The Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra (FASO) provides much-needed support for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. FASO was formed in 1984 with 175 members eager to help the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, then only three years old. This season, FASO celebrates 37 years of serving the symphony!

FASO members support the Symphony by attending concerts, hosting receptions to enhance the symphony experience, and fundraising through Derby Day, Premiere Market and other special events.

Each year FASO sponsors Children’s Concerts for nearly 3,000 area fourth and fifth grade students, and hosts the annual Brazos Valley Youth Concerto Competition. The winner of the competition is invited to play at the children’s concerts and represents our community in the prestigious Juanita Miller Concerto Competition held each January in Dallas.

The FASO Executive Committee meets regularly to organize and plan for ways to support the Symphony. Each year, FASO holds an Annual Meeting and Luncheon where the year’s accomplishments are recapped. New Officers begin their terms on  June 1st of each season.

Inspiration to establish a support group for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra originated at a regional conference of the American Symphony Orchestra League in San Antonio in April, 1984. At this meeting a delegation from Brazos County met representatives from several state auxiliary groups of the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras (TASO), and became enthusiastic about organizing a similar group in the Brazos Valley. An organizational meeting was held September 4, 1984 with 168 charter members. Peggy Samson was the first President from 1984-1987.