Cadenza, Opus 62 by UTSA School of Music

Joey Berrios - Chief Editor, Graphic Designer, Photographer

Alissa Esper - Asst Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator

Suzanna Bridges-Keese - PR Assistant, Editor

Sebastian Forestier - Graphic Designer

*Cover image: Johanna Gutierrez

May 2025 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

TIM LOGAN

B.M. in Music Studies, 2008

A proud graduate of the UTSA School of Music, Tim Logan has built a remarkable career dedicated to music education, leadership, and collaboration. He currently serves as Director of the Holmes/NSITE High School Orchestras and Fine Arts Department Coordinator at Holmes High School. In addition to his work on campus, Logan is also Treasurer for the TMEA Region 29 Orchestra and Sponsor of the Holmes Music Industry Management Club. With over 17 years in education and a rich background in performance, Logan reflects on the lessons, mentors, and moments at UTSA that helped shape his path.

“My time at UTSA provided some great memories, including learning from some influential professors and creating lasting friendships,” Logan states. “With that said, I was often focused on my variety of part-time jobs and graduating on time, so I didn’t join any of the campus organizations… I don’t think that lessened my experience, though. Instead, I would just connect with friends on my own time. It’s always fun to reminisce about some of those great moments.”

For the full-time musician and director, Logan recalls specific moments in his academic journey that shaped who he is today in his career. He notes that there were many, and although possibly negative, they were of the utmost importance to him.

“I changed my major several times in my five years—Undeclared, Music Marketing, Undeclared, Music Studies,” Logan honestly reflects. “During my junior year, I decided to check on my graduation status and discovered that I was not quite on track due to receiving some misinformation about my needed courses. Dr. Davis was super helpful in providing me with information. After receiving encouragement from several professors, I was able to “right the ship” and graduate on time. This was the most important moment for me, because it taught me to seek the answers, to advocate for myself in a professional manner, to make connections with the right people, to develop a sense of how small details paint the bigger picture, and to not take anything at face value.”

As for why he chose UTSA for his musical journey, Logan credits Dr. Dowdy. “Simply put, without him, I would not be where I am today,” Logan notes. “My friends and family were always a support system, and of course, there is also this long list of music professors. I have always felt that the music department – now the School of Music –was a hidden gem.

Logan shares a memorable piece of advice shared to him by Dr. Balentine during his time at UTSA. It’s a method called the “KISS method.” Logan explains by saying, “Keep It Simple, Stupid. Of course, he went into more detail at the moment, but that was the general concept. This is a philosophy that always helps me when times are challenging and how I have continued to teach fundamentals to my students.”

His experiences at UTSA, especially the collaborations, stood out to him. He notes his love for playing in large ensembles full of different instruments, voices, and performers. “As a teacher, I apply this as much as possible,” Logan states. “I believe these are the opportunities that ignite and inspire. Any time there is a possible collaboration opportunity that is beneficial for my students, my answer is yes. Luckily for me, many of my colleagues over the years have felt the same way.”

Tim Logan, UTSA, 2008

HELP THE UTSA CLARINET CHOIR GET TO CLARINETFEST 2025

• The UTSA Clarinet Choir has been invited to perform at the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest this July

• ClarinetFest, the world’s largest clarinet conference, unites performers, educators, and industry professionals. UTSA Clarinet Choir will premiere works by San Antonio composers Clarisa De la Garza and Dr. Tyler M. Webster on July 13th in Fort Worth, TX.

• Premiering two new works at this international conference is a major achievement. Students will gain invaluable artistic growth, networking opportunities, and exposure to world-class performances.

Donate Here!

MEET THE FACULTY

Assistant Professor and Trumpet Area Coordinator, Dr. Oswaldo Zapata stays true to his sound.

Dr. Oswaldo Zapata’s musical roots began in the town band of Caldas, Antioquia, Colombia—just outside the vibrant city of Medellín. Surrounded by the rhythms and melodies of local musicians, his passion for the trumpet was sparked at a young age. What began as a childhood dream to pursue music has since evolved into a rich and meaningful career that has taken him across countries, through multiple academic degrees, and into classrooms where he now inspires the next generation of musicians. Today, Dr. Zapata serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Brass Area Coordinator at the UTSA School of Music, where he channels his global experiences into a uniquely student-centered approach to music education.

“I went on to earn my Bachelor of Music at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia,” he shares, “then pursued graduate degrees at the University of South Carolina, completing both a Master of Music and a Performance Certificate, before earning my Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University.” These academic milestones were not just about refining his technical skills—they also deepened his understanding of pedagogy, performance, and leadership. “In Fall 2019, I joined the faculty at UTSA. What drew

me here was the School of Music’s commitment to the same values I hold dear—student-focused instruction, growth, and a collaborative spirit. It’s been amazing to see how much the trumpet studio and the School of Music have grown in just a few short years.”

At the core of Dr. Zapata’s work is a deep dedication not only to music, but to mentorship and community-building. Whether in private lessons, sectionals, or large ensembles, he brings a warm, encouraging presence that helps students grow both as musicians and individuals. His teaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, curiosity, and empathy—principles he models in and out of the classroom.

Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Zapata remains an active performer, finding joy and artistic fulfillment on the stage. “It keeps me connected to what I teach,” he explains. “Performing reminds me of the challenges my students face, and it strengthens the way I support them.” Still, he understands the importance of balance. “I also deeply value time with my family, hiking, and watching movies. These are the things that help me recharge and stay grounded.”

These personal pursuits, he says, are vital for artists and educators alike. They provide space for rest, introspection, and connection—elements that are just as important as technical skill in sustaining a fulfilling career in the arts. “I truly believe that taking care of yourself outside the classroom enhances what you bring into it,” he adds.

When asked what sets UTSA apart, Dr. Zapata immediately points to the School of Music’s “friendly, family-like

Dr. Oswaldo Zapata, UTSA

environment,” where students, faculty, and staff alike feel valued and supported. “It makes for a tight-knit community that is always supportive of each other,” he says. “There’s a real sense of belonging here, and that’s something special.”

That sense of belonging, he believes, is a powerful driver of student success. Each semester, he sees it firsthand— from the early weeks of instruction to the standing ovations at recitals and concerts. “Watching students grow into confident, expressive performers is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” he reflects. “Being able to cheer them on, knowing how much work and heart they’ve put in—it never gets old.”

Dr. Zapata also directs the UTSA Trumpet Ensemble, a chamber group that provides his students with hands-on experience in collaborative performance and musicianship. Under his leadership, the ensemble has flourished, becoming a cornerstone of the School of Music’s chamber music offerings. Students are challenged to explore a broad range of repertoire, from classical transcriptions to contemporary compositions, while sharpening their ensemble awareness and technical precision. Performances by the ensemble often serve as both a showcase of student talent and a reflection of Dr. Zapata’s high standards for musical excellence.

His professional performance experience further enriches his teaching. Dr. Zapata has performed with renowned orchestras including the Laredo Philharmonic, Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, Piccolo Spoleto Festival Symphony Orchestra, and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá. As a soloist, he has appeared with the UTSA Orchestra and the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra. These professional engagements allow him to bring real-world insights to the classroom, offering students a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the field. Through his dynamic presence both on stage and in the studio, Dr. Zapata continues to elevate the trumpet program at UTSA while inspiring students to pursue their own musical paths with passion and purpose.

In addition to his teaching and performing roles, Dr. Zapata is also an accomplished author. He penned Latin American Tour for Trumpet, a bilingual collection of etudes designed to introduce trumpet players to the unique technical, rhythmic, and stylistic characteristics found in Latin American music genres. This publication serves as a valuable resource for musicians seeking to expand their repertoire and understanding of Latin American musical traditions.

Dr. Zapata’s commitment to Latin American music extends to his performances as well. He has presented recitals showcasing Hispanic music from Spain and Latin America, collaborating with ensembles such as UTSA Mariachi Los Paisanos. These performances not only highlight his versatility as a musician but also his dedication to promoting and preserving the rich musical heritage of Latin America.

- Suzanna Bridges-Keese

Dr. Oswaldo Zapata, UTSA

HAPPENING AROUND THE NEST

New Shigeru Kawai Piano Enhances UTSA Music Program Through Alamo Music Partnership

In January, the UTSA School of Music added a Shigeru Kawai 9-foot concert grand piano to its recital hall stage. The acquisition reflects not only the School’s continued investment in student learning, but also the strength of an ongoing partnership with Alamo Music Center—one rooted in shared goals of access, excellence, and support for the next generation of musicians.

Adriana Flores, President and co-owner of Alamo Music, sees the relationship as one that’s been built across decades.

“It’s a win-win,” Flores said. “Students benefit from top-quality instruments, and the community gets access to professional-level models that have been tested and recommended by faculty.”

The new Shigeru Kawai grand joins a range of high-performance pianos already in use at UTSA. For faculty, having more than one concert instrument available means students and guest artists can explore the differences in tone, touch, and personality—an important part of a pianist’s development.

“To have another high-quality instrument on our stage is such an important part of the learning process for our students,” said Dr. Kasandra Keeling, Assistant Director and Professor of Music. “We now have two world-class concert instruments with distinctly different personalities to choose from for our student and faculty performances. It’s also a privilege to be able to offer a choice to our visiting guest artists so they can select the instrument that best highlights their particular program.”

