blench said. “You know people are gonna be all dressed up and think, ‘I’ve got to behave a certain way,’ and that’s just not true.”
Over 70 musicians make up the Symphony North orchestra, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
PHOTOS COURTESY SYMPHONY NORTH OF HOUSTON
Karl Blench serves as the eighth conductor for the Symphony North of Houston orchestra.
Concerts are held at Salem Lutheran Church.
Blench said people from all walks of life attend the orchestra’s concerts. “Some people are dressed up in suits, and some people are in shirts and jeans and shorts. It is Texas after all, so you can be comfortable, and we’re trying to do music that also helps to engage the commu- nity,” Blench said. One more thing As a part of the 2026 season, Symphony North has two remaining concerts, which include: • Early spring concert on March 22 at 4:00 p.m. • Late spring concert & Young Artist winners on May 17 at 4:00 p.m. All Symphony North Concerts are held at Salem
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Lutheran Church in Tomball. Each concert o ers a di erent platform for young artists and orchestra members to play among their peers, Blench said.
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION
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