If collaborative pianist Neal Kurz could offer one piece of advice to classical musicians interested in his specialty, it would be… not to specialize. Being an effective accompanist, he says, calls for being ready to play just about anything. “The thing I would emphasize for anybody who’s interested in this kind of work is you … Read more
Ask YTA Stage Manager Sadie Langenkamp about her job, and she could go into the technicalities of lighting and stage preparations. But she tends to look at her role more in terms of its impact. “I like to think of myself as a resource for the competitors, someone who makes sure they have everything they … Read more
You could say YTA volunteer David Hwa is a master puzzle solver. Every winter, Hwa gathers the schedules, needs and preferences of the out-of-town musicians who will need a place to stay when they come to Conroe for the YTA competition in March. Then he looks at the capabilities, homes and preferences of the area … Read more
For Dr. Richard Griffin, board chairman of Young Texas Artists Music Competition, one of the best things about watching the annual Finalists’ Concert is taking in the performers’ expressions. After years of playing saxophone, Griffin understands their journey. “They go to a place that is just for them,” he said. “They experience a connectivity and … Read more
For the last four or five years, Sarah Baxter has had an opportunity to get to know some of the world’s most talented young artists in a way few audience members do: by welcoming them into her home. As a volunteer hostess for Young Texas Artists (YTA), Baxter provides participants in the organization’s music competition … Read more
For Emelyne Bingham, the joy of being a musician isn’t about prestige or achievement; it’s the richness of each moment she experiences as a musician, conductor and educator. “It’s not about the product for me; it’s about the process,” said Bingham, artistic director of Young Texas Artists Music Competition (YTA) and senior lecturer at Vanderbilt … Read more