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Morgan Vaughan

The Impact of Music Education

Updated: Jun 17, 2023

Congratulations, Quinn Mason!

My time as a FACP scholarship student helped immensely in my journey to become a composer... Quinn Mason

How Fine Arts Chamber Players had a part...

Dallas-based composer Quinn Mason enjoyed the World Premiere of Inner City Rhapsody last night as part of the Meyerson Symphony Center's 30th Anniversary Concert. Commissioned by the Dallas Symphony Association, the piece was performed by the excellent musicians of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. FACP leadership watched proudly as the accomplished 23-year-old composer stepped onto the Meyerson stage to acknowledge the rousing applause and standing ovation following the premiere. Scott Cantrell wrote in his Dallas Morning News review: "What's impressive about Inner City Rhapsody is Mason's command of complex orchestral textures...[he] is a most impressive talent, and I look forward to hearing more from him." Quinn has been supported as a scholarship student through FACP's free music education programs since he was in the fifth grade.

Rogene Russell, FACP Co-Founder, first met Quinn when she was performing during Career Day at Dallas ISD's Onesimo Hernandez Elementary School. Focused on the performance, Quinn identified every piece performed. His school counselor, who often attended FACP's free chamber music concerts and was aware of FACP's music education initiative, asked if FACP could help Quinn learn to play the cello. FACP was pleased to help!

"My time as a FACP scholarship student helped immensely in my journey to become a composer," Quinn said. "The years of free lessons have been invaluable to my development and my ambition to inspire the next generation. The support from FACP is something I will always cherish not only in my career but in my life as well."

Immediately, Quinn demonstrated an incredible ability to identify - solely by hearing - pitches, intervals, melody, chords, and rhythms. Coupled with his thirst to learn about classical music, Quinn showed remarkable promise. FACP stepped forward to provide free cello lessons to the youngster, and eventually composition lessons and a computer with composition software for Quinn to develop his undeniable talent.

In 2017, Quinn was one of the first two FACP alumni to receive an award from the Rogene Russell Scholarship Fund. Started by long-time FACP and arts supporters Norma and Don Stone (pictured above), the Fund supports promising DISD musicians and honors the legacy of Rogene Russell as an artist and educator.

FACP premiered Quinn's Quartet No. 5 at the 2018 Basically Beethoven Festival.

Thank you, Dallas Symphony, for your support of young talent. Keep your eye and ear on Quinn Mason - he has something to say with his music!

How to support FACP Music Education programs...

Funds raised through North Texas Giving Day help support FACP Music Education programs in DISD and an East Dallas charter school.

North Texas Giving Day: Thursday, September 19

Scheduled Giving starts Monday, September 9

Or give to FACP today!

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