Cadenza, Opus 49

Fall into

the Seasonal

Spirit

Explore Winterlude, indic dance, mariachi, and more as we approach the final stretch of Fall 2023.

CONTENTS 03 WELCOME 06 NEW DIMENSIONS 10

COVER STORY: WINTERLUDE

18

MARIACHI RISING

24 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 30

MIKEL WEBB TRIBUTE

34 EN VIVO CALENDAR 37 IN THE HALL CONTRIBUTORS: Rolando Ramon - Chief Editor, Graphic Designer Suzanna Bridges-Keese - PR Assistant, Editor Jose Hernandez - Graphic Designer

CADENZA Welcome to

Welcome to

Showcasing UTSA School of Music

Friends, Welcome to the November issue of Cadenza! As we mark this season of thanksgiving, I would like to express our gratitude for your support of the UTSA School of Music. We are so grateful to our friends and supporters who fill our halls to enjoy the talents of our wonderful students, faculty, and guest artists each month!

November includes several special events, which are highlighted in feature articles in this issue. This includes our first UTSA Arts event at the Carver Center, a wonderful Indic dance event that is free and open to the public, as well as our annual ticketed events: the Lyric Theatre’s presentation of Epigrams, followed by our three wonderful Winterlude concerts. This year, Winterlude features the Lyric Theatre and Jazz Ensemble on Nov. 27th, the UTSA Choirs and Orchestra in a first-ever performance at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church on Nov. 28th, and the UTSA Bands on Nov. 30th.

Read ahead for ticket information and event details.

Our Alumni Spotlight this month features the extraordinary tenor David Portillo – I know you will enjoy reading about his experiences on the international opera stage! I also want to draw your attention to a special feature in honor of another former UTSA Music student, Mikel Webb. His family is launching a special campaign in support of our UTSA String Project to honor what would have been Mikel’s 30th birthday this month. As our String Project continues to grow, this effort will strengthen string music education in San Antonio for a long time to come, and I hope you will consider adding your support to this initiative.

Please keep an eye on these pages, our social media channels, and our website for upcoming concert information. You can find upcoming concerts on the School of Music homepage and in the COLFA calendar, where you can filter events by type. We hope you are as excited as we are about all that is happening in the School of Music, and we look forward to seeing you soon for live music and dance at UTSA!

Dr. Tracy Cowden

Roland K. Blumberg Endowed Professor in Music

EN VIVO: NEW DIMENSIONS TO THE MARGAM AT THE CARVER CENTER

Bharatanatyam is one of the most popular forms of classical Indian dance and reflects spiritual beliefs that are prevalent in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu

UTSA Arts’ En Vivo Guest Artist Series continues on November 9 with an exhibition of South Indian culture in downtown San Antonio at the Carver Center. Sponsored by Tat Tvam Asi and Rajam and Somayaji Ramamurthy Endowment for Indic Dance at UTSA, New Dimensions to the Margam features dancer Rama Vaidyanathan and a team of expert dancers and musicians for a performance that takes a modern approach to the popular classical Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam.

Bharatanatyam is rooted in the oldest classical Indian dance tradition. It originated from Sadiraattam, a dance that was performed exclusively in Hindu temples. The dance expresses themes of religion and spirituality (relating to Shaivism in particular) prevalent in Tamil culture. Sadiraattam, along with all other forms of temple dance, was outlawed from being performed inside temples during British colonial rule in 1910.

However, the push for India’s independence would help spur its revival as

Pictured left to right: Reshika Sivakumar, Vaishnavi Dhore, Rama Vaidyanathan, Shubhamani Chandrashekar, Kavya Ganesh

Page 7 | November 2023

Bharatanatyam through performances outside of temples and in mainstream Indian culture.

New Dimensions to the Margam features Vaidyanathan alongside dancers Kavya Ganesh, Reshika Sivakumar, Shubhamani Chandrashekar, and Vaishnavi Dhore. The show’s music will be entirely performed by live musicians, featuring percussion instruments unique to Indian culture, such as the nattuvangam, kanjira, and mridangam, as well as the violin and vocals. This will be the first time that the university hosts Rama Vaidyanathan for an in-person demonstration of Bharatanatyam, following two previous online classes held in 2021 and 2022.

