Petitioning The Houston Symphony: A Call for Safety & Equal Opportunity in Orchestras
- Katie A. Berglof
- Mar 9
- 9 min read
Updated: May 4
The following petition letter sent to the Houston Symphony and AFM is more than just a statement—it is an urgent call to action that cannot be ignored. This petition amplifies the unified voices of musicians, educators, patrons, and survivors demanding accountability.
As the designated petition messenger, my focus in writing the formal letter to the Houston Symphony was clear: to emphasize the fundamental values of humanity, respect for survivors, for women, and the pursuit of fair and equal opportunity.
I invite you to read a copy of the letter and the petition below with an open heart and a clear conscience. If you believe in creating safe stages and in holding powerful institutions accountable, I urge you to add your voice by signing the petition. We can send a powerful message that the values of integrity, safety, and equality must always come first. Our community’s future—and the trust we place in those who lead it—depends on what we choose to do next.
— Katie Berglof, Chief Editor
Formal Petition Letter Sent To the Houston Symphony Leadership, Board of Directors, and AFM Representatives
I write to you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of betrayal felt by so many in our beloved classical music community. This letter is not just my voice—it echoes the disappointment, outrage, and profound sorrow of countless musicians, educators, patrons, and survivors of abuse who have watched, horrified, as the Houston Symphony chose to welcome William VerMeulen back to the stage this evening on Friday, March 7th. This decision comes after the harrowing testimonies of former students from Rice University were courageously shared in The Barbed Wire, recounting a pattern of sexual misconduct that should have compelled immediate and decisive action.
The Human Cost of Silence
Each allegation is not just a headline—it represents a person whose trust was shattered, whose passion for music was tainted, and whose voice was silenced for too long. The Houston Symphony's decision to grant Mr. VerMeulen a brief leave of absence rather than a permanent removal is a profound injustice to these survivors. It sends a chilling message: that the talents of a man accused of serial misconduct are valued more than the safety and dignity of those he has harmed.
For those who have survived the trauma of abuse, watching him return to the stage is a cruel reminder of how often their voices go unheard—how frequently powerful institutions side with the accused, not the accuser.
It tells every young musician who dreams of playing on your stage that their safety is negotiable, that the music they love is played in halls where predators are protected, not prosecuted.
Is this the legacy that the Houston Symphony wishes to uphold?
A Petition for Accountability
Attached to this email, you will find a petition signed by a coalition of musicians, patrons, and advocates who demand better from you—who demand accountability, justice, and a commitment to creating a safe environment for all.
This petition calls for:
The Immediate Removal of William VerMeulen
Publish Clear Conflict of Interest & Bias Policies
Establish a Safe, Anonymous Reporting System
Implement Fair Gender Representation on the Audition Committee
Public Disclosure of Reforms & Transparency in the Audition Process
To permit Mr. VerMeulen to sit on the audition committee for the upcoming second horn auditions is an affront to every woman who dreams of playing in your orchestra. It is a warning sign, loud and clear, that women are not safe—that the doors to your institution are guarded by those who protect each other, not those who protect the vulnerable.
A Culture of Complicity
Let us be honest: this is not just about one man. It is about a culture within the Houston Symphony that has allowed this situation to unfold—unchecked, unchallenged, and unabated. It is about the AFM’s failure to uphold its duty to protect musicians from predators and the leadership’s failure to act decisively when confronted with credible allegations.
This is about every dark whisper backstage, every young woman who has been told to keep quiet if she wants to work, every musician who has turned away in helplessness because they feared retaliation. It is about a system that punishes the accusers while allowing the accused to play on—uninterrupted, unbothered, and unashamed.
The Power of Courage Over Silence
Music is a language of truth and courage. To play it on a stage that protects predators is to betray its essence. The Houston Symphony must decide if it will continue to side with those who abuse power or if it will stand with those who seek to reclaim their voice.
Every moment you delay justice, every concert where Mr. VerMeulen is allowed to perform, deepens the wound you have inflicted on this community. You owe it to your patrons, your musicians, and every survivor who has spoken out—to do better. To be better.
