Through the Lone Star Kids Program, the Lone Star Wind Orchestra shares its artistic and educational resources with North Texas area schools by bringing the area's finest wind band musicians, conductors, and music educators into direct contact with students.

Nothing inspires young musicians more than positive contact with leading artists in their field. The Lone Star Wind Orchestra brings students "face to face" and "behind the scenes" with top musicians, composers, and conductors for meaningful exchanges about the life changing effects of music while providing students with role models for their personal quest for artistic excellence.

The Lone Star Kids Program premiered Fall 2007 when sixty Liberty Junior High Patriot Band students from Richardson, Texas, along with their director, Ms. Valerie Kizlyk, and faculty support staff were honored at the 2007-2008 season opening performance by the Lone Star Wind Orchestra on Tuesday, October 10, 2007 at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. The students enjoyed a behind-the scenes tour of the Eisemann Center, participated in a percussion education session prior to the night's performance and were treated to complimentary tickets with premier seating for the presentation of Blues, Glory, and Grandeur. In addition, the orchestra presented Ms. Kizlyk with a gift of percussion gear for the band student's use.

Since the beginning of the Lone Star Kids Program in 2007, the Lone Star Wind Orchestra has served over 1,500 at-risk students through the organization's educational and community outreach programs.

The Lone Star Kids Program participants are selected from area Title-I middle school band programs and receive valuable artistic and educational experiences.

The vast majority of our Lone Star Kids Program participants have never attended a classical music event and we use the opportunities to teach proper concert etiquette as a life skill that cannot be replicated in other ways. The Lone Star Wind Orchestra also showcases culturally specific conductors, composers, and guest artists that serve as tremendously inspirational role models for these young students who would otherwise never know such career opportunities exist.

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Attend a full-length concert performance by the internationally recognized Lone Star Wind Orchestra.
• Participate in a pre-concert interactive educational event with culturally inspirational guest artists and educators.
• Tour world class performance venues such as the Winspear Opera House, Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Eisemann Performing Arts Center.
• Receive transportation reimbursement to maintain valuable school budget resources.

If you are a Title-I middle school and interested in participating in the Lone Star Kids Program, contact Vice-Chairman Dr. Barry Knezek via E-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .