The Chamber Music in Public Schools (CHAMPS) program, operating under the auspices of Salon Concerts, Inc. seeks to encourage the next generation of chamber musicians. Orchestra and band students at Austin-area schools audition for small ensembles that receive special coaching throughout the year. Funded by grants and donations, the program is completely free to participating students and schools.
Before the school year begins, CHAMPS Director, Jephta Bernstein, contacts orchestra directors from middle and high school programs in the Austin, Eanes, and Round Rock public school districts inviting them to participate in our program. Typically, CHAMPS has participants from at least twelve schools. One of three CHAMPS coaches audition recommended students to participate. Challenging chamber music is selected to suit the immediate needs of each individual group.
Each student ensemble receives highly specialized instruction from a professional chamber musician. Most ensembles are coached weekly in hour-long sessions. Instruction occurs during the students' orchestra class period. However, most groups meet outside the weekly coachings, as well, developing their own rehearsal techniques and learning to work together as a group.
Performance opportunities are arranged throughout the year for CHAMPS participants. In-school concerts are given for the general student body or for smaller audiences of orchestra, band, and choir students. CHAMPS students also perform at community and corporate functions in addition to two public concerts at Austin 's Armstrong Community Music School. Each year, a least one student performance is videotaped for broadcast on public access television, reaching thousands of viewers over numerous airings. For additional information about the CHAMPS program, visit the Salon Concerts website at http://www.salonconcerts.org/champs.php.
In addition to regularly-scheduled concerts, the Austin High School Orchestra CHAMPS string quartet is available to perform at private functions, such as weddings, meetings, and social gatherings for a fee and/or donation to the orchestra program. For additional information or to schedule the string quartet for an event, contact Mrs. Ana Maria Solís-Herrera, Orchestra Director, at 512-414-1251 or ana.solisherrera@austinisd.org.