Pops: The Sound of America, the Pulse of ENMU
By Robert Graham
Henry Lee Higginson established the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in 1881. Initially referred to as “Promenade Concerts”, second as “Popular Concerts”, the BSO shortened and simplified the title to ‘Pops Concerts’ as the 19th transitioned to the 20th century. The Boston Symphony Orchestra credits its half-century composer Arthur Fiedler (1930-1979) with establishing “the Boston Pops as a national icon” that other institutions around the United States of America embraced, adopted and expanded over the twentieth century. ENMU inaugurated its Pops tradition 49 years ago and celebrated its 48th Annual Pops Dinner Concert on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. The event recognized the contributions of music educators and alumni Eunice Schumpert (Attended), Brian Uerling (MM 03) and David Allen (MME 76, BME 69). ENMU Executive Director of Planning and Analysis / University Friends of Music President Dr. Patrice Caldwell says that David, Brian and Eunice “belong to a special category of teachers who have a gift and are willing to share it.” In her 90s, Eunice continues to offer private piano lessons. The University Friends of Music awarded $10,500 in scholarships and awards and over $4,000 to sponsoring guest artists at ENMU during the 2014-2015 academic year. By showcasing student performers and recognizing ENMU faculty, music educators and community supporters, the annual Pops dinner concert plays an important role in the philanthropic work of the University Friends of Music.
Standing L-R: Meredith Seifert, Beth Allen, David Allen (MME 76, BME 69) and Brian Uerling (MM 03). Seated L-R: Eunice Schumpert (Attended), James Golden (BS 12) and Jude Uerling.
This year’s Pops concert featured the following principals and future ENMU alumni: Sara Maynerich (flute), Chance O’Shea (oboe), Anthony Aguayo (clarinet), Alexander Olivas (alto saxophone), Adan Martinez (trumpet), Hope Meilke (horn), Michael Bradley (trombone), Andres Labastida (euphonium), Melissa Moore (tuba) and Stephen Yung (percussion).
Program Serves Livestock Producers and Dairy Industry
By Dr. Janet Roehl
Eastern New Mexico University designed an artificial insemination (AI) breeding program for ENMU pre-vet students and production and management students. The AI industry as well as dairy and livestock producers who want to improve their genetics. Students participate in hands-on learning opportunities and gain experience working and handling large animals in this class. It provides training in a common industry technique to improve the genetics of the herd. Dr. Darron Smith, professor of reproductive physiology, directs the program. “Alumni who have graduate from ENMU have donated cattle for the class,” Dr. Smith explains. “The students care for the animals, clean the pens and feed them during the time the animals are in
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Green & Silver | February 2016
the barn. This requires twice a day care and cleaning and provides the students with knowledge about animal husbandry. “This class is based on cooperating dairy farmers willing to work with us. We could not do it without their help,” Dr. Smith continues. The class began about ten years ago and has trained over 150 students in the techniques of artificial insemination and cattle management. Dr. Smith explains, “This is extremely important to our pre-vet students who often are from urban areas and have no large animal experience. It is also important to our production and management students who would like to improve their family livestock operation.”
