BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH SYMPHONIC MUSIC!
MIDLAND, TX - Jacy Lewis-Watkins' passion for symphonic music began as a child. Her first encounter with the grandeur of an orchestra was through a program similar to the West Texas Symphony's Marvelous Melodies educational outreach. She recalls the excitement of boarding a bus from her small town to travel two hours to the Omaha Symphony in Omaha, Nebraska. The awe-inspiring hall left an indelible mark on her, even if she can't remember the specific pieces performed. “I remember the goosebumps that raised on my skin during the performance,” Jacy reminisces. The experience sparked a lifelong love for music.
Jacy moved to Midland six years ago to pursue her dream of working at a newspaper. Her time at the Midland Reporter-Telegram was invaluable, allowing her to learn about the region's non-profits. One of her first experiences with the West Texas Symphony was the Addams Family in concert, where she witnessed the symphony playing to a movie score for the first time. “That performance opened my eyes to all the ways music, especially symphonic music, is intertwined with our lives,” she says. She is particularly excited about this year's performance of the Rite of Spring.
After leaving the newspaper, Jacy sought to connect differently with the community that had given her many wonderful stories. When approached to join the symphony board, she gladly agreed. She has found a true community with the symphony, including with the West Texas Symphony Young Professionals. “Being part of the West Texas Symphony Young Professionals has been incredibly rewarding. It's a fantastic way to connect with others who share a love for music and to support the symphony's mission,” she notes.
In West Texas, many organizations vie for time and donations, but the symphony stands out. It offers free performances for schools, supports local musicians who teach, and delivers world-class concerts. “Without the symphony, there would be a huge hole in our community, especially in the arts,” Jacy asserts. The absence of the symphony would leave a significant void in the community's arts and culture scene, forcing West Texans to travel to orchestras.
For 62 years, the West Texas Symphony has upheld its promise to the community to enrich lives through music. With continued support, it aims to maintain this legacy for many more years but can’t do it alone.
Please consider donating to support the West Texas Symphony and ensure it continues to enrich our community. Your contributions help provide free performances for schools, support local musicians, and bring world-class concerts to West Texas. Together, we can keep the music alive for generations to come.
