Showcasing UTSA School of Music CADENZA
Friends,
Welcome to the April issue of Cadenza, where you can see that our concert season continues to flourish this spring! I would like to draw your attention to two special events later this month: our Lyric Theatre program presents Steven Sondheim’s Company at the Wonder Theatre from April 10-13 – a production not to be missed – and the UTSA Orchestra presents our Concerto and Aria competition winners on April 24th along with Elgar’s Enigma Variations. These mark the final concerts conducted by Professor Troy Peters, as he returns full-time to his position as Artistic Director of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio. We are so grateful for his years with us, and we hope to see you at both of these events! And as always, we are grateful for your support of our guest, students and faculty performers.
This issue includes feature articles on some amazing faculty accomplishments, an alumni spotlight on Cristina Silva, and since it’s April at UTSA, Giving Day on April 1-2! Your gift of any size means so much to us as we continue to improve opportunities for our students in the School of Music to thrive! Please consider joining us in this celebration of all that makes UTSA a special place to be!
Remember to:
• check our online event calendar for the most up-to-date concert information
• share Cadenza with your friends and family
• follow us on Facebook (where we livestream concerts!) and Instagram
Dr. Tracy Cowden
Director, School of Music
Roland K. Blumberg Endowed Professor in Music
Are you interested in having live music at your own event? You could hire a student group! Look for the “Book Us” link on the School of Music website! And as always, we invite our alumni to submit your news and reconnect with your UTSA Music friends by sending an update to music@utsa.edu. We look forward to seeing you soon for live music at UTSA!
IT’S TIME TO BUILD THE NEST!
It’s that time of year again! Thanks to generous support, $40,000 in matching funds were unlocked to give the SOSA Marching Band a fresh new look!
Over 400 donors gave to the School of Music, Mariachi Los Paisanos, and SOSA last year—let’s go even bigger in 2025. With $2,000 and $5,000 challenge gifts for the School of Music and Mariachi, every gift makes a difference!
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
UTSA School of Music provides scholarships for music students each year at UTSA. In addition, this fund is also used to help our students travel to participate in competitions and research conferences around the country, as well as allow them to give premiere performance of commissioned works from underrepresented composers. When you donate to the School of Music, you are creating transformative opportunities for music majors as they advance their skills through higher education.
MARIACHI LOS PAISANOS
Mariachi Los Paisanos is one of our fastest growing ensembles! With the group’s traditional instrumentation and performance attire, Los Paisanos are dedicated to the preservation and authenticity of San Antonio’s cultural identity through mariachi music. This campaign seeks to support their continued growth in size and performance quality though the purchase of additional trajes and instruments, as well as provide funding for travel
SOSA MARCHING BAND
The Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band represents the heart of The University of Texas at San Antonio as their powerful sound echoes from campus to the Alamodome and far beyond! Students from every college at UTSA participate in SOSA, performing for athletic events, university functions, Fiesta San Antonio parades, and many other community events. Supporting SOSA will help guarantee instruments and uniforms for new members ,as well as cover travel expenses.
April 2025 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT CRISTINA SILVA
M.M. in Instrumental Conducting, 2021
This month, Cadenza highlights Cristina Silva, a proud UTSA alumna who earned her degree in Music Education in 2012 and went on to complete her Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting in 2021. While she’s now thriving in a career in real estate, her roots in music—and in the UTSA School of Music—still play a huge role in who she is today.
One of her favorite memories goes all the way back to UTSA’s very first football game. “My absolute favorite memory from my time at UTSA was marching out of the tunnel at the first football game,” Cristina shares. “While I had marched in the Texas A&M Marching Band for a semester and had experienced that huge crowd, marching with UTSA that first game was a totally different experience be-
Cristina Silva, UTSA 2021 cause it was new. We were just the first building block in creating something that would grow beyond what we could imagine.”
Cristina was one of the early members helping launch the Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) Marching Band. What started as a list of interested students quickly grew into a full ensemble of over 200 members. “I had the unique opportunity along with a few other students to help Professor Ellis get the marching band off the ground in 2010 and 2011,” she explains. “Learning how to organize and transform a growing list of interested students into an actual 200+ member marching band over a few months was a daunting task that forced me to grow in so many ways.”
Once the group officially kicked off, it wasn’t without its challenges.
“We had to adapt to a whole new set of hurdles. Including ‘a-pod-calypse’ where our entire inventory was flooded,” she says. “I believe learning how to adapt, remain calm, and press forward during that first year of SOSA led me to a successful band director career—and now into my next career in real estate.”
