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This summer, four of our talented Texas Symphonic Ballet musicians had the incredible opportunity to attend the YOLA National Festival in Los Angeles — an intensive summer orchestra program dedicated to artistic development for young musicians from El Sistema-inspired and community-driven music programs across the United States.
The YOLA National Festival’s mission is to provide the highest caliber of orchestral training, artistry, and musical excellence, all rooted in the power of community. For up to 14 days, musicians from across the country come together to learn, grow, and perform under the guidance of world-class faculty, guest artists, and conductors. Participation is completely free, with travel, lodging, meals, and programming provided at no cost to the musicians — a true testament to the program’s commitment to accessibility and opportunity. This year, Nelly, Samuel, Mario, and Amalia proudly represented our organization at the festival.
Beyond the rehearsals and performances, our students built friendships with fellow musicians from all over the country, learned from seasoned mentors, and experienced the magic of performing with world-renowned conductors. Each day was filled with growth — both musically and personally — and the experience left an indelible mark on their journeys as artists. We are incredibly proud of Nelly, Samuel, Mario, and Amalia for representing our community with such excellence and heart. Their participation in the YOLA National Festival is a shining example of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity, and when music is used as a bridge to connect, inspire, and transform lives.
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This season, the magic of the stage came alive as our dancers stepped into the timeless tale of Cinderella, accompanied by the breathtaking sounds of the TX Symphonic Ballet orchestra. Our original production brought fresh choreography, vibrant storytelling, and unforgettable music together to reimagine the story we all know and love — the kind-hearted girl, the glass slipper, and the wish that changes everything.
From the moment the orchestra began the overture, the audience was swept into Cinderella’s world. The musicians, seated to the side created a lush soundscape that elevated every scene — from the tender moments between Cinderella and her fairy godmother to the swirling grandeur of the royal ball. One of the most beautiful aspects of this performance was the true collaboration between movement and music. The dancers and musicians worked side-by-side in rehearsal, ensuring that every pirouette, lift, and gesture was perfectly in sync with the score. In some moments, it felt as though the music itself was dancing — a seamless partnership where sound and movement told the story together. As the curtain fell and Cinderella’s fairytale ending unfolded, the joy on stage and in the pit was unmistakable. The applause was not only for the dancers in their sparkling costumes but also for the musicians whose melodies made the magic tangible. This Cinderella was more than a ballet — it was a celebration of collaboration, community, and the magic that happens when live music meets storytelling. With every note played and every step danced, we were reminded why we bring these stories to life: to inspire, to connect, and to share beauty with our community.
From the very first moment, the audience was captivated. The show opened with a lively overture, setting the tone for an evening full of holiday magic. The musicians played with precision and heart, their sound filling the theater and wrapping around the dancers like a warm embrace. It was more than background music — it was an equal partner in telling the story.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this performance was seeing students sit side-by-side with their professional mentors in the orchestra pit. Young musicians learned in real time, guided by the steady hands and ears of seasoned artists, creating music together in perfect harmony. This mentorship not only strengthened the performance but also nurtured the next generation of talent, proving that the stage is as much a place for learning as it is for performing. As the curtain rose on Act II, the connection between dance and music became even more apparent. The beautiful, sweeping melodies of Tchaikovsky’s score seemed to guide every step, lift, and turn. The orchestra’s dynamic range — from delicate, shimmering notes to powerful crescendos — allowed the dancers to fully embody the emotions of the story. Each variation felt like a living conversation between movement and sound. The Nutcracker will always be a beloved holiday tradition, but with live music from the TX Symphonic Ballet orchestra — and the shared learning between mentors and students — it became more than a tradition. It became a celebration of artistry, community, and the magic that happens when movement and music unite on stage.  Day of the Dead Celebration A Tribute to Holda Zepeda: Pianist, Mentor & Visionary, As part of our Dia de los Muertos SeriesHolda Maria Zepeda Novelo (Born November 4, 1924 in Merida, Yucatan and Died September 4, 1991 in Mexico City, Mexico) was a Juilliard masters graduate with dreams of pursing music and breaking the glass ceiling for other female artists. She was one of the first Mexican Females to play at Carnegie Hall which encouraged other to follow her foot steps. Disciple of Manuel Barajas, she won several awards and recognitions including the University Prize in 1948 with MacDowell's Concerto, performed as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra of the National University of Mexico.
But it wasn't easy as she left everything behind, family, country and love, to pursue her one true love... Music. To continue this Day of the Dead Series, we will honor the impact and mark she left in the Music World as well as for women musicians all over the world. |
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August 2025
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