For someone who’s new to Fort Worth, how would you describe Concerts in the Garden?

For a brand-new Fort Worthian, Concerts in the Garden is one of the quintessential summer activities in town! This summer festival is three weeks of live concerts, picnics, and fireworks every night with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.

What’s the lineup for this summer? 

The 2022 lineup features Star Wars and Beyond, July 4^th Celebration, and tribute shows for iconic groups such as The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones.

Any picnic pro tips for newcomers? 

Picnic pro-tip: you can pre-order a picnic through the FWSO’s Official Picnic Partner Central Market to save yourself the trouble of packing your own.

What do the musicians especially love about this series? 

The musicians love the laidback atmosphere of CITG and getting to see folks who fall in love with the orchestra come see concerts indoors during the regular season.

How does the FWSO choose its music? 

For Concerts in the Garden, the FWSO Artistic and Marketing teams work together to choose music that is both artistically sound and been given positive feedback by concertgoers from previous festivals. If a newcomer attends and wants to give feedback, they can always share their thoughts with us on social media or email us directly at marketing@fwsymphony.org.

Why is sharing music with the community so important? 

Sharing music with the community is core to the FWSO’s mission. Fort Worth is a city on the rise and music will be our common thread as we grow.

What other fun FWSO programming can we look forward to this year? 

The FWSO has massive plans for the 2022–2023 season including a Gala concert featuring iconic cellist Yo-Yo Ma; Star Wars: A New Hope with the feature film projected onto the big screen and the score performed live to picture; National Geographic’s multimedia concert experience Symphony for Our World for orchestra and choir; as well as several living composers who could be the next Leonard Bernstein. Every concert with the FWSO is different so there is something for everyone.

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Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

The FWSO spearheaded the collaboration with prominent local arts organizations in Fort Worth to celebrate the best of America. For the FWSO, this concert will be the first time in more than three months that the organization has been able to perform due to the virus. Sponsors such as Wells Fargo, BNSF Railway and Frank Kent Cadillac helped fund the concert to bring the collaboration to life.

“The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to bring together several prominent guest artists and Fort Worth arts organizations to be part of the America Strong concert,” says Keith Cerny, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. “This event would not be possible without these talented performing artists, and we hope this concert can help bring hope and healing to our community during these challenging times.”

The FWSO worked closely with the local and national musician unions to structure a unique stage layout that keeps all participants at a safe distance from one another during the concert. Musicians and members of the FWSO production team will rehearse and perform this concert in compliance with CDC and government guidelines for social distancing.

“We are thrilled to provide our community, donors, FWSO admirers and friends with this America Strong celebratory concert. Music is the greatest booster during these devastating times,” says Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Mercedes T. Bass. “This collaboration among our arts organizations is a first and will be memorable. These fine artists have come together to offer the magical gift of music and dance to all of us in North Texas and beyond.”

The America Strong concert program will feature a diverse group of musicians, composers and guest artists to reflect the cultural fabric of this country. Several of the works were composed by prominent black composers, including William Christopher (W.C.) Handy, Scott Joplin and James Weldon Johnson.

“Dickies Arena is excited to provide a home for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra during their America Strong concert,” said Trail Drive Management Corp’s Matt Homan, president and general manager of Dickies Arena. “This special event will showcase the incredible talent of the FWSO, The Cliburn and Texas Ballet Theater at Fort Worth’s newest entertainment venue, and Dickies Arena and our partners are proud to have the opportunity to support America Strong.”

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Like many other performing arts organizations, the FWSO’s 2020 schedule was disrupted due to the virus, and cut short Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya’s final concerts with the organization. Harth-Bedoya will be leading the America Strong concert, which will close out his distinguished 20-year tenure with the organization.

For more information on the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s America Strong concert, please visit https://fwsymphony.org/.

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As with many businesses around the world, the FWSO has canceled its live performances through at least May 17 to adhere to federal and local health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 and requirements from performance venues. However, as one of Fort Worth’s most important performing arts organizations, the FWSO is dedicated to connecting the community through music by keeping the music playing through this new innovative, digital platform.

“Challenging times require great leadership, and I am delighted that the FWSO leadership team has been able to develop a comprehensive digital strategy so quickly,” says Keith Cerny, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. “We are thrilled to partner with our Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya and the musicians in our orchestra to share a wide range of educational and musical content, for music fans of all ages.”