Our Call to Action
If you refuse to act, the community will. We will not be silent. We will not be complicit. We will continue to call for boycotts, to withdraw our support, and to speak out until meaningful change is achieved. For the sake of those who have already been harmed and for the countless musicians who look to you as a beacon of integrity, we demand: The immediate removal of William VerMeulen and a public commitment to a fair and safe audition process by reforming your audition process.
The Weight of This Moment
This is a defining moment for the Houston Symphony. You have the choice to lead with integrity and to show survivors that their voices matter more than a single man’s ability to play. Or you can choose to protect the status quo, revealing that the harmony you seek in your music stops at the stage’s edge.
We urge you—do what is right. Do what is just. Show the world that the Houston Symphony is not a refuge for predators but a haven for those who love music and deserve to pursue it safely and without fear.
We await your response and, more importantly, your action. Sincerely, Katie A. Berglof Advocate & Designated Petition Messenger Safe Stages for Musicians
The Petition
To the Union, Leadership, and Board of the Houston Symphony:
We, the undersigned musicians, students, community members, and advocates for safe and inclusive stages and work environments, call on the Houston Symphony and the audition committee for the 2nd Horn auditions to undertake immediate and meaningful reforms to its audition process.
Recent events and documented reports—including the article published by The Barbed Wire on February 5, 2025—have raised serious ethical concerns regarding the continued involvement of Houston Symphony’s Principal Horn player, William VerMeulen, on the audition committee for the 2nd horn auditions, given his history of allegations of misconduct.
Questions Raised by the Classical Music Community Leading to This Petition:
The Houston Symphony put William VerMeulen on a leave of absence until things settled down. He returns to the stage on Friday, March 7th. What message does this send to patrons, musicians, and all those concerned about the integrity and safety of all involved?
How does the orchestra ensure that all audition committee members, including William VerMeulen, can evaluate candidates fairly and without bias?
Are there any documented conflict-of-interest policies in place to address concerns about committee members who have a history of allegations or prior relationships with candidates?
What steps has the Houston Symphony taken to ensure fair gender representation on the audition committee, particularly in a field where brass playing is male-dominated?
Is there a policy requiring diverse representation on audition panels to ensure all candidates, including women and underrepresented groups, feel they are evaluated equitably?
Can you provide transparency in committee diversity in advance to help candidates understand the diversity and impartiality of the selection process?
What guarantees does the orchestra provide that all candidates will be judged solely on their playing ability and not personal biases?
Will the orchestra publish audition procedures and selection criteria to ensure transparency in how hiring decisions are made?
What measures are in place to ensure that all candidates feel safe and comfortable during the audition process?
Is there a confidential mechanism for candidates to report concerns regarding bias, misconduct, or inappropriate behavior before, during, or after the audition?
If a candidate feels unsafe or experiences any form of discrimination, to whom should they report it, and how will their concerns be addressed?
We believe that these concerns must be addressed to protect the integrity of the audition process, the well-being of prospective candidates, and the reputation of the Houston Symphony.
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I. Allegations and Public Record
The Second Horn auditions are scheduled to take place at Jones Hall, Houston, with the application deadline on March 21, 2025, followed by Preliminary and Semifinal Rounds on May 12–13, 2025, and the Final Rounds on May 31, 2025.
These auditions represent a critical opportunity for emerging talent to join a leading musical institution, impacting both the careers of individual musicians and the future of the classical music community.
Multiple reports and firsthand accounts have emerged over recent months concerning Houston Symphony's Principal Horn Player, William VerMeulen, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, coercion, and assault while he worked at Rice University. The Barbed Wire article from February 5, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of these serious allegations, highlighting the adverse effects on former students and musicians. Additional sources have echoed these concerns, suggesting a consistent pattern of behavior that calls into question his suitability to participate in any role that influences emerging talent.
Despite these troubling accounts, there are credible indications that William VerMeulen remains involved in the audition process for the Second Horn position. His presence on the audition committee is deeply concerning, as it compromises the integrity and fairness of the selection process, as well as the safety of applicants—particularly women.
