symphony spotlight
Meet Ken Harvey
conroe symphony principal trombone
Low and Slow
Meet Ken Harvey, Principal Trombone
26 seasons with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra.
Ken Harvey has a theory about learning music, and it involves a good steak.
“It’s not microwavable or video-game-like,” he says of mastering an instrument. “It’s like a prime steak that takes practice to learn and perform at high levels. But once you start making music at a high level, it’s like you’re a slowly cooked but tasty steak.”
It’s advice earned over a lifetime. Ken fell in love with instrumental music back in elementary school and picked up his instrument in middle school band. He never let go.
Twenty-six seasons later, he’s the Conroe Symphony Orchestra’s principal trombone, an elementary music teacher, and — by his own cheerful admission — an “incredible fantasy football player (at least in my mind).”
What keeps him coming back to the CSO is simple:
“The music… and the people… being in a class group of exquisite musicians.”
-Ken Harvey
One of his most meaningful memories isn’t a single concert, but a connection. “When I met my sponsor, I was touched and honored to have my chair sponsored by such incredible people.”
It’s a reminder that behind every musician is often a supporter making the music possible.
Ken’s love of music was sharpened by Billy Ledbetter, his music leader in a professional big band he once played in. “I would tell him thank you for his brazen honesty,” Ken says, “and that I’m still working to be my best.”
Home is full: his wife Natalie, sons Owen and Clayton, daughter Kay, and dog Petra. And when it comes to the people in the seats, Ken doesn’t mince words about who matters most:
“Thank you for being our amazing audience. You are the ‘why’.”
-Ken Harvey
Ken, Off The Stage
He Can't Live Without
Baseball
(what else would your teacher watch :))
Favorite Composer
Mozart
“I love his incredible masterpieces,”
Notable Achievements
26 years with the CSO
Principal Trombone
Elementary school Teacher
Helps in House Church
Come Hear Ken For Yourself
“The musicians in the orchestra must have music in their hearts to make such a sacrifice to come to rehearsals after their day jobs. They just have music-making as part of their lives.”
— Gary Liebst, Music Director
To Learn More About Our Musicians
Honor ken
Sponsor A Chair
Chair sponsorships are one of the most meaningful ways to support the CSO. Every dollar goes directly toward the artistic operations of the orchestra — music rentals, guest artist fees, venue costs, and the countless behind-the-scenes needs that make each concert possible.
Chair sponsors are recognized in every concert program alongside the musician they support.
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