The Music Lab will provide patrons a unique opportunity to engage with musicians, staff and sponsors beyond the walls of Bass Performance Hall. The four pillars of the lab – listen, learn, share and give – will house content individuals can access to grow musically, discover archived, live or curated performances, and connect with other music lovers.

“The best measure of any organization’s true strength is how it responds to a time of crisis,” says Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Chairman of the Board, Mercedes T. Bass. “The Board and I are truly impressed with how the administrative staff and musicians have responded to these difficult times, and have worked together to develop an innovative approach to ‘Keep the Music Playing during this devastating time.’ The digital strategy will enable the community to enjoy listening to our brilliant orchestra in the comfort of their home until we return to the stage.”

The FWSO’s Music Lab is comprised of four distinct tracks where individuals can engage online:

• The Listening Lab: The virtual listening lab will provide weekly postings of archival recordings and curated playlists by FWSO’s musicians and other talented performers, to keep the music alive in the local community and beyond. This lab will also host a weekly discussion with Miguel Harth-Bedoya, FWSO’s Music Director.
• The Learning Lab: The FWSO Learning Lab will continue the organization’s mission of providing education content and tools for schools, students and families. Materials will be available to help introduce or enhance musical education in the home, such as weekly webinars, the national program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, Link Up, and downloadable tool kits for kids.
• The Sharing Lab: In this Music Lab track, the FWSO will showcase a wide range of musical selections and performances. This will include personal performances from FWSO musicians, as well as talented student musicians across the country. This lab will also feature a young artist competition in April, where 12 exceptional young instrumentalists and vocalists from across Texas will have the opportunity to win $5,000. Viewers will be able to watch the candidates’ audition pieces online, and the four finalists will have a live performance on the video conference platform, Zoom, on April 29. Additional competition details are available online.
• The Giving Lab: The FWSO mission would not be possible without the generous support from its foundation and community of patrons and sponsors. Donations will be collected to help keep the music playing now and for many years to come.

The FWSO’s superb musicians will be giving their time and talent to the Music Lab through special performances, recordings, webinars, and more.

“As a conductor, one of my most essential roles is to connect people to music. We are all finding our way through this new normal, and I’m certain that we can still make that connection,” says Miguel Harth-Bedoya, FWSO’s Music Director. “The manner might change, but the essence does not. I am proud to be part of the FWSO’s creative reimagining of how we might continue to serve you, and I’m excited to be able to share my thoughts, play music for you, and interact with you on a face-to-face basis that, frankly, I do not get to do from the stage! Sharing music is my joy and I can’t wait to get started with this new project.”

“The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians are thrilled about the implementation of the FWSO Music Lab on our new website,” says FWSO Keyboardist Shields-Collins Bray. “The level of support we have received from the Board of Directors, administration, and the community has been humbling. Knowing that we are able to continue connecting with our community from the safety and comfort of our homes is a truly remarkable gift.”

For more information on the FWSO’s Music Lab, please visit https://fwsymphony.org/.

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A burst of fall color with pond reflections

Hopefully fall weather will arrive soon! It is the perfect time to participate in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Family Exploration Saturdays. Every Saturday meet GROW Girl at the entrance of the Nature Trail at 9:30am. She will give a guided nature hike with hands-on activities afterward. The hike is about a half mile long and free for all ages!

On September 8^th, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will perform Super Hero Soundtrack, Jr. Bring your little super heroes in costume if you choose and head out to Bass Hall to enjoy a pint-sized version of their Pops concert playing theme music of the most beloved superhero movies.

I’ll never forget the morning of September 11^th, 2001.  If you were impacted the same way and haven’t yet seen the amazing tribute at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, this is your opportunity to go. They have a huge piece of the World Trade Center Building One, column 133 from the floors 100 to 103 on permanent exhibition in the museum’s main entrance. My little ones don’t understand how incredible this is to see, but it is a great way for older children to connect and begin to understand the awful events that happened that day. Stop by, remember and honor those who lost their lives on this tragic day.

The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame has put together an amazing FREE event you do not want to miss. On September 15^th from 10am-2pm Neigh at the Museum will be so much fun for all ages! Any horse lovers are encouraged to bring a photo of their horse for display plus they will also have tons of fun entertainment, including the Haulin’ Nostalgia Photo Booth, Fort Worth Police Mounted Patrol, Dorothy the miniature burro and Ranch Party Events, Face painting, Music, Line Dancing with Billy Bob’s dance instructors, food, treats, prizes and more!

