Description
The History of The Regional Arts Council (TRAC)
The Regional Arts Council (TRAC) had its beginning in a single event, a performance of the Houston Symphony Chamber Orchestra on February 21, 1987. Following the concert, the musicians were enthusiastic regarding performing in Tomball. Application was made to the Texas Commission on the Arts to become an "Approved Presenter" on the Texas Touring Program for the 1987-1988 seasons. On the strength of its success and demonstrated community support, The Regional Arts Council received "Presenter" status. TRAC's inaugural season included classical guitar of Javier Calderon, the Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra, Texas Opera Theater's "Amadeus Conducts Mozart," and a return of the Houston Symphony Chamber Orchestra. During the first season, TRAC directly served 1,000 members of the community. In subsequent seasons, TRAC decided to add dance, drama and light opera productions to its repertoire. To broaden our audience base, TRAC has since added performances that are not classical but have an entertainment format such as The Spencer's' Theater of Illusion, the children's play, Secret Garden, Biscuits O'Bryan, Kuumba House, and African dance group. TRAC is especially proud of its expansion into Arts-in-Education with the local schools. TRAC has provided special education performances of the Marion Anderson String Quartet, Lazer Vaudeville and the Gotham String Quartet Petting Zoo. Children's programming has consisted of fall and spring presentations of the Carranza Puppets, which includes performance of Beauty and the Beast, Rumpelstilskin and the TEKS Science program. TRAC is working to bring programming to the Tomball College and Harris County Community Library, Tomball ISD alternative P.E. credit Dance Program, and local student visual art shows. For over 10 years TRAC has been in partnership with the Houston Repertoire Ballet to bring the Nutcracker and the Spring Ballet to the area with affordable tickets and sold out performances. Approximately 16,000 people were served through these performances. For years, TRAC operated with a volunteer staff. However, in April 1999, TRAC hired a full-time salaried Executive Director (recently changed to President) to coordinate programs and activities. Because of TRAC's commitment to the community, TRAC is an active member in the Magnolia and Greater Tomball Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations, and participates in various events with local performers, artists, and galleries. TRAC is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization that needs donations, grants and underwriting in order to bring quality programs to the community. Each year our Royal Arts Ball is held to raise funds that are used for operating expenses, programs and events and scholarships. TRAC is proud to have the opportunity to supply scholarships to students from public, private and home schools. Each year students planning to attend state sanctioned colleges and universities in pursuit of a career in the arts are chosen. In 2005 TRAC began providing scholarships at Tomball College and expanded the scope of eligibility on all scholarships to include technology for the arts and arts education.
The Regional Arts Council celebrated its 20 years in 2007.
