Aldine ISD Orchestra Teacher Honored by Houston Symphony

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On Sunday, April 6, the Houston Symphony’s annual Spec’s Charitable Foundation Award for Excellence in Music Education was presented to Aldine ISD’s Grace Lewis, head director of orchestras at Carver High School. Lewis was among four Houston music educators nominated.

For the nomination process, Lewis’ colleagues, former teachers, and current students wrote letters of support to the selection committee, detailing her work within the Aldine ISD community and beyond. Lewis was recognized for hosting music camps for the Carver Orchestra and Pearland Youth Orchestra students, and for encouraging them to earn scholarships to Texas universities and pursue careers in music.

“Our students represent a boundless future,” Lewis said. “Nothing is outside of their reach!” Lewis also noted the valuable contribution of her co-teacher, Gabriella Garces, to the rich learning environment of the Carver High School Orchestra classroom.

The Houston Symphony’s support through its Community Embedded Musician residency program at Carver has allowed students to observe and participate in professional-level music-making and understand the many ways one can use music to affect change after graduation. In 2025, 30% of graduating Carver orchestra seniors will attend university to pursue a career in music performance or education.