Oktoberfest is happening this month all over Fort Worth as well. On September 29^th the 1st Annual Parker County Oktoberfest 2018 will take place at the Parker County Brewing Company in Willow Park.  This Free family friendly event will be held from 6pm-11pm.

Fort Worth’s Oktoberfest at the Panther Island Pavilion begins September 27^th and ends on the 29^th. They will have 3 days of fun German festivities with authentic German food, music, dancing, games, and biergartens with a huge variety of Oktoberfest craft beers from around the world!

Saturday September 22^nd, the new Texas LIVE venue will host Oktoberfest LIVE! Arlington has a new event area and they went all out to do this right. Their Oktoberfest features German inspired beer and food plus live music from the Grammy Award winning polka band Brave Combo with special guest Das Ist Lustig. All ages are welcome and will be fun for all.

Finally, September 29^th is the first day of Fall Family Pumpkin Days at Mainstay Farms.  This adventure into the country will be one your little ones won’t forget! Jump on the in ground bounce blob, play in the hay bales and pick the perfect pumpkin! They have pedal races, train rides, zip lines, playgrounds and more. The Fall Pumpkin Days are Saturdays 10am-5:30pm and Sundays 12:30pm-5:30pm through November 4^th.

I know right now it doesn’t seem the weather will ever cool down, but it will.  I promise.  Get out and enjoy it! Have fun and stay safe everybody!

Tricia Schniederjan is a Fort Worth girl born and raised. Tricia is a runner, scuba diver, snow and water skier, hiker, and kayaker. Her love of exploring has taken her on many adventures with her 5 children which has led to her becoming an expert at traveling with children. She is a UT Austin graduate, an optimist, a peace keeper, and an enjoyer of life.

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Monkey and Dog Books is once again hosting the Great Fort Worth Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt! Stop by the bookstore starting on Monday, July 2nd, and pick up your passport. Follow the directions on the passport that will lead you in your journey to find Waldo. He’s hiding in locally-owned businesses all over town! There will be an End of the Hunt Party on July 31st at their new location.  Waldo hunters get a sneak peak before the official grand opening on August 1!

July 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is celebrating American Independence with an Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic. Bring the whole family for the annual Concerts in the Garden celebration!

Fort Worth’s Fourth at Panther Island Pavilion is another amazing fireworks show! On July 4^th beginning at 2pm, head down the Panther Island for live music, flyboard shows, the F-16 flyover, kid zone activities and more. A great way to spend the 4^th of July!

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Stockyards

Celebrate the Fourth of July in a big way – the Cowboy Way!  Spend your holiday weekend in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards for a Red, White and Boots celebration, perfect for the whole family.  Activities throughout the day will include Live Music, Longhorn Cattle Drives, Legends of Texas Gunfights, Face Painting, Food Trucks, a Beer Garden, and Farmers Market. Grab a quick bite at Riscky’ s BBQ or Trail Boss Burgers and check out all of the western shops Stockyards Station has to explore. Hop on a historical walking tour, go horseback riding along the Trinity River with Stockyards Stables, or get lost in the recently renovated Cowtown Cattlepen Maze to round out your fourth! For a full schedule, visit them here.

The Texas Rangers will be taking on the Houston Astros on the 4^th. Enjoy a baseball game with your crew and a patriotic fireworks show following the game.

On July 12^th beginning at 6pm, Amon Carter Museum of American Art helps you through the Dog Days of Summer by having a night of fun.  Pack a picnic and bring the whole family including the dogs for an outdoor showing of Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey on the museum’s lawn. Other fun activities include print a paw print, western photo shoots and more. Righteous Foods will provide cocktails and food plus more.  Be sure the dogs are on a leash and only service animals are permitted inside the museum building. Coolers, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome and the movie begins at 8pm.

Every Friday afternoon this July, Fun on the Run Paintball Park is hosting Friday Night Paintball Games. Everyone in the family, ages 8 and up can participate from 4-8pm and no reservation is required.

