Alumni in the News

David Waddell (B.F.A., Studio Art, 2003) has been named the Chair of the Visual Arts Department at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. He recently had a video installation at the Silos in Houston and a solo show at Box13.

Texas State Historical Association released Bruce Shackelford's (B.F.A., Studio Art, 1975) latest book The Wests of Texas- Cattle Ranching Entrepreneurs in May 2015. He will start his 21st season with PBS’ Antiques Roadshow in June.

Natasha Gorel (B.A., Acting, 2014) just closed Oskar and the Curiously Colorful Clash, a touring play for theater for young audiences with The Alley Theatre's Education department in Houston.

Wayne Ching (B.M. 2013, M.M., Keyboard, 2015) will join the Cactus Pear Music Festival's 20th season as a festival artist, performing chamber music concerts across South Texas this summer.

Stefan Sanders (M.M. 2010, D.M.A., Conducting, 2013) is one of five featured conductors chosen from a pool of nearly 150 applicants from 18 countries, selected for their experience, talent, leadership potential, and commitment to a career in service to American orchestras. On May 11, they will lead the Nashville Symphony for an audience of music director search committee members, artistic administrators, and artist managers from League member organizations across the country. 

Owen Lovell (D.M.A., Piano, 2005) is a featured artist on the new Albany Records release, "The Recalcitrants." This CD of works by ASCAP award-winning composer Randy Bauer was released in January and will be available through the iTunes Store in March. Lovell, currently an associate professor of Piano at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, has accepted a position at Georgia College starting fall 2016. 

Joan Schubert (B.M., Applied Music/Performance, 1982) recently released her first CD of jazz standards “Our Favorite Things” featuring Schubert, flute, and Bryon Dahl, guitar. She also has released a video of her original tune, “Joan's Blues,” dedicated to one of her jazz teachers.

Prominent national and international art dealers and galleries will exhibit a range of works by modern and contemporary artists at the sixth annual Dallas Art Fair on April 15-17. Rachel Lee Hovnanian (B.F.A., Studio Art, 1982) will be presenting Perfect Baby Showroom as the solo feature of New York and Dubai based exhibitor, Leila Heller Gallery.

Quinton Morris (D.M.A., Strings, 2008) launched his BREAKTHROUGH World Tour, which also includes a high interactive lecture recital and short film, based on his treatise topic—the three sonatas of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, an innovative educational residency and service learning community service. The two-year tour takes Morris to all six continents.

Martin Rodriguez (B.F.A., Theatre Studies, 2015) was recently hired by Los Angeles Unified School District as head drama teacher at newly founded charter high school, Hawkins High School to create and develop their drama/theatre program. He is now certified and holds a teaching credential in English and Theatre Arts in California to go along with his Texas credentials.