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The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast: Symphony of the Hill’s July 4 Concert: America 250, Remembrance, and Resilience

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Gene Dowdy returns to welcome us back to the Symphony of the Hills’ July 4, 4:00 p.m. concert, which will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while memorializing the 2025 Texas flood. The event includes patriotic works such as Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” narrated by Mayor Joe Herring; “Fanfare for the Common Man”; and community singing of the national anthem, along with soprano Sarah Davis performing “God Bless America” and closing with “Amazing Grace.” Governor Greg Abbott will read Kerr County’s 119 flood victims while the orchestra plays Bach’s “Air,” and historic flag artwork by San Antonio artist Bobby Cahill will be displayed. Dowdy also previews the 2026/27 “A Season of Story & Song,” featuring programs like “Weber and Brahms,” “Comfort and Joy,” “Heroes and Villains,” “Frontiers and Freedom,” and “Romance & Passion.”

Key highlights:

  • Concert Purpose and Tribute
  • Program Highlights and Guests
  • Music and Grief One Year Later
  • America 250 and Texas Pride
  • Preview Season Story and Song

Resources:

Symphony of the Hills

Professor Eugene Dowdy at Schreiner University

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Hill Country Authors Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Cover Art

Nancy Huffman

Categories
The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast – A Symphony of Healing: A Conversation with Gene Dowdy

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes Gene Dowdy, the Director of Music at Schreiner University and conductor of the Symphony of the Hills.

Gene shares his serendipitous journey to becoming a conductor and the importance of succession planning in organizations. He also discusses the profound role music plays in promoting healing and community wellness, emphasizing initiatives that involve music and health. Additionally, Gene provides an overview of the Symphony of the Hills’ upcoming 25th anniversary season, highlighting the planned concerts and their significance. The episode underscores the symphony’s commitment to community engagement and highlights the emotional power of music.

Key highlights:

  • Gene Dowdy’s Journey to Becoming a Conductor
  • The Power of Music in Healing
  • Symphony of the Hills: Upcoming Season

Resources:

Symphony of the Hills Kerrville

Professor Eugene Dowdy at Schreiner University

Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts

Hill Country Authors Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network