From July 20-22, Infinity Festival will be taking place at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Explore the latest advancements in virtual realty and other interactive technologies. All ages will enjoy demonstrations of the latest innovations, creating 3D scans of artifacts from the Museum’s collection and discover how the Museum is working to create the experience of the future, here now.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Stockyards

Saddle up for National Day of the American Cowboy on Saturday, July 28th starting at 10 am hosted in the Stockyards National Historic District. Named the “Best Cowboy Tribute” event in the nation by Western lifestyle magazine, American Cowboy, you can expect to see activities like cow milking, quick draw, a rib eating contest, a worn boot and mustache contest and so much more! All events happen along East Exchange Avenue on the lawns of the Cowtown Coliseum & Livestock Exchange Building, inside Stockyards Station, and participating surrounding businesses like the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Billy Bobs. For a full schedule, visit their website here.

Finally,  fwFLAVOR is back! This month the fun is located at the Shops at Clearfork.  Get your tickets soon as there is a limited amount! The New-Fashioned Ice Cream Social is Free and will take place on July 28^th from 5-8pm. More announcements coming soon on which shops and restaurants are participating and what each stop will have in store for you!

Happy July! Have fun and stay safe everybody!

Many thanks to the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards for sponsoring this post.

Tricia Schniederjan is a Fort Worth girl born and raised. Tricia is a runner, scuba diver, snow and water skier, hiker, and kayaker. Her love of exploring has taken her on many adventures with her 5 children which has led to her becoming an expert at traveling with children. She is a UT Austin graduate, an optimist, a peace keeper, and an enjoyer of life.

The post Fun in the Fort: July 2018 first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

I typically associate the mid-year season with hot car seats and higher AC bills. But there’s at least one bright spot: June brings the sweet sounds of Concerts in the Garden, an outdoor concert series of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra that’s held at Fort Worth Botanic Garden the first part of every summer.

The performances are amazing, and each year offers new bands who bring to life iconic past performances and recordings of popular artists like The Beatles, The Eagles, The Texas Tenors, and more, all with the pristine sonic backdrop of FWSO. Each show concludes with a massive fireworks display.

The series begins June 1 with The Texas Tenors. The trio became household names nine years ago after performing on America’s Got Talent. They pack the vocal punch of greats like Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo with a gentile cowboy aesthetic and country sensibility.

The King of Pop makes a return, at least in spirit, for The Music of Michael Jackson on June 8. One of the most popular shows is making a comeback with three performances June 15, 16, and 17. Star Wars and Beyond: A Laser Light Spectacular pits Trekkies against Star Wars fans with popular hits from both shows/movies. A synchronized laser light show with abundant fog releases makes for an unforgettable experience. Rounding out some of the more notable performances are The Music of Queen (June 9), The Rolling Stones (June 22), and A Salute to the Eagles (June 30).

Here are some tips. The best lawn seats are closer to the stage and fill up quickly. If you want the best experience, plan to be seated an hour or at least 45 minutes early. You are free to bring a cooler with food and drinks. For me, this is half the fun. I like to pack beer, wine, and light snacks. Bring a foldable chair of some kind. If you forget, white plastic chairs are available in return for a donation. Bug spray, sunscreen, and frisbees are all items I usually pack. Since the concerts are in the evenings, the heat is tolerable around seven and dissipates by sundown. Central Market is the official “Picnic Partner” of Concerts in the Garden. You can call Call 817-377-9307 to pre-order dishes like Allegretto Chicken Salad (hummus, fresh strawberries, and crackers), Cheese Cadenza (cheddar and havarti with red and green grapes), and Deli Divertissement (sliced turkey, roast beef, havarti, and cheddar with veggies, silver dollar rolls, fruit salad, and potato chips).

Photo courtesy of the FWSO

I try and go at least once a summer. Last year, I had a great time hearing a Beatles cover band play through Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It was the 50th anniversary of the iconic album’s release. My first visit three years ago was to catch Star Wars & Beyond with my then 8-year-old son, Isaac. I knew the concert was some kind of outdoor event that played “pops” music, meaning not classical. But more importantly, I knew they were playing live Star Wars music to a laser light show. My son let me know he wanted to go shortly after I got the words “Star Wars” out of my mouth. After buying our tickets online, we parked at nearby Farrington Field, where a complimentary bus ride took us to the live show. Isaac was in some lingering Darth Maul phase, so he brought the requisite double-bladed red lightsaber associated with that red-headed villain. It didn’t take long for a cadre of lightsaber-bearing Jedi to intercept Isaac as he left the bus near Botanic Garden. The pre-teens engaged in impromptu combat. I snagged some photos. The evening was a memory we still treasure.