The performance explores a fresh perspective on the Margam, incorporating new themes in different languages never seen in traditional Bharatanatyam. The “Maragam,” which means “the path” in the ancient South Indian dialect of Sanskrit, is the foundational dance repertoire that provides the bedrock for a dancer to grasp Bharatanatyam’s core principles and intricacies. It begins with a simple, direct composition describing the Hindu gods and goddesses, followed by more complex compositions exploring various emotions and movement dynamics. The path culminates in a crescendo of heightened, fast-paced movements that symbolize a final burst of joy and vibrancy at the journey’s end.

New Dimensions to the Margam showcases what Bharatanatyam should be in the 21st century and the possibilities that lie for the dance in the next decade. Taking a contemporary approach, the dancers will utilize time, space, music, and movement to add a fresh impetus to the Margam. Vaidyanathan hopes to inspire dancers and dance lovers to balance tradition and modernity in their work. It’s also a great introduction to classical Indian dance and music for those who are unfamiliar.

The show begins at 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday, November 9, 2023, inside the Carter Community Cultural Center at 226 N Hackberry St, San Antonio, TX 78202. The feature performance of New Dimensions to the Margam will be open to the public with free admission.

- Rolando Ramon Page 8 | November 2023

Rama Vaidyanathan is one of the most prominent Bharatanatyam dancers of the modern era. She’s known for her fresh approach to the dance form and unique choreography. She has managed to translate the dance form to the modern era while staying rooted in its core principles and traditions.

Photo - Andrea Mohin, The New York Times

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UTSA WIND SYMPHONY

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH 2:00PM TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE AFTERNOON HONORING THE VETERANS OF THE GREATER SAN ANTONIO COMMUNITY

WINTERLUDE: A ROWDY TRADITION

Yoojin Muhn conducts the UTSA Orchestra and Choir in Winterlude 2022’s finale

Our annual Winterlude celebration is just around the corner as we enter November 2023, with performances from the UTSA Lyric Theatre, Orchestra and Choirs, and Holiday Bands pending on the last week of the month.

The UTSA Lyric Theatre will present Jeremy Beck’s Chloe and the Magical Christmas Forest, a musical fable, on November 27th in the UTSA Recital Hall. The musical is directed by Dr. William McCrary.

Throughout the story’s narrative, Christmas gifts appear in the magical forest only on Christmas Eve, and according to tradition, the townspeople gather to share them on Christmas morning. A stranger appears that morning, and the fable becomes a moral tale of how mistaken choices made out of selfishness are not a part of the Christmas spirit.

The musical is sung in a traditional classical opera style and was written to be performed solely by children, adults, or a combination of both.

Called “an original voice celebrating music” by MusicWeb International, Jeremy Beck’s music has been described by NewMusicBox as “rhythmically intricate, and mak[ing] nods to the past while sitting squarely in the present. … Though architecturally rigorous, Beck writes clearly and without pretense[.]”

Lead actress and UTSA student Alania Cordero plays Chloe, the lead character whose role is Page 10 | November 2023

Students in 2022’s Lyric Theatre production of “Lucinda y las flores de la noche buena” for Winterlude

selflessness and kindness as she aids her brother throughout the tale.

“This role resonates a lot with me as an older sister to three young kids,” Cordero reflects. “I would truly do anything for them, and that helps me see Chloe’s perspective.”

The UTSA Lyric Theatre is collaborating with Stafford Elementary Visual and Performing Arts for this performance.

“We are performing the piece as we would have with our Opera on the Run program – students from the participating school assists us with some of the choral numbers,” McCrary states.

“Prior to the pandemic, our [UTSA] Lyric Theatre Opera on the Run had performed for approximately 300,000 area elementary students with approximately 1500 students performing with the UTSA singers in, what for many of the elementary students, their first stage experience.”

Dance students perform with the UTSA Jazz Ensemble in 2022’s Winterlude

“This is a community outreach opportunity for our students that I love,” Pietri enthuses. “Who knows?