That kind of flexibility made a lasting impression on pianist Erica Sipes, who performed at UTSA in March as part of the En Vivo concert series.

“That was the first time I’ve played on a Shigeru Kawai, and it surpassed my expectations,” Sipes said. “It was such a gift and a pleasure to perform my program on this piano. I felt like I was in a pianist’s equivalent of a candy store—so many timbres and colors to work with. I could manipulate the piano in any way that I desired to craft each phrase as I’ve wanted to so many times but not been able to. In summary, it was the best blind date with a piano I’ve ever had.”

For Flores, stories like that reaffirm the value of the partnership—not just in delivering instruments, but in giving students hands-on access to tools that shape their artistry.

“Kawai is very well-known in Asia and Europe, but this gives pe|ople in San Antonio the chance to experience

UTSA’s 9-foot Concert Grand Shigeru Kawai

what makes it special,” she said. “And UTSA students get to directly compare the feel and sound of multiple top-tier instruments.”

She added that access to different pianos, especially at the concert level, is something many students wouldn’t otherwise experience until later in their careers.

“When you’re studying performance seriously, having access to different instruments helps you grow your artistry. We’re proud to support that,” she said. “UTSA has earned its Tier One status. It deserves instruments that match that level.”

The partnership, she explained, isn’t just about prestige—it’s about preparing students to meet the real demands of performance with confidence and curiosity.

As the School of Music continues to grow, so does its commitment to offering meaningful musical experiences. Whether through classroom instruction, ensemble performance, or solo recital, having access to a variety of high-quality instruments helps students explore their talent as artists.

For Flores and the team at Alamo Music, that’s the goal. “We’re here to serve musicians of all levels,” she said. “If we can help create more opportunities for students to learn and grow—that’s what matters most.”

And for UTSA’s students, the presence of a piano like the Shigeru Kawai isn’t just about what it is, it’s about what it allows: more sound, more choice, and more chances to make music that they love.

- Suzanna Bridges-Keese

Spring 2025 Graduates

Emily Densmore

M.M. in Performance and Pedagogy (Voice)

Hometown: Austin, TX

"It was such an incredible experience to debut roles in two newly written operas and work with the composer and librettist, one being the award

Madilynne Mohr

B.M. in Music Education

Minor: Business Administration

Hometown: Bigfoot, TX

"I am so glad that I went to UTSA! I love my colleagues, teachers, and all of the people that surrounded me in the music building. The music making is unmatched!"

Spring 2025 Graduates

Briana Bell

B.M. in Music Marketing

Hometown: Schertz, TX

"Laid down my life for Christ when I came to college, and God put me back together. Iykyk!"

Alyssa Moreno

B.M. in Music Education

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

"It has been such a pleasure to learn from so many amazing professors and to work with great ensembles and colleagues at UTSA. I’ve been given countless opportunities that have allowed me to grow both individually as a musician and future educator. My favorite memories at UTSA are ﬁlled with the many performances I had with the Chamber Singers and our amazing Lyric Theater program. I’m going to miss it tremendously."

Page 19 |May 2025

Spring 2025 Graduates Sydney Castillo

B.M. in Music Education

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

"My favorite memory from my time at UTSA was playing Dvorak 8 with the UTSA orchestra!"

Nicolas Morales

B.M.

in Music Marketing

Hometown: Laredo, TX

"My favorite memory was all of the Saturday football games we had and the extraordinary performances the Spirit of San Antonio had everytime."

Spring 2025 Graduates

Dania Briceno

M.M. in Performance (Violin)

Lexie Cairy

M.M. in Performance and Pedagogy (Voice)

Marco Corrales

M.M. in Performance (Guitar)

Emilio De Leon

M.M. in Performance (Percussion)

Brandon Ichavez

M.M. in Performance (Euphonium)

Malcolm Volmer

M.M. in Performance and Pedagogy (Voice)

Elisa Nivon

M.M. in Performance (Violin), Certiﬁcate in Music Pedagogy

Nicole Pfaﬀ

M.M. in Performance (Piano)

Jesse Reece

M.M. in Performance (Guitar)

Gabriella Reyna

Certiﬁcate in Instrumental Performance (Percussion)

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Join us for an unforgettable evening of passion, pride, and powerful music as three of UTSA’s premier mariachi ensembles come together to celebrate the semester’s end.

This dynamic recital blends the heart of mariachi with the richness of orchestral arrangements — a vibrant tribute to rhythm, melody, and Mexican musical heritage.