Edward Brown is a writing tutor and piano teacher. He is also an award-winning writer for the Fort Worth Weekly and volunteers for numerous Fort Worth nonprofits.

The post A Fort Worth Summer Tradition first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

photo credit: Nine Photography

The Youth Orchestra’s Musical Director, Maestro Germán Gutiérrez, has been with FWYO for 18 years and has taught at TCU since 1996. As part of the festivities, Gutiérrez will be joined by three generations of players, conductors, and alumni of the institution which dates back to 1912, a living embodiment of the way music is passed from masters to apprentices, who eventually teach generations to come. As a matter of fact, FWSO’s newly-appointed Associate Conductor Alejandro Gómez Guillén started with Gutiérrez and the Youth Orchestra as a teen and returns this year to conduct.

Maestro Gutiérrez and Executive Director Lee Warren are always looking for new young ears to add to their community. They see it as their responsibility to inspire the next generation of musicians to pick up instruments, because when they do, they become better students, patrons of the arts, and truly global citizens. The Suzuki String and Piano program starts as early as two and three years old, as players begin to forge their relationship with music. Just over 300 students participate in the Junior String Orchestra, Junior Philharmonic, and the FWYO with another 50 in Suzuki, which gives the younger students something to work towards as they see the other groups working together. Warren recalls her own son telling her after his first rehearsal, “Mom, I want to do this every day for the rest of my life.” The program graduates about 30 Seniors each year, and about half of those go into the field of music. Others excel in math and science and music remains central to their lives.

All participants audition and are placed based on their abilities regardless of age. As most high school orchestras do not have the personnel for complete romantic symphonies, when they arrive in the Youth Orchestra, the students know they get to play real music under the leadership of Gutiérrez. He explains his approach, “I treat the students all the same. I believe they will all be the best musicians. To inspire them to be the best at their instrument, I treat them like professionals. The point is to demand the best, and you can hear it in the performance.”

photo credit: Nine Photography

Pairing the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with members of the Youth Orchestra provides the students the invaluable experience of sitting beside a master, as Alejandro Gómez Guillén recalls from his own experience. “There’s no book or workshop to substitute for watching how they are with their instrument after literally thousands more hours in practice. For me, it was things like feeling how they tune their instrument or how they draw the bow across the strings.” Guillén joined the FWYO as a teenager on violin, but it was not until a required conducting course at TCU under Gutiérrez that his desire to conduct came alive. “It is truly the ultimate form of communication.” There is an invisible magic held in the magnetic silence of a music hall awaiting the first stroke of the conductor’s baton. For those who have given their lives to music, it is a sacred space that represents the moment before they are subsumed by its energy.

Guillén adds, “Symphonies have a responsibility to inspire. And when these two orchestras play together, it will be their unique version of Dvořák’s 9th.” The education and preparation can be reduced for the conductor as studying the difference between actively hearing and passively listening, which opens the mind to broader understanding of tolerance and diplomacy, further underscoring the way in which music acts as the great equalizer across class and culture. To that end, the FWYO travels to perform for international audiences, most recently exploring Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. This allowed the students to perform and see the world of many favorite composers like Mozart and Beethoven. The mental discernment inherent to the process of traveling and performing translates naturally to human connection, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to success in all endeavors.

Tickets to the performance are available here and cost between $8 and $35. In addition, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra will host a special Green Room Experience, including box tier seating and the opportunity to eat lunch and mingle with three generations of conductors and violinists, starting at 12:30p. For more information, please call 817-923-3121.

An Austin native, Lyle Brooks relocated to Fort Worth in order to immerse himself in the burgeoning music scene and the city’s rich cultural history, which has allowed him to cover everything from Free Jazz to folk singers. He’s collaborated as a ghostwriter on projects focusing on Health Optimization, Roman Lawyers, and an assortment of intriguing subjects requiring his research.

The post Side by Side: Fort Worth Youth Orchestra and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Play Together first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at www.fwsymphony.org/education or by calling 817-665-6500 ext. 102.

For children ages 3-6, the FWSO has the Kinderconcerts series. Held at Arborlawn Church (near Hulen Street and I-20), the live music program will be held February 14 and 15 with a show held at 10:30am and 12:30pm both days. The theme this year is “Aesop’s Fables” and includes the premiere of a new work by TCU music professor Till Meyn. Musicians of the FWSO will bring three classic tales — The Lion and The Mouse, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and the Tortoise and the Hare — to life.

