Today we’d like to introduce you to Carma Needham.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In early 2024, when my 10-year-old daughter asked if she could learn to play the viola, I did what every mom does — I tried everything to open that door of opportunity for her. For various reasons, she is home schooled. I called the public school and asked if she could participate with their orchestra. They said “no, not without being enrolled.” So I looked for homeschool programs. I found several, but the closest was nearly an hour away. While homeschooling 3 other kiddos, driving that far was out of the question.
She could still take private lessons, though they are exorbitantly expensive. Even then, she would miss out on the group music making experience: playing in ensembles, making friends, experiencing the full richness of harmony. I wanted more for her.
I thought, “If we can’t find what we need, let’s make what we need: an orchestra for homeschool kids in the Denton area.” Having played the viola and piano myself for over 35 years, having graduated from college with a degree in music, and having a background in computer programming, I thought we could figure it out along the way.
So I built a simple website and put up some feelers on Facebook. It turns out, many homeschool families were looking for the same thing. That first year we had almost 30 students participate. As we enter our 3rd year, we are up to 50 students, each one bursting with talent and potential.
My philosophy is simple: make refined music as accessible as possible to homeschool kids — keep prices low, keep class times convenient, keep the learning high and the music fun. We perform classical, sacred, and movie music on every concert. We have swim parties, we waive lights and wear pirate hats, we learn Bach and Mozart and John Williams, and we have a grand time doing it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I knew I could do the music, and I knew I could teach the kids. These things are deep in my heart and fill me with joy.
My ongoing fear is that in any given semester, there won’t be enough new students to fill a beginner class. Or, that I’ll have to tell a few kids that we can’t accommodate their scheduling needs. I want EVERYONE to have music, and it crushes me to have to tell some that we can’t make it work for them.
It’s been a constant stream of learning little things. How to manage the website, how to get the word out to those who are looking for it, how to find a concert venue, etc. But the hardest thing has been finding music for the combination of instruments that I have.
Most music written for beginning orchestras doesn’t come with a meaningful piano part. The piano is there for rehearsal only, simply mirroring the parts already being played in the other strings. I am not content with any of my players being redundant. I want every section to have a vital role. Everyone is important. It means arranging nearly all of my own music. Though it’s been extremely time intensive, we’ve turned out exciting performances of “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” and “How To Train Your Dragon,” among others. Kids from less-experienced ensembles say, “I can’t wait until we can play THAT!” and it’s all worth it. When the kids realize that they can play ANYTHING — that light in their eyes is endlessly rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We teach string and percussion players of all abilities — from the brand new to the well-seasoned. We include experienced pianists. We offer a flat tuition rate for unlimited family members (including parents) to participate. We tailor our instruction to each kiddo, so that everyone can succeed.
There are many music programs out there. We are unique because:
1. We are more affordable than any program I’ve ever seen
2. We meet during daytime hours, leaving precious nights and weekends free for family time
3. We play classical, sacred, and movie/radio music on every concert. The kids’ music experience is well-rounded and appealing.
4. We have parties outside of class (at no extra charge). It helps the kids get to know each other socially, and the parents to network with like-minded people.
5. We’re a non-profit, removing as many barriers as possible to homeschool kids who want to learn strings or percussion.
6. We gather information on when families are available, and build our schedule around that, rather than shrugging our shoulders when a given pre-published class time doesn’t work.
What are your plans for the future?
We’re in contact with the DFW Symphonic Band near us, and plan to collaborate with them to offer full orchestra experiences soon, complete with winds and brass. We’re also a doorway for musicians to engage in the Texas Private School competition opportunities.
We’re enjoying the steady growth of this young organization, and want to continue to fill the greater Denton area with beautiful music from budding musicians.
Pricing:
- $60/mo for an individual
- $110/month for unlimited family members
- No other fees — no concert participation fee, no admission fee, no music/materials fees — all included.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DentonHSO.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560842408410
