Celebrating the School of Art & School of Music Presents
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, March 4th
Dear Friends,
I am delighted to welcome you to the 50 Years of Art & Music celebration at the Tobin. A half a century ago, UTSA administrator Tomás Rivera - who has gone down in history as one of the most influential creative writers in Mexican American literature - had a dream for the, then new, university's role in harnessing and extending the rich and vibrant cultural traditions in San Antonio. He tapped his old friend and art history scholar, Jacinto Quirarte, as UTSAs founding dean of the arts. Quirarte's vision was to prepare upcoming generations of artists with the most up-to-date artistic techniques through a lived influence from artists, musicians, dancers, and writers who are themselves outstanding practitioners. This vision has endured over the past fifty years.
Our faculty exhibit and perform artistic works in the most coveted and competitive venues in the world from Carnegie Hall to Walt Disney Concert Hall. Their works are included in top collections such as the Smithsonian. Their recordings have garnered multiple Grammy nominations. This high-powered faculty works tirelessly to train and inspire the next generation of artists, musicians, dancers, writers, filmmakers and other creatives. Tonight , you will witness artistry and musicianship of the highest caliber performed by over 350 current UTSA students. You will witness the fruit of countless hours of practice and rehearsal and the artistic product of grueling physical work in the studio. You will see the creative curation of multiple artistic forms and practices coming together in a wonderful mosaic that expresses the vitality and power of San Antonio's creative community.
Our 50-year trajectory has been a journey that we have taken with many others in the community and we are so happy to make this event possible with the partnership and help of friends and colleagues who have been with us for decades. We are so thankful to our sponsors for helping to make this celebration possible.
Enjoy the show!
Glenn A. Martínez, PhD MPH Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Professor of Spanish, Bicultural/Bilingual Studies, and Public Health
Stumberg Distinguished University Chair
Dear Friends, Alumni, Students, and Esteemed Guests,
Welcome to this extraordinary celebration of 50 years of art and music at the University of Texas at San Antonio! This milestone honors the dedication, passion, and creativity that have shaped our university’s artistic and musical legacy.
Since its inception, UTSA has been a home to remarkable artists, musicians, and educators who have pushed boundaries and enriched our community. From the first student ensembles and exhibitions to our internationally recognized faculty and alumni, we celebrate those who have left an indelible mark on our institution.
Today, our art and music programs – now the School of Art and School of Music continue to thrive, fostering innovative expression and collaboration. We have stewarded the extraordinary community arts education programs of the Southwest School of Art and, building on legacy of these programs, expanded our community impact with the founding of UTSA Arts. Our galleries showcase thought-provoking works, our concert halls resonate with breathtaking performances, and our classrooms inspire the next generation of artists and musicians. We are proud of the talent and dedication that define UTSA’s artistic spirit.
Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our role as a leader in arts education and cultural democracy. With new opportunities, technological advancements, and a steadfast dedication to creativity, we envision a future where UTSA continues to reflect the robust and dynamic artistic landscape in San Antonio and beyond.
This evening is a celebration of our journey past, present, and future. Whether you are an alumnus, faculty member, supporter, or student, your presence is part of this incredible story. Join us in commemorating 50 years of artistic excellence and in looking forward to the next chapter.
Thank you for being here and for supporting the arts at UTSA!
