Greetings Parents, Educators and Administrators,
It was wonderful to welcome your students to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Your child was one of 20,000 5th graders that will attend an ExxonMobil Discovery Series performance this school year!
The Hobby Center is committed to introducing 5th graders to the world of the performing arts at no cost to schools or families. The ExxonMobil Discovery Series is a cornerstone education program for the Hobby Center and has even more meaning to our team as we dive into a new era at the Hobby Center with a newly revised mission: the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts deepens understanding of our shared humanity. We serve as a connector, convenor and incubator for all Houston audiences, artmakers and arts organizations. By presenting engaging performances and educational programs, we strengthen our sense of belonging to shape a more cohesive and connected Houston community.
Today your child saw TAIKOPPROJECT’s BENZAITEN in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts’ Sarofim Hall.
TAIKOPROJECT’s “BENZAITEN” was inspired by the Japanese goddess of wisdom, beauty, and dance. Performed by 12 performers, students learned about traditional and modern expressions of the taiko (Japanese drum) art form on a vast array of authentic instruments hand-crafted in Japan, from the snare drum-sized shime-taiko to the 350-lb, 5-foot wide Ohiradaiko.
Over one hundred million people have seen Los Angeles-based TAIKOPROJECT through their televised appearances on the Academy Awards, the Grammys, The Voice, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, MTV, Food Network, and in music videos for Sean Paul, rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, Playing for Change, and many more. The ensemble performs regularly across the U.S. and has performed throughout Europe, Asia, South and Central America.
Learn more about the program that your child saw today.
You and your family are always welcome at the Hobby Center. In addition to our Broadway at the Hobby Center series, we are committed to offering family friendly and accessible programming. Find our offerings here:
We hope to see you soon at the Hobby Center!
Robin Anderson
Education & Engagement Manager