LBJ Orchestra

The Austin Chamber Music Center (ACMC) is dedicated to serving

Central Texans by expanding knowledge, understanding, and

appreciation of chamber music through the highest quality instruction

and performance.

ACMC provides opportunities for students’ musical growth within the

AISD. Now in residence at seven schools within the orchestra and band

programs: McCallum Fine Arts Academy, Travis & LBJ/LASA High

Schools, Lamar, Fulmore & Mendez Middle Schools, and East Austin

College Prep. ACMC reaches over a hundred and fifty students

teaching them the intricacies of musical communication and expression within small ensembles.

Chamber music is music played by small groups, where each musician has a unique part. Music is performed without a conductor, and is intended to be heard in intimate settings. Examples of chamber music ensembles are piano trio (violin, cello, piano), woodwind trio, string quartet, and brass quintet. Even a jazz combo is considered chamber music. 

ACMC is pleased to continue the chamber music program within LBJ/LASA High School’s orchestra program. ACMC strives to make this program beneficial to all concerned including students, school directors, parents, as well as ACMC’s educational programs as a whole.  

What is chamber music?
Chamber music is classical music written for a small group of musicians, where each person plays their own part without the help of a conductor.  The group dynamics of chamber music functions much like a sports team:  each member has a specific and necessary role and all members are needed for the team to function.  Team members have to learn how to communicate and work together.  And, unlike in an orchestra, every chamber musician has a soloist function.  This program involves coaching with an ACMC professional musician once a week, during the orchestra class period.
Chamber music is hard work, but it can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable!  Chamber music also teaches students many important musical skills including:

• Listening intently to other musician’s musical lines in order to match rhythm, articulation, pitch, sound, and emotion

• Reacting spontaneously and compassionately to other musicians 

• Communication in both a nonverbal and verbal context

• Artistic responsibility to the ensemble

Other chamber music opportunities through ACMC:   
Education is at the heart of ACMC and provides numerous educational opportunities to support musicians of all ages (6 to adult), levels, and interests. 

• Young Artists Academy – Fall & Spring Semester coaching sessions, theory & composition, masterclasses, outreach, and performance opportunities

• Summer Workshop (July) – Chamber music, composition, creative & jazz improvisation, singing & solfege, percussion ensemble, outeach, performance opportunities and masterclasses & presentations by renown international artists

• Coltman Competition – Provides performance experience and expert commentary to advanced chamber ensembles along with cash prizes, scholarships and performance opportunities.

To learn more about these programs, visit their website here.