Sylva Pearce Compton Percussion Room Dedicated

ENMU Chancellor Dr. Patrice Caldwell (left) and Student Regent Chandlar Head (right) presented Sylva with the plaque featuring a portrait of the talented alumna. The plaque is permanently installed in the ENMU Music Building

Photo by Sara Wright

Sylva Pearce Compton (MA 58, BA 47) celebrated her 100th birthday in December of 2021, as the ENMU Department of Music dedicated the Sylva Pearce Compton Percussion Room. The day featured performances by the Chamber Singers, the Ragtime Percussion Group and a solo performance by ENMU senior and Student Regent Chandlar Head, a vocal performance major.

Sylva cherishes her time as an undergrad singing with ENMU’s vocal quartet and playing drums in the band. The Greyhound grad taught elementary and junior high music classes for 25 years in Clovis, New Mexico.

Sylva Pearce Compton (center) gathered with her family dedicating the Sylva Pearce Compton Percussion Room.

Photo by Sara Wright

The room dedication was made possible by a generous contribution from her daughter Carol (attended) and son-in-law Dennis Criswell (MED 71, BS 65), who live in Tucson, Arizona.