Maybe we’re on stage with future Roadrunners!”

Jasmine Fernandez, a music teacher at Stafford Elementary, works with her students once a week with McCrary to prepare for the performance.

“They are very excited to perform at UTSA and look forward to getting to wear costumes and sing with the music students,” Fernandez states.

The UTSA Lyric Theatre will also collaborate with the UTSA Dance program, with this particular show being choreographed by faculty member Michelle Pietri.

“The opportunity for the dance department to collaborate with [the UTSA] Lyric Theatre provides a valuable educational experience for everyone involved,” Pietri states. “Typically, we perform with recorded tracks, so being able to work with live music and singers enhances the students’ experience here at UTSA.” UTSA Choir and Orchestra, directed by Dr. Jordan Boyd and Dr. Yoojin Muhn, are moving their performance to a larger arena – Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, on November 28th. Due to their yearly sell-out, they hope to have more and more audience members come and experience the delight of the Winterlude with this backdrop made for it.

“The choirs will be fresh off their fall concerts in October and will have roughly four weeks to prepare the repertoire, so it’s an exciting process,” Boyd states.

They are presenting Antonín Dvořák’s Te Deum, an expressive work that will feature two current students on the extended baritone and soprano solos. The choirs will sing a processional arrangement of the traditional Adeste carol, also known as ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ and are joined by UTSA organ Page 11 | November 2023

professor Dr. S. Andrew Lloyd. The program will also include Dan Forrest’s Festival First Nowell and the traditional hymn O Holy Night to close the night.

“There’s always an excitement around Winterlude because of the orchestral collaboration,” Boyd states. “I think that is amplified by the fact that the students know that, just following this performance, they will wrap up their semester and head off for winter break.”

Dr. Yoojin Muhn, Choral Director at UTSA, reflects on her favorite moments preparing for this annual performance.

“My favorite moment during the preparations for Winterlude is when all the choral ensembles and the orchestra first come together to experience a harmonious unity,” Muhn reflects. “While the sounds may not be perfect yet, the process of practicing together creates a profound sense of harmony.”

Dr. Boyd conducts during Winterlude 2022

Both Boyd and Muhn are proud of the accomplishments of their students and look forward to the UTSA community and San Antonio audience experiencing their semester-long musical growth to accumulate in this moment.

“It’s not just about the performance but a celebration of the growth and dedication that everyone has shown throughout the entire semester,” Muhn states.

To finish off our Winterlude series, the Holiday Band will perform on November 30th in the UTSA Recital Hall. The ensemble features combined members of each of the UTSA concert bands playing a series of holiday classics, including arrangements of “Feliz Navidad,” “Happy Holiday/White Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “Sleigh Ride.”

Choral students singing during Winterlude 2022

“Part of the evening will include readings of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore and an excerpt from Maya Angelou’s Amazing Peace,” Zarco states.

All three UTSA band directors, Prof. Ron Ellis, Dr. John Zarco, and Prof. Hector Garcia will be conduct the combined ensemble.

Tickets for all three Winterlude performances can be purchased for $10 each at bit.ly/utsaboxoffice –

Suzanna Bridges-Keese

Page 12 | April 2023

Winterlude Promo: Lyric Theatre

M A RIACHI RI S I NG

The legacy of Hispanic culture in San Antonio has made the city one of the most significant locations in the world for mariachi music and perhaps the most influential in the United States. The city facilitates an excellent market for the genre, which led to many groups calling San Antonio their home. UTSA’s own Mariachi Los Paisanos has seen a recent surge in prominence within the last few years as the School of Music’s fastest-growing ensemble. Directed by Michael Acevedo and consisting of students across all types of majors on campus, the program has trended toward becoming an integral aspect of UTSA’s cultural identity.

Fall 2023 has been one of the program’s most active semesters since its establishment. By its end in December, Mariachi Los Paisanos will have performed at four major UTSA events, including the group’s upcoming Fall concert on November 21st. Their season began under the baton of UTSA Orchestra director Troy Peters when they joined the ensemble and guest organist Colin Campbell on stage for Rapsodia Mexicana in September. It was the first time in UTSA’s history that the two ensembles performed together, with the orchestra accompanying Los Paisanos for several songs before closing the concert with a spectacular grand finale that combined both ensembles and organ. The performance was met with thunderous applause from a full house in the UTSA Recital Hall.

