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According to the renowned Peterson Family Foundation, playing an instrument can enhance a child’s emotional expression and creativity, providing a healthy outlet for their feelings and thoughts. Group music activities foster teamwork and social skills, as children learn to listen to one another and work together harmoniously. Moreover, the discipline required to practice regularly instills a sense of perseverance and dedication that can translate into other areas of life. The joy of mastering a piece of music can also boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence, encouraging them to take on new challenges with a positive mindset.

I had the chance to sit down with Laura Harris-Means and Patrick Means about the upcoming Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the Symphony Gala. On Saturday, September 28th the power couple will serve as Co-Chairs of the event and they shared their passion for why this fundraiser is so important to support.

Many in the DFW know Laura Harris-Means as an Emmy & AP award winning journalist who has co-anchored NBC 5 Today since 2018 and has covered the last two Olympic games. And her husband Patrick Means is well known in the finance industry. He holds the position of Vice President and Branch Manager at Charles Schwab in Dallas Park Cities, overseeing a team of Financial Consultants and Investment professionals. And as individuals of remarkable renown, the duo now unite in noble pursuits, weaving threads of philanthropic endeavors and serendipitously etching their names into the annals of DSO history.

Let’s rewind to where it all began with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra – talk about a full-circle moment! Patrick was already a supporter of the 124 year old organization and even had some friends who served on the board. When he took Laura on their first date, it just so happened to be a DSO performance by Jasmine Habersham Bailey. So it was almost fortuitous that they also had their wedding at the Morton H. Meyerson Theatre Center, which is the the home of the DSO.

Their deep-rooted passion for music is longstanding, making it a source of great joy to support and raise awareness for the arts community and educational initiatives offered by the DSO that touches the lives of thousands in Texas. She also shared how grateful she was to have the same opera singer that they saw on their first date, Jasmine Habersham Bailey, perform at their wedding.

Both Laura and Patrick played violin in their youth and revered the well-rounded feeling that came with that experience. Yet, they are well aware of the fact that many underserved children don’t have the same opportunities to experience the positive aspects of playing an instrument. That underscores the significance of raising awareness and endorsing DSO programs such as Young Strings, The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians Program, Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus and Mindful Music Moments.

Lest we forget to mention the history being made this year for Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s biggest night. The Means will serve as the first Black couple – and persons of color- to serve as Co-Chairs. Additionally, long-time DSO supporters Cassandra and Avery Johnson will serve as Honorary Chairs. Patrick spoke to it first, acknowledging the many Chairs that came before them who have fiercely supported these programs for the underserved and how much appreciation they both have for the positive impact it has given to the local youth. But he also made it clear that he is honored, recognizes the gravity of the representation, and does not take it lightly. Laura Harris-Means followed with her sentiment of what it means for her.

While Patrick and I are incredibly honored to be the first, it’s more important to us that we are not the last. We hope to see so many more from different backgrounds have this opportunity to advocate for these amazing programs that also serve children with various backgrounds.

It’s important for young black and brown children from the other side of I30 to know that the Dallas Symphony Orchestra isn’t exclusive to them. The DSO has grown with diversity in the past 124 years, acknowledging different cultures with entertaining performances that include music genres from all over the world. Last year, the DSO’s Music of Tchaikovsky X Drake Composed by Steve Hackman was sold out and the unique collaboration made waves in the hiphop community. Most importantly, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra recognizes the opportunity to do more and invest in the talent around them. Many inspiring stories emerge from these educational programs. By increasing awareness through fundraisers like this, the DSO can extend its reach and accomplish even more meaningful work.

Patrick and Laura Harris-Means, who have been leveraging their influence and connections to raise awareness about the impactful educational initiatives offered by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra have successfully raised significant funds and plans to further support the DSO through their ongoing philanthropic endeavors even after the event.

For our fashion lovers out there, I had to ask Laura if she had any surprises for the night, like a dress change or 2? She and her husband have considerably had quite a few fashion moments donning local designers like Don Morphy. And last year, Laura Harris-Means moderated a panel for Fashion Group International of Dallas’s annual forum. At the time, she didn’t have anything in mind for the outfit(s) just yet, but guaranteed that it will be a moment.

If you didn’t have a chance to grab your ticket for the annual Symphony Gala, you can still support Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s educational programs and support by volunteering as well. It will be a night to remember.

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