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Community Music Center: The Guardians of Houston’s Black Musical Heritage

Houston’s vibrant cultural scene is a tapestry woven with diverse musical traditions, reflecting the city’s rich history and multicultural population. At the heart of this musical mosaic is the Community Music Center of Houston (CMCH), an organization dedicated to preserving and presenting Black music genres through education and performances. Ron Scales, Managing Director of CMCH, dives into the organization’s origins, its recognition through the BANF grant in 2022, and its vision for the future.

Community-Music-Center-of-Houston---BANF-3
Houston’s vibrant cultural scene is a tapestry woven with diverse musical traditions, reflecting the city’s rich history and many communities. At the heart of this musical tapestry stands the Community Music Center of Houston (CMCH), an organization dedicated to preserving and presenting Black music through education and performance. Ron Scales, Managing Director of CMCH, tells the organization’s origins, its recognition through the BANF grant in 2022, and its vision for the future.
Community-Music-Center-of-Houston---BANF-2
Community-Music-Center-of-Houston---BANF

Origins and Vision

Founded in 1979 by Patricia Johnson and Ron Scales, members of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church choir under Clyde Owen Jackson, CMCH initially bore the name “Society for the Preservation of Spirituals.” The organization’s roots were grounded in the desire to conserve and share the rich spiritual music that had been underrepresented in the community. Recognizing the need to extend its mission, the organization evolved to embrace a wider array of Black music genres, aiming to breathe life into other lesser-known musical traditions.

An instrumental moment in the history of CMCH was the addition of Dr. Anne Lundy in 1983. Dr. Lundy spearheaded the creation of the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, now one of the nation’s oldest predominately Black community chamber orchestras. This expansion reflected the organization’s commitment to preserving diverse musical traditions.

Blending creativity and entertainment

In 2022, Ron Scales came upon a remarkable grant opportunity for CMCH. He learned of the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) grant through the Mid-America Arts Alliance. Scales went on to pursue the grant, describing BANF application process as user-friendly, “straightforward and relaxing compared to traditional applications.”

Days later, the awaited approval arrived, enveloping Ron and the staff in overwhelming excitement. The BANF grant emerged as a crucial lifeline during difficult times for CMCH. The funds were thoughtfully allocated to retain staff and ensure the organization’s continuous operation, safeguarding its mission’s flourishing.

Scales underscored the profound importance of the BANF grant for small BIPOC organizations. Its tailored approach, designed to address the unique challenges faced by these organizations, accentuates its pivotal role in strengthening the Houston area’s BIPOC arts ecosystem.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, CMCH has ambitious plans for its future. A major initiative is a capital campaign to renovate and relocate to a recently acquired building. This move signifies the organization’s growth and unwavering commitment to serving the Houston community better. Collaboration remains a cornerstone of CMCH’s approach. Scales proudly revealed their partnership with the Community Artists’ Collective, an organization that shares their values and passion. Together, they created the Legacy Project, a celebration of Houston’s influential musicians whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the city’s musical landscape.

A Message of Resilience and Dedication

Scales shared a powerful message about CMCH’s mission and its enduring impact on the Greater Houston Area. The organization has been a guardian of Black musical traditions for over four decades, providing education and performances that foster cultural appreciation and understanding. With each passing year, CMCH grows stronger, continuing to weave the vibrant threads of Black music into the tapestry of Houston’s cultural identity. As they embark on a new chapter with their forthcoming building, CMCH looks forward to serving the Houston community for generations.

The Community Music Center of Houston stands as a testament to the power of music to bridge gaps and celebrate diversity. Under the visionary leadership of Ron Scales, the organization not only preserves musical heritage but actively contributes to the cultural fabric of the Greater Houston Area. With a promising future ahead, CMCH remains an inspiring example of how the arts can uplift communities and unite people through the universal language of music.