Top row (Left to right): Hannah Tassler, flute; Annie Winkelman, oboe; Andrew Burhans, horn; Will Ramos, bassoon; Najee Greenlee, clarinet; Sebastian Berofsky, cello; Soren Lorentzen, viola; Kayleigh Kim, violin; Noah Berz, violin;
Bottom row (Left to right): Emily Richardson, violin; Allison Smith, violin
Music and Teamwork
The mission of JUMP! is to make classical music engaging through relevant programming, interactive concerts, and education. Directed by Shepherd School of Music students, JUMP! gives educational presentations within the Houston community. This semester, the program is coordinated by cellist Cordelia Mutter with the help of faculty member Janet Rarick.
Students and faculty from the wind chamber music class at the Shepherd School conceived JUMP! over 20 years ago. Since then, student coordinators expanded JUMP! to include student performers from all musical departments.
This year, JUMP! will perform concerts at local schools and assisted living communities. As a celebration of reuniting with our colleagues and community, JUMP! will focus on the art of collaboration with this semester’s theme “Music and Teamwork.” The theme emphasizes the importance of working together and offers the idea that like many other parts of our lives, music is best when shared. With this goal, JUMP! aims to include a variety of different ensembles and provide engaging musical activities. JUMP! represents all audiences by programming diverse repertoire, featuring works by BIPOC composers and non-classical genres.
Student coordinators find many benefits from the JUMP! program. Sharing music with children is exciting, energizing, and brings a fresh perspective to their art.