Chamber Music in Public Schools (CHAMPS) is the educational arm of Salon Concerts, Inc. Founded in 1991 by Robert Rudie with only a handful of students, CHAMPS is now in 13 public middle and high schools in the Austin, Eanes, Lake Travis and Round Rock school districts providing free, weekly professional chamber music coaching. CHAMPS participants represent diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds as well as varying levels of musical skill.
CHAMPS seeks to instill life-long appreciation for music, and to develop leadership, communication and problem-solving skills through increased awareness of personal responsibility, commitment and community-building. In addition to weekly coaching in schools, CHAMPS students participate in master classes by renowned artists, perform in semester recitals and numerous outreach concerts throughout the community.
CHAMPS students frequently perform at Salon Concerts’ house concerts, nursing homes, charity events, and other public venues.
CHAMPS is currently in collaboration with several organizations in the greater Austin area: The Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin; Classical Guitar Society of Austin; and Balcones Community Orchestra.
Here is what some CHAMPS students say about their experience.
For more information about CHAMPS, or to engage a CHAMPS ensemble, contact Toby Blumenthal-Phillips, CHAMPS Director, at tobyornotobe@aol.com, (512) 243-8322, or at salonconcerts@gmail.com.
