Resume: Professional / Volunteer Information
Jefferson Todd Frazier
1800 St. James Place #303 Houston, Texas 77056 / (713) 562-5514 / Fax. (713) 552-0612
todd@jtoddfrazier.com / yahouston.org / afatexas.org / jtoddfrazier.com / methodistperformingarts.com
Professional Arts Employment Experience
*Executive Director: Young Audiences of Houston (YAH) 2007-Present
Founded in 1956 by violinist Fredel Lack with support from Ima Hogg and Mrs. William P. Hobby, YAH is one of 31 independent U.S. chapters of Young Audiences, Inc. The mission of YAH is to educate and inspire children through the arts, to make the arts an integral part of the school curriculum, and to advance the field of arts in education though professional development and community partnerships. In its most recently completed season alone, YAH’s roster of 78 professional artists, representing all fine arts disciplines, brought the arts and culture to more than 335,000 K-12 children through over 2,200 high quality performances, workshops, and residences in school and community sites throughout the greater Houston area. In 2010, through the support of a YA National Affiliate Development Grant, YAH will expand its services to incorporate the management of a centralized scheduling and educational support service web site; Houston Arts Partners; Arts 4 All, which, in addition to the programs of YAH, will collectively promote, support and coordinate the education programs of more than 10 of the largest Houston arts organizations through a unique collaborative partnership.
Managing Director: Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) at Methodist Hospital 2008-Present
CPAM is the nation’s most comprehensive group of medical professionals, based in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and is teamed to provide preventive, diagnostic, specialty and emergency care to performing artists. In addition to providing performing artists access to expert medical care, CPAM has begun developing new research projects that will explore the various uses of the arts in relationship to improved human performance, cognitive development, and healing.
Founding Director: American Festival for the Arts (AFA) 2004-2007
Founder/Executive Director: AFA 1993-2004
AFA was established in 1993 to safeguard the availability of high quality music education and performance opportunities for youth and to broaden the audience for American works and the standard classical music literature. Its primary project, the AFA Summer Music Conservatory, which employs 75 of the regions finest music educators and trains over 300 promising Southeast Texas K-12 students each summer, offers a broad and innovative curriculum of advanced musical training and performance with orchestra/chamber music, jazz, chorus, composition, theory/history, private lesson and elective divisions at campuses in Houston and Beaumont, Texas.
Director: AFA International Touring Program 1993-1996
Performance and music education tours with AFA Faculty in collaboration with universities, museums and cultural and community centers throughout Texas and, in conjunction with Pan American Cultural Exchange, Argentina. Venues in Texas included: San Antonio Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Ripley House, Austin Chamber Music Society, Tarleton State University, University of Texas, McMurry University, and Texas A & M University at Corpus Christi. Venues in Argentina included: Teatro Colon, Foundation Antorchas, Collegium Musicum and Borges Center Buenos Aires; Cultural Foundation of Patagonia, and the Instituto Superior de Musica Carmelo H. de Biasi Corrientes
Guest Lecturer 1993-Present
From Idea to Reality: Non Profit Arts Presenting in America: Graduate Seminar and Music Leadership Series at The University of Texas, The Juilliard, Eastman, and Peabody Schools of Music and the University of Houston’s Conference for Nonprofits;
The Role of a Composer in Today’s Society: Houston Music Teachers, Tuesday Music, Whitehall, Sterling, River Oaks and Rotary Clubs of Houston amongst others;
The Colors of Sound: Ridgecrest Elementary School as “Principal for a Day” during “Teach for America Week,” and for AFA programs and events throughout Texas and Argentina;
Composition: The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Houston, TX;
Orchestration/Instrumentation: The University of Houston’s Moores School of Music
* List of 2008-2009 selected project and organizational arts grants received and authored by Mr. Frazier available upon request
Professional Arts Volunteer Experience
Board of Directors: The Texas Lyceum 2009-Present
The Texas Lyceum is an association of Texans whose purposes are: to identify and develop the next generation of top leadership in the State of Texas; to educate its Directors by identifying and exploring the interrelationships of the major issues facing Texas; to help bring a better understanding of these issues to the state’s key decision makers; and to promote an appreciation of the responsibilities of stewardship of the values, traditions, and resources of Texas.
Advisory Board Member: The Texas Medical Center’s National Center for Human Performance 2009-Present
The purpose of the NCHP is to maintain and enhance human performance in the arts, sport, space exploration, military, and in the general public, through the ethical and appropriate applications of research and education in medicine and related sciences. The NCHP is located in Houston’s Texas Medical Center, home to 47 patient care, biomedical research and health educational institutions and works with scientists and researchers around the United States to explore the physiological and psychological aspects of human performance.
Member: Houston Independent School District Foundation’s Leadership Council for the Arts 2007-Present
HISD is the largest public school system in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States. Its schools are dedicated to giving every student the best possible education through an intensive core curriculum and specialized, challenging instructional and career programs. The HISD Foundation is working to provide fine arts instruction and experiences to students at each of its nearly 295 schools.