Both shows feature performers from Kids Who Care. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at www.fwsymphony.org/education or by calling 817-665-6500 ext. 102.

More than a fun outing for the family, these programs will give your child the beginnings of a lifelong love and appreciation for classical music.

Edward Brown writes about music, arts and news for a variety of publications. He’s an award-winning writer for the Fort Worth Weekly and blogger for Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has published articles in Musical Opinion (U.K.), Canadian Music Educators Journal, and Clavier Companion,among others. When Brown isn’t writing about music, he’s actively involved in the local music scene as an educator, performer, lecturer, and judge for student music competitions. His professional affiliations include the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, where he volunteers as education director, and the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, where he serves on the board and artistic committee. Brown was born in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1982. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas and currently resides in Fort Worth. His favorite leisure time activities include local music concerts and perusing Fort Worth’s growing gastropub scene.

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Photo credit: Bell Soto

“I’ve been interested in environmental issues for a long time,” Harth-Bedoya told me recently. “Having grown up in Peru and lived in Eugene (Oregon), New Zealand, and here, I’ve developed an appreciation for people’s different behavior toward our environment. Unfortunatley, we’re in danger of leaving our kids a trashed planet.”

Many of us don’t give a second thought to where our trash ends up. Harth-Bedoya isn’t most people. Earlier this year, he followed a dump truck to the city’s landfill, located in south Fort Worth. A manager there told the conductor that Fort Worth’s landfill is the size of 170 football fields and takes in an average of 4,000 tons of waste per day. Upon further investigation, Harth-Bedoya found that no city or private group was tasked with composting organic waste in the area. After speaking to members of Fort Worth City Council, he was told the problem could best be solved through citizen-led initiatives.

That journey led to Cowboy Compost, a collaboration between Harth-Bedoya and Fort Worth business owner and entrepreneur Johanna Calderón. The effort also relies on volunteer help. Participants in the program collect organic waste (egg shells, discarded produce, animal scraps, etc.) in large green buckets. Every two weeks, a driver collects the buckets and leaves a clean, empty replacement. A fee of $7 every two weeks covers the cost of Cowboy Compost’s only employee, the driver. The buckets are delivered to a warehouse where the material is stored. Microbes and bacteria break down the waste material through a natural process until it resembles soil. After one year, participants in the program can collect the rich soil for personal use.

Early last spring, Harth-Bedoya surprised Calderón and several close friends by giving them green buckets and describing how composting works.

“He explained what to compost,” Calderón recalled. “We composted napkins, chicken bones, and salmon. Basically, if it grows it goes. Little by little, he started impacting, and we become more green.”

When the pilot program ended last May, Calderón and other volunteers decided the program needed to continue. A driver was hired and the Cowboy Compost model was adopted. Three restaurants have signed up for the program (including Local Foods Kitchen and Z’s Café) along with 27 local residents.

“We take our environment for granted,” Calderón said. “Miguel showed me anything you do can impact the environment. Be more aware of what you use. I never thought about how many boxes I get from Amazon daily. Now I reuse those boxes. I have a daughter. I want her to enjoy the same environment I had growing up.”

The larger goal of Cowboy Compost, Harth-Bedoya said, is to bring awareness to the community.

“People tell me ‘I’m not going to solve the world’s problem,’ ” Harth-Bedoya said. “You may not, but you can solve your city’s problems one person at a time. I believe in the power of social change. When my family goes to the restaurant, we take a container and take our food scraps back. It’s a great feeling to leave nothing behind that can be thrown away.”
Edward Brown writes about music, arts and news for a variety of publications. He’s an award-winning writer for the Fort Worth Weekly and blogger for Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has published articles in Musical Opinion (U.K.), Canadian Music Educators Journal, and Clavier Companion,among others. When Brown isn’t writing about music, he’s actively involved in the local music scene as an educator, performer, lecturer, and judge for student music competitions. His professional affiliations include the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, where he volunteers as education director, and the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, where he serves on the board and artistic committee. Brown was born in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1982. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas and currently resides in Fort Worth. His favorite leisure time activities include local music concerts and perusing Fort Worth’s growing gastropub scene.

The post From Corelli to Compost: The Story of Cowboy Compost first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.