Dallas Violinist Nurtures the Musical Talents of Youth

By Shannon Prudhomme

Contributor, Gulf Coast Philanthropy

Richmond Punch (far left) poses with participants
of the Dallas Urban Youth Orchestra

Photo courtesy of Richmond Punch

Violinist Richmond Punch is quickly becoming a recognizable name and face in Texas and beyond. The Founder of Richmond Punch Productions, he has traveled the world to perform for audiences consisting of up to 16,000 people.  The 30-year-old musician also lends his time and talents to nurture youth through the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra, a program of the Punch Family Foundation. The philanthropic entrepreneur graciously shared details with Gulf Coast Philanthropy about his family’s charitable organization, as well as his journey to becoming a highly sought-after Violinist. Scroll to the end of this feature to view a performance by the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra.

Gulf Coast Philanthropy: You were essentially a child prodigy. When did you first pick up the violin and what prompted you to continue playing?

Richmond Punch: I was introduced to the violin at age 5 in public Montessori school by a teacher with a amazing dedication to each one of her students. It was in that environment, combined with the nurturing upbringing of my mother, that allowed me to fall in love with the instrument on a personal level. After participating in my first summer camp at the University of Texas at Austin, I studied at the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan, Southern Methodist University Pre-College, and Aspen Music Festival. I also got to play in England, France and Scotland with Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. Combined with hard work, this type of exposure and the free lessons offered by a program of the Dallas Symphony helped me to be able to go to my first choice school, The Juilliard School, which is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. I also completed my master's degree at Yale University, a peaceful place to hone your skills academically and artistically.

GCP: When did you launch Richmond Punch Productions and how has it grown since then?

RP: In 2005 I started Richmond Punch Productions after facing difficulty finding a job as a member of a major symphony orchestra. When I became an entreprenuer, I had only a violin for the events I wanted to do and some jazz and classical music under my belt. Now, in 2011, I have Violin, Violin with DJ, Jazz Band, String Quartet. At a recent event I played everything from New Orleans Jazz and Devil Went Down to Georgia to I Want You Back [by Jackson 5] and Black Eyed Peas' I Gotta Feeling.

GCP: Who are your musical influences?

RP: I love the music of “Stuff” Smith, my favorite violinist, but I am also influenced by Itzhak Perlman, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Quest Love, Esperanza Spalding and others.


GCP: When was the Punch Family Foundation started, and why was it launched?


RP: Punch Family Foundation was started meet my financial needs to be able to graduate from Juilliard and Yale, and it continued thereafter because many musicians back home in Dallas had similar needs. We sought a way to help others and began with a partial college scholarship initiative and then continued with the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra. We also are excited about the growth of our community service and doing workshops, concerts and summer camps in Houston and around the U.S.

GCP: Do other companies collaborate with you to support your Foundation? 

RP: Yes they do. In 2007 we started what is today our largest program, Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra. In transitioning from giving scholarships to training students in an orchestra, we needed to find a place to teach our Youth. Since 2007, The Trinity Trust, which funds the Trinity River Project in Dallas, lent their space to our non-profit. Next, we were able to use space at a church, St. Paul United Methodist Church, and we've spent the last two years at The Point Center for Arts and Education at C.C. Young retirement community. At present we are searching for a new home in Dallas because of C.C. Youngs need to bring more seniors into living spaces and provide activities for the seniors themselves. These partnerships have worked well. In each venue we would give free community performances as a thank you for their lower rent and fully donated properties for our use. Since we presently searching for a new practice facility, we are asking for any suggestions in the Dallas, Uptown, North Dallas and other centralized locations so that we can find a new home for our 2011-2012 Season.


GCP: There are essentially three programs associated with the Foundation, but you are specifically the Artistic Director of the Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra program. Tell me about this initiative and your involvement with youth.


RP: Dallas Uptown Youth Orchestra is a music program for youth ages 5-18. We teach kids orchestra, private lessons, music theory through classical music and styles of music that young people today are listening to. We want each kid to have a chance at a music scholarship to college and our focus is Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass. We work with Southern Methodist University and other local colleges where we seek volunteers and pay other teachers to teach our students. A Violin is as low as $100.00. We welcome sponsors for all our areas of need.


GCP: Growing up in Dallas, were there any individuals and/or community organizations that nurtured your academic and skill development? 

RP: Yes. Individuals who have made a difference in my life include Isabell Cottrell. Organizations such as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Sponsors of the Dallas Symphony and local arts in Dallas, The Brotherhood Inc. of Anchorage Alaska, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters Dallas and National have also made a difference in my life from giving my single parent mother resources to hiring me for corporate and special events entertainment.


GCP: What is your philosophy about giving back?

RP: Great question. I donate to many causes as I have constantly expanded my window of opportunity and I notice that my life and career is growing as a result. My philosophy is this: give back to something new such as Punch Family Foundation, give wholeheartedly and your best, and expect a return because it will happen.


GCP: What is the ideology by which you live by each day?

RP: Well I am a Christian and I believe that God has placed me on this earth for a reason. I also believe that even if I can touch one person in an audience of 10,000, I am doing God’s work. I am able to do it in so many styles of music, venues, and reach so many cultures. It is an honor to do something you love. God is good!

To learn more about the Punch Family Foundation, please visit the organization's website.