Member: Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Review Panel 2008-Present
The mission of Texas Commission on the Arts, the states public funding mechanism for the fine arts, is to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas.??To accomplish its mission, TCA awards grants, promotes the arts, and raises funds to enhance support of the arts in Texas.
Board of Advisors: ArtReach 2007-Present
ARTreach supports fine art programs in communities in need throughout the greater Houston area with a focus on: Mentoring Through Art, Arts in Education, Entrepreneurial Art Workshop Program, Troubled Youth, Families In Crisis and The Elderly.
Board of Advisors: River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) 2005-Present
ROCO personalizes the orchestral experience by inviting the audience into the musician’s world through interactive concerts with nationally and internationally recognized artists, exciting music old and new, and fun-to-read magazine-style programs promoting Family Literacy in the Arts.
Board of Advisors: Texas/French Alliance for the Arts 2005-Present
Presenting organization with the mission of arts and culture exchange between France and Texas.
Editorial Board: The Langdon Review of the Arts in Texas 2004-Present
An annual publication of Tarleton State University, providing an overview of each year’s state cultural accomplishments.
Board of Advisors: Wilhelm Schole International Foundation 2002-Present
Founded by Marilyn Wilhelm, the Wilhelm Schole incorporates an interdisciplinary, intercultural and interlingual curriculum implemented through the study of cultures, fine arts, language and core curriculum subjects at sites around the world.
Fellow: The US-Japan Foundation’s Leadership Project 2000-Present
Selected as sole American representative in the field of arts education and culture for program discussions/presentations with Japanese participants/counterparts. The foundation promotes the exchange of ideas between the U.S and Japan. Annual conferences are held in Seattle, WA and Kobe, Japan in August.
Board of Directors and Executive, Nominations and Development Committee: 2000-2007
Houston Arts Alliance (formerly: Cultural Arts Council of Houston and Harris County)
The public fine arts grant administering organization of the city of Houston, managing an annual distribution of Hotel Occupancy Tax averaging $9,000,000 a year to Houston based arts presenters and individual artists.
Board of Directors, Officer, and Executive, Development and Education Committees: 2003-2007
Young Audiences of Houston (YAH)
Composer in Residence: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Houston, TX 1994-2007
Providing service music and anthems for special occasions during the church year
Board of Advisors: Pan American Cultural Exchange (PACE) 2002-2006
An organization dedicated to promoting the common goodwill and welfare among the people of the Americas through cultural exchange programs including performing and visual arts, literature, as well as facilitating the implementation of institutional relationships between the Americas.
Board of Advisors: University of Houston’s Moores School of Music Society 2002- 2005
The Moores Society was established to support scholarship, special events and the continuing education program for the choral and instrumental programs of the University of Houston.
Board of Advisors: Friends of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Houston 2004-2005
HSPVA Friends support the unique needs of students and special arts programs at Houston’s internationally renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. HSPVA Friends help the school with the following projects: college scholarships for outstanding graduating performing and visual artists, the Lady Catley Lecture Series, the long range planning of a new state of the art facility for Houston’s outstanding school for talented young artists, guest professional artists, plus specialized art supplies and equipment. The support enables HSPVA to address needs which cannot be net with public school funding.
Board of Directors: The Evin Thayer Scholarship Foundation 2000-2001
The Foundation awards fine arts scholarships designed to encourage advanced training and professional advancement in Houston for young and emerging artists
Recent and Upcoming Commissions
25th anniversary of Nanotechnology
A 5/17/10 commission for a chamber work to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Nanotechnology at Rice University in Houston, commissioned by Rice University and to be premiered on 10/10/10
“Breath of Life,” an opera commissioned by the McNair and Powell Foundations
This original work explores the modern, challenging and mysterious relationship between science and technology, and spirituality and humanity, brought to dramatic heights through the procedure of a heart transplant. The opera has received much international attention including articles and radio interviews throughout North America, Canada, Germany, and England; most recently on BBC Radio.
“Thomas Jefferson: 1776-1826” an oratorio commissioned by violinist Henry Rubin, the University of Houston and the Brown Foundation, Inc.
Based on texts by and about Thomas Jefferson, this unique oratorio style work, for vocal soloists, narrator, actor, orchestra, and solo violin, will express the private, public and spiritual sides of Mr. Jefferson, and tell the story and evoke the spirit of the USA.
“Garden of Eden,” a work for Dance commissioned by the Wilhelm Schole Foundation
This chamber work with dance, based upon the story of Adam and Eve, is part of a larger series entitled “Dances of Enlightenment” coordinated and conceived by educator Dr. Marilyn Wilhelm of Wilhelm Schole International. These dances depict the myths or legends of creation of different cultures and are intended to be taught in school curriculum to expose the commonalities amongst all people and bring students to a greater understanding and respect of one another. The work recently performed at the UN Environment Conference in Naples, Italy 2009.
Recent Recordings
American Sketches 2002
Recorded by pianist Timothy Hester of the Moores School of Music on the first of a Compact Disk Series entitled “KUHF Sessions” by KUHF Public Radio in Houston, TX.
