Two Carver High School violinists recently performed with professionals at Houston’s major Women in Music celebration.
Senior violinists Jasmine Jackson and Kelsey Williams performed as featured soloists, representing their school with distinction at the Women in Music Festival. Their performance with the Houston Women’s Chamber Orchestra, presented by the Houston Professional Musicians’ Association on March 1 at POST Houston’s penthouse, showcased their artistry as young musicians during International Women’s Month.
Jackson and Williams, both accomplished student musicians, performed the Concerto for Two Violins in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach alongside the professional ensemble. Their Superior ratings at the 2025 Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest for the same piece led directly to this unique opportunity.
Grace Lewis (center) received the Houston Symphony’s annual Spec’s Charitable Foundation Award for Excellence in Music Education in April 2025.
The students took center stage, performing as an ensemble at the festival. Their teacher, Grace Lewis, director of orchestras at Carver, joined them both as a performer and a guest speaker and also chaired the festival’s planning committee.
“Jasmine and Kelsey are true inspirations,” said Lewis. “Their musicianship and dedication have created unique opportunities to perform at a professional level and demonstrate what determined young women can achieve in music.”
Now in its third year, the Women in Music Festival celebrates female musicians and highlights varied musical styles and performers. In addition to the Houston Women’s Chamber Orchestra, festival audiences also enjoyed performances by Latinova, Polychröm, and V8.
The event was presented through a partnership among the Houston Professional Musicians’ Association, POST Houston, Holican, the Houston Women’s Chamber Orchestra, and the Music Performance Trust Fund of the recording industry. The free public event welcomed community members. Attendees came together to celebrate artistry, collaboration, and the growing impact of women in the music industry.
For Jackson and Williams, the festival provided a valuable experience to perform with professionals and represent Aldine ISD’s strong fine arts programs.
Their performance demonstrates the district’s commitment to providing students with experiences that help them develop their talents, pursue passions, and share their achievements with the community.
Such experiences illustrate how Aldine ISD accelerates students’ opportunities to excel in the arts, strengthening the #AldineStory.
Click here to view additional images from the event.