______________________________________________________
II. Valid Ethical Concerns
Integrity and Fairness of the Audition Process
Conflict of Interest
The continued involvement of William VerMeulen, given his documented history, presents a clear conflict of interest. His role on the audition committee undermines efforts to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process. This is especially troubling in light of the Houston Symphony’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful community.
Deterrence of Talented Candidates
Potential candidates, especially women who have been directly or indirectly affected by William VerMeulen's past actions, may feel discouraged or unsafe to apply and audition in an environment that includes someone with such renowned influence and a record of misconduct. This could lead to a loss of diverse, highly talented individuals who otherwise would contribute to the artistic excellence of the Houston Symphony.
Fair Representation
The audition committee should be balanced, including fair representation of women and individuals committed to unbiased evaluation. Public access to written policies preventing conflicts of interest should be provided to ensure a fair, impartial process.
Note: Currently, the horn section consists of ALL former students of William VerMuelen, and ALL are male.
Safety and Inclusivity
Creating a Safe Environment
A safe audition space is essential for all applicants. The presence of an individual with a history of harassment and misconduct risks perpetuating a climate of fear and exclusion, particularly for female candidates. A safe and inclusive environment is necessary for attracting diverse talent and ensuring that all applicants can participate without fear of harassment or bias.
Upholding Community Values
The Houston Symphony has long been celebrated for its artistic contributions and community leadership. Its operational practices, especially those affecting upcoming musicians, must reflect values of respect, accountability, and inclusivity.
Reputation and Public Trust
Institutional Integrity
Continued association with controversial figures tarnishes the Symphony’s reputation. The public, donors, and prospective candidates look to the organization for leadership in both musical excellence and ethical standards. Maintaining a committee that includes individuals with past allegations can compromise trust and safety in the audition environment.
Accountability
Transparent and swift action is necessary to restore trust among the community, ensuring that the institution is perceived as responsive and responsible in addressing serious concerns. Implementing reform measures will demonstrate a commitment to accountability, transparency, and respect.
______________________________________________________
III. Our Demands
Immediate Removal of William VerMeulen from the Audition Committee and Orchestra
In light of the substantial evidence and multiple reports of sexual allegations against William VerMeulen, we demand that he be immediately removed from all roles, including those related to the Second Horn audition process. This removal is a necessary step to eliminate conflicts of interest and to signal the Houston Symphony’s commitment to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.
Implementation of Safeguards
Publish Clear Conflict of Interest & Bias Policies: Develop, publish, and adhere to transparent guidelines outlining the procedures for handling reported incidents of misconduct and ensuring fair audition procedures.
Establish a Safe, Anonymous Reporting System: Create a secure and confidential channel for auditioning candidates and witnesses to report concerns, misconduct, or bias without fear of retaliation.
Implement Fair Gender Representation on the Audition Committee: Commit to a balanced committee that includes a fair representation of women and individuals committed to unbiased evaluation.
Public Disclosure of Reforms & Transparency in the Audition Process: The Houston Symphony should provide a detailed public report outlining the changes made to the audition process, including the steps taken to safeguard the audition environment.
______________________________________________________
IV. Call to Action
The Houston Symphony has a long-standing legacy as a beacon of artistic and cultural excellence. However, this legacy must be maintained not only through musical prowess but also through unwavering ethical standards and a commitment to inclusivity and transparency.
We, the undersigned, believe that these measures are essential to ensuring that the audition process for the Second Horn position is fair, safe, and free from any influence by individuals with documented histories of misconduct allegations.The Houston Symphony has the opportunity to lead by example and affirm its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity, and accountability. We respectfully urge the organization to take immediate, decisive action to implement these reforms.
Sign This Petition: By signing the petition, you join us in demanding a transparent, safe, unbiased, and inclusive audition process that protects the rights and safety of all musicians.
(c) Katie A. Berglof, 2025 (See: Legal Disclaimer)