“That was one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever been able to experience.....it was just life-changing, such a great experience where we really felt the music,” said senior vocal student and mariachi member Osvaldo Chacon on performing with the orchestra.

Osvaldo Chacon performing with the UTSA Orchestra and Mariachi Los Paisanos

Page 18 | November 2023

Osvaldo has been singing mariachi since he was five years old.

Due to his experience, as well as his classical training as a vocalist at UTSA, he has emerged as an exemplary musician within Mariachi Los Paisanos and is a frequent soloist. Chacon also teaches mariachi for SEISD.

Following Rapsodia Mexicana was another concert in the UTSA Recital Hall on October 3rd with Tejano artist Patsy Torres. The show, titled ¡Vive Con Ganas!, featured the members of the ensemble as well as the UTSA Chamber Strings on stage with Dr. Torres and her band before a lively audience of San Antonio’s community members. The students performed the eponymous single off her latest album, Vive Con Ganas.

Following suit from last year’s Hispanic Heritage celebration, Mariachi Los Paisanos took the field with SOSA Marching Band for the halftime The Patsy Torres Band with the UTSA Chamber Strings and Mariachi Los Paisanos on stage in the UTSA Recital Hall show during UAB vs UTSA football at the Alamodome on October 14th.

The show was the university’s finale to Hispanic Heritage Month and occurred in front of over 23,000 fans in the stadium. Dancers from Ballet Folklorico Sol de San Antonio also joined them for the performance.

“At the games, it’s such a different atmosphere. People are shouting and singing...” said Chacon. “Adding Mariachi to the halftime show was such a clever idea because it’s engaging for us and it’s engaging for the community.”

Along with these major performances, the mariachi ensemble has had other scheduled appearances for the semester, such as the UTSA Alumni Galla and community events. The opportunities to perform have been pouring in at a rate that has enabled the second, more intermediate ensemble Mariachi Juvenile de UTSA to take on gigs as well. It was only last fall that the program expanded to add another mariachi ensemble, and at the rate it’s growing, there may need to be a third ensemble added soon.

Much of the explosive growth within the last two years is attributed to increased visibility and public awareness of the program, as well as a gradual increase of mariachi programs offered in public schools. Support from the university and alumni donors helped the program keep up with growing demand by providing new trajes, instruments, transportation, and aiding the ensembles with a UTSA Giving Day campaign “To see UTSA back [Mariachi Los Paisanos] up solidifies the idea that we truly are a Hispanic serving institution that wants to support and preserve the culture here,” said mariachi vihuela player and vocalist Alexander Garcia. “There’s been a huge surge of confidence amongst ourselves when it comes to playing, singing, and communicating with each other.”

Ballet Folklorico Sol de San Antonio with SOSA Marching Band in the Alamodome

In addition to performing with the group, Garcia also helps Acevedo manage a considerable portion of the group’s gigs, as well as serving as a de-facto leader for the group during many performances as well. For Page 19 | November 2023

him and other mariachi students, the ensemble has also served as a life-skills class by providing valuable real-world gigging experience outside UTSA events and teaching self-efficacy.

“Students need to have gigging experience and know what it’s like to be in front of crowds in all types of scenarios, whether it be with no stands or performing songs by request. It can be very messy when you’re out there playing professionally,” said Acevedo. “It’s important for them to understand what goes on beyond the music to know why mariachi is where it’s at.”

Tejano artists Patsy Torres and Shelly Lares with Mariachi Los Paisanos on the field for halftime

The School of Music and College of Liberal and Fine Arts took a significant step towards further legitimizing the mariachi program before the start of the Fall semester when they made Michael Acevedo full-time faculty as an Associate Professor of Practice. It was a much-needed investment as both mariachi classes reached maximum capacity. More music majors than ever before are participating in the ensemble, and it’s also worth noting that a few students switched to music after participating in mariachi.

