Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) recently named Margaret Davis and Stephanie Gustafson harp specialists for the district’s middle school and high school orchestra programs, beginning at the start of the 2020–2021 school year. Approximately 30 miles from Houston, FBISD includes 15 middle schools and 11 high schools, which will be split between Davis and Gustafson.
“I’m so excited for this year in FBISD,” shares Davis. “I’ve always found teaching to be a rewarding and meaningful experience, both because of the opportunity to work with other harpists, and also because of what it teaches me and reminds me to focus on in my own playing. The musical community in Fort Bend is very inspiring in their dedication to their students and the arts, and I’m honored to be a part of the team!” The two full–time positions were created this year to support the district’s orchestra directors and establish a curriculum for harp students enrolled in the program. Davis and Gustafson will “implement sectional, small group, and large ensemble instruction” throughout the school year “to provide harp students with adequate preparation for all concerts, competitions, auditions, and events.”
A graduate of Yale University and Juilliard, Davis currently resides in Sugar Land, Texas. She is a founding member of the indie band, Astoria Window, in addition to regularly performing classical and jazz music as both a harpist and singer. Gustafson is the principal harpist with the Baton Rouge Symphony and a regular guest of the Houston Symphony. She co–founded the Houston Youth Harp Ensemble in 2018 and is also on the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Mich.
Visit margdavismusic.com and stephaniegustafson.com to learn more about the harp specialists.