With gratitude,
Dr. Emilie Amrein, DMA
Executive
Director,
UTSA Arts University of Texas at San Antonio
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE OF LIBERAL AND FINE ARTS SCHOOLS OF MUSIC AND ART PRESENTS
:
P R O G R A M : “
Welcome
Trumpet Ensemble
UTSA Wind Symphony
Guitar Studio
Clarinet Choir
Dance
UTSA Orchestra/Choirs
“HERE: NOW | FUTURE”
HERE: NOW FUTURE”
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Clarinet Choir, Flute Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Guitar, Sax Ensemble, Boom Squad, English, School of Art, Dance
UTSA Provost – Heather Shipley. Prof. Ron Ellis
Dr. Oswaldo Zapata, Prof. Jeff Castle
Prof. Ron Ellis
Dr. Isaac Bustos
Dr. Nicholas Councilor
Prof. Megan Rulewicz, Prof. Michelle Pietri
Prof. Troy Peters, Dr. Yoojin Muhn, Dr. Jordan Boyd
The Boom Squad (UTSA Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble)
Prof. Gary Poffenbarger
Vocal Solo – Lexie Cairy, Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee - Piano Vocal Faculty
Lyric Theater – Alania Cordero, Nayeli Palacios, Krystal Elliston
Flute Choir
Mariachi Los Paisanos
UTSA Orchestra/Choirs
Dept of English/Art/Dance/UTSA Wind Symphony
UTSA Orchestra
Dr. William McCrary, Michelle Pietri, Troy Peters, Billie Whittaker
Dr. Rachel Woolf, Dr. Linda Jenkins
Prof. Michael Acevedo
Prof. Troy Peters, Dr. Yoojin Muhn, Dr. Jordan Boyd
Kimberly Garza, Justin Boyd, Megan Rulewicz, Ron Ellis
Prof. Troy Peters
Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 7:30pm
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
by Ron Ellis
Welcome to a night of celebration, artistry, and history as we commemorate 50 years of music and art at The University of Texas at San Antonio. This milestone event honors the profound impact that the arts have had on our university, our students, and our community.
For five decades, UTSA’s School of Music and School of Art have fostered creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Our students and faculty have not only shaped the cultural landscape of San Antonio but have also made their mark on stages, galleries, and institutions around the world. Tonight, we gather to reflect on this rich legacy and to look ahead to an inspiring future.
This concert brings together current students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists in a program that spans genres and generations. From orchestral masterworks to contemporary compositions, from choral anthems to Broadway classics, tonight’s performances showcase the breadth of talent and artistic excellence that define UTSA’s music and art programs. Complementing the music, stunning visual art installations and digital projections created by UTSA artists will transform the space, making this an immersive, multisensory celebration of the arts. Attendees will experience dynamic works in painting, sculpture, and new media, highlighting the evolution of visual expression at UTSA over the past 50 years.
As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we extend our deepest gratitude to the faculty, staff, students, and supporters who have been part of this journey. Your dedication and passion have made UTSA a home for artistic expression, education, and innovation. Thank you for joining us for this special evening.
Enjoy the performance!
Beth Devillier – Marketing Coordinator
Victor Guerrero – Administrative Services Officer
Andrew Malczewski – Southwest Campus Supervisor
Lacey Mills – Art Studio Supervisor
Andrew Stansbury – Administrative Services Officer
Prof. Richard Armendariz – Painting and Drawing
Prof. Brooke Armstrong – Ceramics
Prof. Christie Blizard – Painting and Drawing
