Timeline
1993 — Houston composer and arts advocate J. Todd Frazier founds AFA. For two summers, AFA presents touring music education programs throughout Texas.
1996 — AFA launches the Summer Music Conservatory program at Episcopal High School in Houston. That first year 43 students from 27 schools attend the orchestra, composition and piano programs.
1998 — AFA adds a jazz program to its curriculum.
1999 — AFA institutes the Alumni Internship Program.
2000 — Annual enrollment passes 100 students.
2002 — AFA students participate in the 2002 Winter Olympics Youth Orchestra in Salt Lake City.
2003 — Enrollment passes 200 students annually as a result of beginning middle school string and high school choral and vocal studies programs.
2005 — AFA opens a second campus in Beaumont, Texas.
2007 — Long-time faculty member and composer Dr. Michael Remson is named Executive and Artistic Director
2008 — AFA relocates to HISD’s Pershing Middle School. Annual enrollment passes 300 students with the launch of Middle School Choir program.
2008 — AFA’s first alumni start turning 30. AFA is the first orchestra to perform on the outdoor stage at Houston’s newly-opened Discovery Green.
2009 — AFA performs at The Wortham Center for the first time.
2010 — AFA moves to new offices in Houston’s Historic Sixth Ward and introduces the AFA Academy in partnership with Houston Grand Opera and Da Camera of Houston. Enrollment passes 400 students annually.
2012 — AFA institutes a Middle School Piano division; total enrollment expected to reach 500 students annually.