Buffalo Altar, A Texas Symphony and Brazos de Dios 2001
Recorded on the compact disk The John M. O’ Quinn Foundation Cultural Preservation Project of Texas, these works are from a series inspired by Texas themes. Proceeds support American Festival for the Arts Scholarship/Enrichment Fund.
Individual Honors
Cosmopolis Award, Wilhelm Schole International 2010
Advocate of Education Award, Phi Delta Kappa International 2010
Ovation Award, Houston Grand Opera 2009
Houston Arts Alliance Individual Artist Fellowship (Music Composition) 2007
One of 100 distinguished alumni profiled during the Juilliard Schools 100th Anniversary 2006
Texas Music Teachers Association “Commissioned Composer” 2006
Distinguished Alumni of River Oaks Baptist School 2006
Virtuosi of Houston’s Distinguished Leader in the Arts 2005
The Diverse Works/Sauza “Stay Pure” Award 2000
The Cultural Arts Council of Houston and Harris County Individual Artist Grant 1998
The Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce Five Outstanding Young Texans Award 1997
The American Academy of Arts and Letters Wladimir and Rhoda Lakond Prize 1995
The Alice Tully Hall Juilliard Composers Prize 1994, 1995
The Illinois State University Fine Arts Festival Award 1994
The Juilliard School Presser Foundation Award 1994
The First Distinguished Alumni in the Arts of Episcopal High School Houston 1994
The Eastman School of Music’s Howard Hanson Prize 1991
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publisher’s Foundation Grant 1990
The Eastman School of Music’s Bernard Rogers Prize 1990
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publisher’s Hubbell Memorial Scholarship 1989
The Eastman School of Music’s Sernoffsky Prize 1988
Education
Professional Studies / Literature and Materials Teaching Fellowship: Music Composition, 1995
The Juilliard School, NY, NY (Doctoral Level Curriculum) Private Instructor: David Diamond
Master’s Degree: Music Composition, The Juilliard School, NY, NY 1994
Private Instructor: David Diamond
Bachelor’s Degree: Music Composition, The Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY 1992
Private Instructors: Samuel Adler, Christopher Rouse, Joseph Schwantner, Warren Benson, and David Liptak
Additional Supporting Information
Musical Goal
“To communicate in a meaningful, tangible and memorable way to today’s audiences through multi-disciplinary projects, such as the combining of history, innovation, storytelling, visual art, dance, and drama with music in order to bring new audiences, support and inspiration to American concert halls, arts institutions and American culture.”
Arts in Education Philosophy
“The arts play an essential role in the complete education and optimum, balanced development of an individual. The knowledge and experience gained from the study of the arts develop a person in many ways: mentally, spiritually and through building one’s confidence, concentration, self-respect and discipline. These traits are then transferred into all aspects of life… Exposure to the arts, as an integral part of the school curriculum, directly enhances the cultural and educational lives of our youth and, in turn, their families, their friends, the local arts community, its concert audiences and the well-being of our cultural future.”
Other Experience and Areas of Interest/Employment
As someone with a broad range of interests, in addition to his work in the field of the arts, Frazier is a Director of OMNIBANK and President of J. F. Brazos Ltd., the management company for a wide variety of interests in agriculture, real estate, cultural/historical/educational materials, and intellectual property.
Personal Information
Sixth generation Texan on mother’s and father’s side and proud of the state’s cultural, business and educational advancements. Enjoy spending time with son Mac, and daughter Kenzie, wife Jennifer, and Houston relatives of McReynolds, Merriman, Frazier, and Bryant clans.
References
Renée Fleming Robert Freeman Samuel Adler
20 West 77th, Apartment 8A Dean, College of Fine Arts 9412 Sheffield Road
New York, NY 10024 University of Texas at Austin Perrysburg, OH 43551
(312) 915-4140 Austin, TX 78712 (419) 666-9519
rfalison@optonline.net (512) 475-7035 efreemanbrown@yahoo.com
Additional References (contact information available upon request)
Renée Fleming: International Opera Singer
M. S. Stude, Trustee: The Brown Foundation, Visual Artist and Philanthropist
Jack Blanton, Sr., Local and National Business Leader and Philanthropist
Toby Mattox, Executive Director (Ret.), Society for the Performing Arts
Marilyn Wilhelm: Founder and Director, Wilhelm Schole International
Joanie Haley, Executive Director: McNair Foundation / Texans Foundation
Nancy Powell Moore, Trustee: Powell Foundation
George Packard, Executive Director: U.S. Japan Foundation
Emily Todd, Former Arts Grant Administrator: Houston Endowment
David Gockley, General Director: San Francisco Opera
Phil Ying, Violist: The Ying Quartet of the Eastman School of Music
David Kirk, Principal Tuba: Houston Symphony
David Ashley White, Director: Moores School of Music of the University of Houston
Mariquita Masterson, Owner and Artist: Masterson Design; Board Member: AFA
Sukie Voskamp, Director of Development: Episcopal High School
Denton Cooley, Surgeon in Chief: Texas Heart Institute
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