Prof. Blair Bodden – Photography
Prof. Justin Boyd – New Media and Sculpture
Prof. Katherine Deck-Portillo – Art History
Prof. Teresa Eckmann – Latin American Art History
Prof. Verena Gaudy – Ceremics
Prof. Ovidio Giberga – Ceramics
Prof. Buster Graybill – Sculpture
Prof. Joe Harjo – Photography
Prof. Julie Johnson – Modern Art History
Dr. Kristy Masten – Art History
Prof. Katy McCarthy – New Media
Prof. Mark Mccoin – New Media
Prof. Michele Monseau
Prof. Juan Mora – Printmaking
Prof. Victor Pagona – Internships Coordinator
Prof. Dane Patterson – New Media
Prof. Martin Rodriguez – New Media
Prof. Eric Ryberg – Sculpture
Prof. Humberto Saenz -Head of Printmaking
Prof. Chris Sauter – Painting and Drawing
Prof. Alan Serna – Printmaking
Prof. Scott Sherer – Art History
Prof. Jillian Sortore – Sculpture and Metals
Prof. Hiromi Stringer – Painting and Drawing
Dr. Edit Toth – Art History
Prof. Juliet Wiersema – Art History
Prof. Jason Willome – WOO Lab Coordinator
Prof. Mary Wuest – Ceramics
Dr. Tracy Cowden – Director
Dr. Stacey Davis – Assistant Director/Music Theory
Dr. Kasandra Keeling – Assistant Director/Piano
Joey Berrios – Marketing Coordinator
Jared Davis – Events Manager
Rico Gomez – Program Specialist/Athletic Bands
Steven Hill – Administrative Associate
Randi Miles – Program Specialist – Dance/Athletic Bands
Ben Pyles – Program Specialist – Athletic Bands
Naomy Ybarra – Administrative Services Officer
Prof. Michael Acevedo – Mariachi
Prof. Sherri Baker – Class Piano
Dr. Jennifer Beavers – Music Theory
Dr. Jordan Boyd – Choir
Dr. Mark Brill – Musicology
Dr. Isaac Bustos – Guitar
Prof. Joe Caploe – Music Technology/Jazz Studies
Prof. John Caputo -Trombone/Euphonium
Prof. Jeff Castle – Trumpet
Dr. Nicole Cherry – Violin
Dr. Nicholas Councilor – Clarinet
Prof. Allyson Dawkins – Viola
Dr. Susan Dill – Music Education
Dr. Rami El-Farrah – Saxophone
Prof. Ron Ellis – Director of Bands
Dr. Miles Friday – Music Technology
Dr. Amy Frishkey - Ethnomusicology
Prof. Hector Garcia – Assistant Director of Bands
Prof. Dorothy Halstead - Piano
Prof. Jourdan Howell – Voice/Lyric Theater
Dr. Ivan Hurd – Piano Pedagogy/Class Piano
Prof. Crystal Jarrell-Johnson – Voice
Prof. Linda Jenkins – Flute
Dr. Sean Johnston – Music Theory
Dr. Laura Kelly – Theory
Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee – Collaborative Piano
Dr. Andrew Lloyd – Organ/Composition
Dr. William McCrary – Voice/Lyric Theater
Prof. Paul Millette – Percussion
Dr. Si Millican – Music Education
Dr. Alejandro Montiel – Guitar
Dr. Yoojin Muhn – Director of Choirs
Prof. John Nix – Vocal Pedagogy
Dr. Steven Parker -Trombone, Mus Mktg
Dr. Kristen Pellegrino – Strings, Mus Ed
Prof. Troy Peters – Orchestra
Prof. Michelle Pietri - Dance
Prof. Gary Poffenbarger – Tuba/Euphonium
Prof. Zlatan Redzic – String Bass
Prof. Peter Rubins – French Horn
Prof. Sherry Rubins - Percussion
Prof. Megan Rulewicz – Dance
Dr. Elizabeth Schultz – Music Education
Dr. Andrew Smith – Music Technology
Dr. Drew Stephen – Music History
Prof. James Syler - Composition
Prof. Christopher Villanueva - Jazz
Prof. Erin Webber - Oboe
Dr. Stephanie Westney - Violin
Dr. Ethan Wickman – Composition
Dr. Sarah Wildey-Richmond - Bassoon
Dr. Rachel Woolf - Flute
Prof. Yi Qun Xu - Cello
Dr. Thomas Yee – Theory/Composition
Dr. Oswaldo Zapata - Trumpet
Dr. John Zarco – Director of Inst. Ensembles
with Distinguished Guest Composer – Shawn Okpebholo Orchestra, Choirs, Bands, New Music Ensemble, Student Composers
UTSA Arts hosts the 2025 CAM Perennial Exhibition for Contemporary Art Month.
Curator – Tommy Gregory
Visit our Websites
UTSA School of Art
UTSA School of Music
