Friends of Chamber Music

Friends of Chamber Music brings music from diverse periods and cultures, performed by world-class musicians, to the Brazos Valley. Through concerts and outreach programs at area schools, we strive to enhance the cultural life of the Bryan-College Station community.

Friends of Chamber Music brings world-class music to the Brazos Valley. We welcome anyone and everyone who wishes to experience the transformational beauty of classical music and jazz performed by the most accomplished artists and rising stars. The concert settings are intimate so there is a spirit of spontaneity in each live performance. Chamber music is a wonderful way to connect intimately with music, art, culture, and each other. FCM takes great pride in bringing music to every age group in the Brazos Valley. As part of our commitment to provide exceptional musical experiences to the Brazos Valley, FCM organizes educational outreach events at area schools and colleges. Students from kindergarten through college have the opportunity to participate in master classes, informal music presentations, and question and answer sessions with the visiting musicians. These vibrant events provide a deeper educational experience for students in the BCS community. The outreach events are free of charge for schools.

FCM depends on individual contributions and grants to support our annual $123,000 budget.

Join us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofChamberMusic; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/fcm.tx/https://www.instagram.com/fcm.tx/; and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYAEaeePNdNMeN67BeHK6PQ

Visit FCM website: fcmtx.org

Testimonials

Jon Seale, Head Band Director at College Station High School
"I am so appreciative of Scholarship programs like the Friends of Chamber Music Scholarship. It is wonderful that students from the College Station High School Band have been able to receive financial support for college by doing what they are passionate about."

Todd J. Quinlan, Department Head of Performing Arts at Blinn College
"The educational outreach that the Axiom Brass Quintet did for our students was outstanding. Not only did they perform at a high level, but their coaching was perfectly delivered to meet the needs of our students in a very positive manner."

Susan Irza, FCM Program Underwriter
"Friends of Chamber Music is magic. Its gift to us is to celebrate classical music and bring new dynamic artists with fresh views and ideas of that music, and also different kinds and styles of music. FCM enriches the culture and musical quality of life in our community."

Jane Stowell, former President of the Friends of Chamber Music
"What incredible talent and drive the first two winners of the Friends of Chamber Music Scholarship have! It is exciting to know that Bryan/College Station has dedicated music lovers. Thanks to all the donors who have made these scholarships possible ."

Karen & Michael Pilant
"Thank you for making great 'live' music available during the pandemic. You have really gotten this down to a science, with additional offerings such as interviews and … an upcoming baking show! We are looking forward to joining in as the 'e-audience.'"

Valerie & David Woodcock
"What an amazing start to the 2021! The McGill- McHale Trio were spectacular, and as always, it was wonderful to eavesdrop on the Encore conversation. Thank you for years of enjoyment, and for the extraordinary expansion of the FOCM offerings made possible by technology. The circumstances of the need to explore these new ways of outreach are tragic, but they have surely introduced new audiences to music and made the connections between our regular audiences and the musicians deeper and more meaningful. We are surely looking forward to being together in person, for that is the nature of our humanity, but these new dimensions have brought special understanding and insight. The future for FOCM, as with other performing art groups, will surely see a combination of live and digital connections."

Vita Pariente
"I really enjoyed the concert, probably more than I expected to. Seeing the musicians up close was fascinating. I wouldn't want to see/hear all concerts online, but there are definite advantages. Concert hall seats aren't all that comfortable and the temperatures are unpredictable. Plus, one has to drive, then park and walk to the hall regardless of weather. When I got tired, I just turned off the computer and came back the next day. Having been to many Friends of Chamber Music Concerts over the year, I could add the online experience to the memories of in-house concerts past."
[I sent the link to some of my friends around the country. I'm curious to hear what they think, if they do watch. There's no substitute for the acoustics of the hall and the immediacy of live performance. I do support Friends annually.]

Jane Miller
"The concerts have been a blessing...