Alumni in the News

Dempster (M.M., Composition, 2004; D.M.A, 2010) previously founded the music program at ASMSA in 2018 and has since brought the program to regional recognition and acclaim for its innovative curriculum and student achievements. He also had a work premiered by members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at an ASO River Rhapsodies chamber concert. The work, Canticle of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, premiered on March 1, 2022 at the Bill Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR. The piece was commissioned by the Arkansas Symphony and its principal bassoonist.

Fun Home will run from April 22 to May 8, 2022. The production also features scenic design by Iman Corbani (M.F.A. 2019)

Kamyle Smith (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2017) serves as assistant stage manager and Rachel Atkinson (M.F.A., Theatre, 2013) serves as scenic designer.

Rodriguez (B.M., Voice and Opera, 2010) is also the Music Director for Arapaho United Methodist Church in Richardson, TX.

Sanchez (B.F.A., 1981) also shares the art and philanthropy through the folkloric Mexican Cascarones offers an example of how important art is to the fabric of our society. 

The recording will be released on the Tonsehen label in both audio and video formats. "Mosaic for Earth" weaves together music, literature, visual arts, and science into a celebration of nature and exploration of humanity's impact on it. 

For the Dillard’s collaboration, Hawkins (B.F.A., Design, 2010) and her daughters took photos in the dress designs at the Museum of the Southwest with local photographer Helen Byrd Sledge. She didn’t realize that those pictures would be used for the marketing campaign. Those photos are now up at Dillard’s across the country, showcasing a Midland space and designer. 

With a multimillion-dollar infusion, Austin Opera is expanding its Spanish-language programming. Local philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler have given the fine arts company $3.3 million. One of Chapa's (Vocal Performance) responsibilities in her role will be to make sure Hispanic and Latinx programming is represented in all of Austin Opera's platforms, according to the company, which include performances at the Long Center for the Performing Arts and Concerts at the Consulate, a series Chapa currently curates that is produced with the Consulate General of Mexico.