Our Mission


As a ministry outreach of First Lutheran Church of Galveston, Texas, we foster high quality fine arts education made accessible to every student in the Galveston area, regardless of race, faith, sexual orientation, or financial means.

We aim to fill a critical gap in the community through excellence, compassion, and inclusion, with a focus on socioeconomically challenged families.

The Fanfare! Story


Founded in 2007, Fanfare! began as a small music program with a simple goal: to make high-quality arts education accessible to more children in Galveston. Over time, it has grown into a vibrant fine arts academy offering music, dance, art, and performance opportunities to students of all ages. Today, Fanfare! continues to meet a critical need in the community by providing a safe, supportive place where students can learn, create, and belong.
Core Values
Annie Byrom Blancken Executive Director

Annie Blancken is an educator, performer, and arts leader with a deep passion for teaching and developing young artists. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Texas at Austin. With over 17 years of teaching experience in public schools, private schools, and individual instruction, Annie has worked with students of all ages, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and creativity.

In addition to her work at Fanfare!, Annie is the founder and director of the musical theater program at Trinity Episcopal School, where she has built a vibrant and engaging program for young performers. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that every child is capable of growth and that the arts provide a powerful space for students to discover discipline, confidence, and joy.

Annie is a BOI (Born On the Island) and has a deep love for the unique culture and community of Galveston. She lives here with her husband and four children and is deeply invested in the lives of local families. She brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal commitment to her work, striving to create meaningful, high-quality arts experiences for every student.