Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Heathco.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I always liked creative stuff as a kid, and in the 6th grade chose to be in band, where I learned to play the oboe. I ended up having a knack for it, and by high school knew I wanted to have some sort of career in music (at that point all I knew of was the option of being in a symphony orchestra). Near the end of 9th grade, some older band friends convinced me to audition for this summer program called AFA – they had gone the summer before and thought it was fun. Ok, sure – I have no idea of how well I played but was offered a spot. The rest is over 20 years of being part of an organization that inspired, informed and shaped me so much that I’ve never left and now get to help make the same possible for the other kids who doodle music notes, wear a steady wardrobe of music-related clothing, and are in rehearsal or at a concert more often than not. This will be my 22nd season with the organization AFA, and my 14th year on staff; I am currently the Director of Artist Programming. I may not play music often anymore, but it will always be a part of me through this career. Music not only led me to a career but also to my best friend and a family since I met my husband, a guitarist, composer and educator, in music theory class.
Please tell us about your art.
My art is organization, implementation, project management, communication, idea molding. I make it possible for music students to dive deeper into what they love and for teaching artists to guide those students. I help to create a space for kids from all different backgrounds and walks of life to come together and have the same opportunities because I believe they all deserve to have them. I hope our students take away the knowledge that they are important and really can do anything.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is to listen, listen, listen to what others tell you. You don’t have to always do what they say, but at least listen.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see AFA students perform their work all summer during our concert series – that’s one great way to support, there’s nothing better than a packed concert hall!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.afatexas.org
- Email: music@afatexas.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/afatexas
- Facebook: facebook.com/afatexas
- Twitter: twitter.com/afatexas
Image Credit:
David DeHoyos
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
