Dr. Ray Keck, Chair of the Department of English, Spanish and Fine Arts of the College of Arts and Humanities, said the University's musical offerings have long been awaited and will be open to students and members of the community at large. We have long realized that there is a substantial interest in music and its performance here in Laredo. Many of our students were involved in our many excellent high school programs and have been looking for a performance outlet to accompany their University education. Those who do not wish to enroll in coursework may join the performance groups as members of respective student clubs for both band and chorale.
Membership is also open to non-students and members of the community at large.
While we want to encourage class enrollment, we realize that there are other musicians in our area who may not be able to make a time commitment to a weekly series of classes, but who could share their musical experience through rehearsals and performance as a club member. Keck said the University plans to have both groups take an active role in the University's life and special events and hopes to develop a series of special concerts and presentations to feature the new musical groups. He said an initial discussion meeting has yielded over 40 students interested in participating in a University band. The University has selected adjunct faculty members who will guide the developing effort. We have selected a talented adjunct faculty that will include Elmo Lopez Sr. and Marilyn Brown.