“They [music majors] start sharing their music with their professors and their private lessons teachers, and then they start getting more aware. It’s been spreading with everyone,” said Acevedo.

Another benefit that has emerged since the program’s resurgence is scholarships exclusively for mariachi students. $15,000 in scholarships have been made available to prospective mariachi students at UTSA this year. As the program continues to gain traction, these scholarships could be a deciding factor in attracting more talent to UTSA.

Daniella Bowerman, freshman, is one of UTSA’s first students to be awarded a mariachi scholarship.

The end goal that Acevedo has envisioned is the creation of a mariachi certification program or concentration at the UTSA School of Music for students who want to teach or perform mariachi music as a career. The school is undergoing rapid changes in its programming with increased acceptance and emphasis on contemporary and commercial music, one example being UTSA’s recent residency for Tejano artist Shelly Lares. This leaves doors more open than ever for a possible emergence of a mariachi certification program in the future. Not only would it add to and diversify what the School of Music has to offer, but it can also be another draw for mariachi students to enroll at the school.

The market for mariachi music has only continued to flourish in Texas, and with little to no signs of oversaturation appearing yet, the industry has indicated demand for mariachi education for aspiring teachers and musicians.

Page 20 | November 2023

NO V EMBER 2023 A L UMNI SPO TLIG H T DAVID PORTILLO B.M. MUSIC EDUCATION CLASS OF 2003

Stepping in November’s Alumni Spotlight is vocalist David Portillo ‘03. Currently amidst a flourishing career as a professional tenor vocalist, Portillo is one of the university’s most esteemed alumni. He’s stepped into numerous high-profile roles on opera stages worldwide and has received widespread acclaim from critics for his vocal technique and tone.

Photo by Kyle Flubacker, at Dallas Opera

“I graduated from UTSA twenty years ago, and I’m still so grateful for my experiences there.” Portillo states.

A San Antonio native, Portillo grew up surrounded by the city’s culturally rich atmosphere. His mother, also a UTSA music alum, further exposed him to the performing arts and served as a significant inspiration for Portillo’s eventual pursuit of a music career. Having high aspirations as a musician, he looked towards UTSA for his future and the cultivation of his talent.

Photo by Kyle Flubacker, at Dallas Opera (Kaleigh Decker, mezzo soprano)

“My mother had graduated with her masters in choral conducting back in the 80’s [at UTSA], and I had attended a few choral events there while I was in high school at OW Holmes HS,’ Portillo elaborated.

As a Music Education major specializing in Choral Music, Portillo fondly reflects on his time studying voice performance and choral conducting with UTSA emeritus professors Linda Poetschke and Dr. John Silantien, respectively. He holds them close to his heart as he continues his musical legacy, even twenty years later.

Page 22 | November 2023

Photo by Lynn Lane, Houston Grand Opera

NOW A ND FO R EV E R I AM A R O A DR UNN E R “Linda Poetschke was the definition of a loving, gracious mentor who sang beautifully and taught with care and personalized patience for every student,” Portillo reflects.

“This example was so invaluable; I learned so much from her, and I am very grateful for her amazing legacy.”

Reflecting on the past and fond memories of his time at UTSA, one of his favorites occurred following a final exam for Dr. Gary Mabry’s choral conducting class. “ …The class collectively planned a potluck lunch for our ‘after-party,’ and this tradition lived on for Dr. Gary Mabry’s future conducting classes,” Portillo remembers. “These memories of UTSA will always be in my heart as learning experiences - bringing together education and the joy found in creating music together.”

While studying at UTSA, he also conducted choirs for the Choral Society of SA, performed with former professional music organizations, the Lyric Opera of San Antonio and San Antonio Symphony, and regularly sang choral solos at events. He participated in the fraternity Phi Mu Alpha, taught voice lessons around local high schools, and competed at the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Photo by Javier del Real, at Teatro Real, Madrid (Annette Frisch, soprano pictured)

“These opportunities led to my next steps in getting my masters in vocal performance from the University of North Texas; without having met people at the NATS conference, I wouldn’t have made that next step,” Portillo states.

