June 12, 2025
Graduates of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University are making a lasting mark on the classical music landscape. This year, we’re proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kinetic Ensemble, a conductorless string orchestra started at Shepherd that has become an integral part of Houston’s music scene.
Founded by violinist Natalie Lin Douglas ('20) and made up largely of Shepherd School alumni, Kinetic has grown from a student initiative into one of Houston’s most dynamic and forward-thinking ensembles. Recently, Houston Chronicle recognized Kinetic as “an innovative force in Houston’s music scene and an important advocate for the diversification of classical music repertoire.”
And it all began at Shepherd. In an interview with Houston Public Media, Lin Douglas shared: “Kinetic started as a student project. I was a doctoral student at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2014, and I started thinking about this idea of starting a conductorless string orchestra that would serve the Houston community. I just saw this real energy and thirst to be making music together in a really meaningful way… an opportunity to get these really wonderful, talented musicians together to start something.”
That idea became reality in fall of 2015, when Kinetic officially launched its first season. In the decade since, the ensemble has led over 20 composer collaborations, over 30 premieres and commissions, and over 50 performances across Houston and beyond – including appearances in Austin, New York, and Massachusetts.
Kinetic embodies the excellence, innovation, and collaborative spirit at the heart of the Shepherd School, and we’re proud to celebrate 10 years of its impact.