Our Mission
As a ministry outreach of First Lutheran Church of Galveston, Texas, we provide high quality fine arts education that is accessible to every student in the Galveston area, regardless of race, faith, or financial means. We aim to fill a critical gap in the community through excellence, compassion, and inclusion, with a focus on socio economically challenged families.
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.
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—providing a safe, supportive place where students can learn, create, and belong, regardless of their background.
Core Values
Access for all
We believe that every student deserves access to high-quality fine arts education. We intentionally keep our programs affordable so that financial circumstances never prevent participation.
Excellence with Purpose
We pursue artistic excellence through skilled instruction, high standards, and thoughtful teaching that honors both the craft and the student.
Welcome and belonging
We cultivate an all-inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds are respected, valued, and encouraged, fostering a strong sense of community through the arts.
God-Honoring Environment
We operate in a God-honoring environment rooted in humility, integrity, compassion, and service. Our faith informs how we teach, lead, and care for students, while honoring the beliefs and backgrounds of every family we serve.
Whole-Person Growth
We believe fine arts education shapes more than skill—it builds confidence, discipline, creativity, and joy that extends far beyond the classroom.