Photo by Dan Norman, at Minnesota Opera (Vanessa Becerra, soprano and Margaret Gawrysiak, mezzo-soprano pictured)

Upon receiving his master’s degree from UNT College of Music, Portillo continued his training at the Ryan Opera Center, a prestigious artist preparation facility at the Lyric Opera of Chicago (where he would eventually perform in numerous roles during his career.)

Page 23 | November 2023

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

DAVID PORTILLO

B.M. Music Education, Class of 2003 As Portillo continues to pursue his endeavors today, his perspective on music has matured with experience in the field of work. He also credits this new perspective to the lessons and expectations that he was held to by his mentors.

“The older I get and the more that I work as a performer, I realize that music is [about] so much more than [solely] talent and technique,” Portillo states.

“Music is about connection with others, and the means of communication are empathy, respect, and a passion for music.”

Photo by Karen Almond, at Dallas Opera

Since embarking on a promising career, Portillo has built a strong and diverse portfolio. He’s taken on numerous leading and supporting roles, such as Prince Tamino in Mozart’s The Magical Flute, Count Almavia in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Steuermann in Der fliegende Holländer, and many others. A conqueror of opera houses, he’s had the honor of singing in the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Teatro Real in Madrid, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Houston Grand Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, among many others. working on a staged opera production of Handel’s oratorio Theodora at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna.

Portillo is also known acclaimed for his work as a recitlist and soloist in concerts. He’s sung with the likes of the LA Philharmonic, Opera Metropolitaine in Montreal, Milwaukee Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, and others.

His most recent accomplishments include being named a recipient of the 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence. The massive honor is the most prestigious bestowed by the Sphinx organization and is further testament to what David has been able to accomplish through his talents and hard work as a musician.

“I’m so fortunate and honored to be able to make music a part of my daily life, and UTSA has been an integral part of making this happen,” Portillo reflects.

– Suzanna Bridges-Keese; Rolando Ramon, editor Read more about David and his work on his official website.

Page 24 | November 2023

In Memory of

Mikel Webb 1993 - 2021

“Mikel Webb was an active member of the UTSA Department of Music through his cello playing in the UTSA Orchestra and his internship in the UTSA String Project. His tragic passing in 2021 spurred tearful and joyful outpourings of memory and support, especially from his beloved mother, Denise Webb. She immediately reached out to friends seeking to build connections through memories and videos of his life. Mikel especially loved music and lived it through his cello playing and his love for teaching music to children. We continue to miss Mikel dearly, his never-ending smile, and his love for sharing music with others. I’m grateful to Ms. Webb and the UTSA School of Music for adding his poignant memory to the String Project Opportunity Endowment Fund.”

Gene Dowdy Founding Director, UTSA String Project Professor Emeritus

Mikel Steven Webb passed away on 9/28/21. In honor of his 30th birthday on November 4, we would like to raise funds in support of the UTSA String Project. During his time at UTSA, Mikel was a music major and a member of the UTSA Orchestra, where he had the honor and joy of participating in the UTSA String Project as an intern. Mikel’s love of classical music began when he was in preschool, where they would play the music of classical music’s greatest composers during nap time. When Mikel had the opportunity to join the Cornerstone Christian School orchestra in the 6th grade, he immediately chose the cello. Two of his friends from preschool were also in orchestra with him throughout grade school and high school. They too chose to play string instruments.

Mikel’s love of classical music and the cello continued to grow during his time at UTSA, and he was elated to be part of the String Project, where he was able to share his love of music and teach kids. He spoke of String Project often during his calls and visits home. Mikel often spoke about how upsetting it was that the music department is always the first to be cut or lose funding whenever a school district announces budget cuts. Mikel was very passionate about it and felt that every child should have the opportunity to play music and that every child should have an instrument in their hands by the age of four. String Project was a perfect fit for him.

Even after college, when Mikel had decided to pursue a different career path, his love of music and the cello remained. He had even begun meeting up with fellow musicians and performing at The Pearl, just for the fun and joy of it. I believe he would have continued to play and share his love of music for many, many more years, for as long as physically possible. He loved his music his whole life, and I know that love continues on in his heavenly life.

