HELEN ELBERT COLLABORATIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL

The crown jewel of our season named in memory of one of our most dedicated and passionate area music educators, the Helen Elbert Collaborative Music Festival is a multi-day experience that takes place in the spring, and features various workshops, artistic collaborations, and guided rehearsals that all culminate in a multi-sensory concert not to be missed.

Within this program, workshops with decorated guest artists allow local students the opportunity to shape their chamber performances in a professional setting, guided by expert coaching from the guest artist(s) and observed by a live audience.

Artistic collaboration is at the heart of this festival, with both an Art and Dance Collaboration presented by the All-Saints Episcopal School featuring artist Lisa Horlander and Artistic Dance Concepts Performing Arts Conservatory in conjunction with two area composers, giving them the opportunity to perform and often to premiere their works.

Helen Elbert

Announcing the 2026 Helen Elbert Collaborative Music Festival!

Join us for a celebration of creativity and community at the 2026 Helen Elbert Collaborative Music and Fine Arts Festival, hosted by the East Texas Music Teachers Association on Saturday, April 11, at the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center, Tyler Junior College. This is a free event open to the community! 
 
This exciting afternoon will showcase a wide range of student performances, including music from independent studios, public and private schools, home schools, colleges, and the community. The festival highlights the spirit of collaboration with original artwork and dance choreography inspired by new musical compositions and creative partnerships.
 
Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere featuring:
  • Live music performances
  • Visual Art and Dance
  • Face painting and Interactive Art
  • Wellness booths and more!

Call for Performers

Click Here to fill out an Interest Form!

or Contact Vicki Conway: vconway@uttyler.edu

 
Whether you’re an artist, performer, educator, student, or supporter of the arts, this festival offers something for everyone.  Come celebrate the rich tapestry of music and fine arts in East Texas! The entry deadline for interested performers is March 1, 2025.
 
 

The East Texas Music Teachers Association is dedicated to teaching students the art of collaborative playing:

  • We are looking to match young soloists (vocal, string, woodwind, brass) with pianists.  This registration form is for both interested pianist and soloists.  Partners will be assigned based on number of registrants and playing level.  Both teachers will coordinate at least two rehearsal times and location with parents.  These partners are invited to play in the Masterclass (date pending)
  • Collegiate and professional duos/chamber groups are also highly encouraged to perform as a part of the Festival concert. 
  • All participants are invited to attend the Masterclass and should e-mail Festival Co-Chair Stephanie Johnson for more information.

Call for Scores

A very important part of the Helen Elbert Collaborative Music Festival are original compositions: 

  • Original compositions are featured as part of our Dance Collaboration with Artistic Dance Concepts Performing Arts Conservatory. The Dance Collaboration features a live performance with both the dancers and musicians and requires a submission of the score (PDF format) with a MIDI realization or live recording highly encouraged (MP3 format). 
  • Original compositions are featured as part of our Art Collaboration with All-Saints Episcopal School featuring artist Lisa Horlander. Compositions used for the Art Collaboration only require a recorded submission (MP3 format).
  • The entry deadline for these submissions is December 8, 2025.  All inquiries for original composition should be emailed to Festival Co-Chair Vicki Conway.

Highlights from Previous Festivals

Festival Concert Livestream