While Mikel was highly intelligent and passionate about many things, music was his true love, and it brought him much joy. His love and passion for music were as infectious as his personality and his smile; he lit up every room he walked into. His legacy lives on in our family, not just in the way we remember and honor him, but through my niece Gianna, who has also chosen to play the cello and has the same love of music we saw in Mikel. We know he is so very proud of her. Please join us in not only honoring our Mikel and his love of music but by supporting this wonderful program and helping these student teachers, allowing them to continue giving the gift of music to current and future generations of musicians.

Thank you, God bless you all, and Go Runners!

Denise Webb

To make a contribution to the String Project Opportunity Endowment Fund in honor of Mikel’s memory, please visit fund.utsa.edu/ mikelwebb, or scan/click the QR code below.

Page 31 | November 2023

GUEST ARTIST SERIES

HAVEN TRIO

October 09 – Performance Linsay Kesselman, soprano Kimberly Luevano, clarinet Midori Koga, piano

BALLET NEPANTLA

October 17 – Performance

Ballet company combining classical ballet with ballet folklorico presents a performance of their show Mística

NEW DIMENSIONS TO THE MARGAM

November 9 – Performance

AGARITA

December 09 – Performance Sarah Silver Manzke, violin Marisa Bushman, viola Ignacio Gallego, cello Daniel Anastasio, piano

REENA ESMAIL, composer

March 03-08 – Guest Composer New Music Festval 2024 artist

* All dates are in the UTSA Recital Hall and free admission unless noted otherwise

2023-2024 SEASON

BRINGING WORLD-CLASS ARTISTS TO SAN ANTONIO

PABLO GARIBAY, guitar March 09 – Performance

Southwest Guitar Symposium 2023 artist

ALAN WOO, piano

March 25 – Performance

Hugh Hodgson School of Music - University of Georgia

ABBIE CONANT, trombone April 09 – Performance

Staatliche Hochschule für Musik

DAVID RUSSELL, guitar April 20 – Performance

Grammy Award-winning artist

* All dates are in the UTSA Recital Hall and free admission unless noted otherwise

Page 39 | April 2023

NOVEMBER DATES 01

DUO 彩 AYA: CYCLES

17

UTSA LYRIC THEATRE

02

UTSA WIND SYMPHONY

19

UTSA LYRIC THEATRE

03

STUDENT RECITAL

20

UTSA JAZZ ENSEMBLE

06

COMPOSITION STUDIO RECITAL

21

MARIACHI LOS PAISANOS

06

STUDENT RECITAL

27

WINTERLUDE

07

UTSA ORCHESTRA

28

WINTERLUDE

09

NEW DIMENSIONS TO MARGAM

30

WINTERLUDE

09

DAWKINS STUDIO RECITAL

10

STUDENT RECITAL

12

UTSA WIND & ARMY BAND

13

UTSA GUITAR ENSEMBLE

13

STUDENT RECITAL

14

UTSA SYMPHONIC BAND

15

STUDENT RECITAL

15

STUDENT RECITAL

15

WESTNEY STUDIO RECITAL

16

TRUMPET STUDIO RECITAL

Maestría Faculty Artist Series 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall “Whispers of Ancient Tales” 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

Meaghan Trevino 6:00 pm | UTSA Recital Hall 5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

Lucas Moncada Zoll 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall French Impressions 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

6:30 PM | Carver Community Cultural Center

Epigrams 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall Epigrams 3:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

UTSA Lyric Theatre, UTSA Dance 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall Orchestra and Choirs 7:30 PM | Alamo Heights United Methodist Church Holiday Bands 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

Joseph Cerros 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall Veterans Day Concert 7:30 PM | Tobin Center

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

Osvaldo Chacon 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall Folk Songs 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall Nicholas Garza 5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall Shawn Demuth 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall 7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

Page 37 | November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THE UPCOMING SEMESTER AT UTSA MUSIC MUSIC.UTSA.EDU FOLLOW US! @UTSA