During her undergrad years, Cristina made it a point to say yes to as many opportunities as she could, whether it was marching band, wind ensemble, pep band, or university band.
“Each experience challenged me in different ways,” she says. “More than anything, I learned the value of saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities, even when they pushed me outside my comfort zone. Those experiences not only shaped my musicianship but also taught me to embrace growth through versatility and adaptability.”
She also remembers the impact of Professor Ron Ellis, who joined UTSA during the second half of her undergrad.
NOW AND FOREVER I AM A ROADRUNNER
“Professor Ron Ellis made an incredible impact on my time at UTSA and my career that followed,” she shares. She recalls a moment when he came to clinic her middle school varsity band. After they finished playing, he stepped up to the podium and simply asked them to take a breath, let it out, and smile while they played.
“He said to smile—without messing up their embouchure of course—and think happy thoughts. And the band that played the next run-through was like a different ensemble,” she says. “Just that one adjustment took their performance to the next level. It was an eye-opening experience.”
Now working in real estate, Cristina still sees the value of her time in music every single day.
“I earned my real estate license the summer before I graduated with my master’s degree in instrumental conducting,” she says. “Even though I’m no longer a band director, I still find myself constantly using the skills I learned in both of my degrees.”
Whether it’s working through contracts or helping clients navigate the buying and selling process, she leans on the communication and problem-solving skills she developed at UTSA.
“Learning how to communicate effectively with a variety of personality types, and people from all different walks of life and ages is a skill I attribute directly to my time at UTSA,” she says.
She’s also stayed close to her musical roots. Cristina still works with ensembles across San Antonio, giving masterclasses and staying active in the music community.
“I developed a much deeper passion for music during my time at UTSA than I even could have imagined,” she reflects. “I still use music to connect with people, both from my time at UTSA and new friends in music.”
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, she doesn’t hesitate.
“During my time at UTSA, I took advantage of every opportunity that came my way, embraced challenges, and made the most of my time there,” she says. “So my advice to my past self would simply be: ‘Keep doing what you’re doing.’ Every experience, every ensemble, and every challenge helped shape me into the musician and person I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
- Suzanna Bridges-Keese
Cristina Silva, UTSA
DUO DA CAPO
Pas de Deux: Duos, Pairs and Partnerships
With works by Still, Price, Piazzolla, and more!
"A must see duo"
April 1st, 2025
7:30 p.m. | UTSA Recital Hall
MEET THE FACULTY
Asst Professor and Guitar Area Coordinator, Dr. Isaac Bustos, spreads love for
At the heart of the UTSA School of Music is a faculty of artists who not only perform on world stages but also devote themselves fully to mentoring the next generation of musicians. This month’s faculty spotlight features classical guitarist, educator, and head of guitar studies, Dr. Isaac Bustos. Known for his virtuosic playing, warm tone, and inspiring mentorship, Bustos brings not only years of international performance experience to the UTSA School of Music—but also a deeply personal connection to his craft. Known for his rich tone and thoughtful teaching, Bustos brings a global perspective and deeply personal passion to his role at UTSA.
“My journey with music began at home,” Bustos shares. “My parents were both passionate music lovers and filled our home with music.” That love took root early. As a child, he was captivated by the sound of the guitar—a connection that would shape the course of his life.
“From the moment I first heard the guitar, I was captivated by it’s sound and expressive possibilities,” he recalls. “My father, who played a little guitar himself, became my first teacher.”
classical guitar.
What began as a fascination turned into a calling. Bustos found joy in playing, in sharing music, and most of all, in growing through it. Over time, his motivations evolved into something larger than himself.
“In the early days, my greatest motivation was simply to share my playing with as many people as possible,” he says. “Today, my focus is on guiding young students, helping them see that a career in music is not only possible and achievable, but also incredibly enriching.”
A Grammy nominated classical guitarist, he has toured across North and Central America, Europe, and China, and has performed at major festivals like the Guitar Foundation of America Convention and the Festival Internacional de Guitarra Monterrey. He’s played with esteemed orchestras—including the Buffalo Philharmonic under Maestro JoAnn Falletta—and is a founding member of the Texas Guitar Quartet.
But it’s not just about accolades or international acclaim. For Bustos, it’s about teaching.
“My goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians to pursue their dreams with confidence and passion,” he says. Since joining the UTSA School of Music, Bustos has become an integral part of the department—not just as a professor, but as a mentor, director, and role model.
“The UTSA School of Music is a dynamic and inspiring place to master your craft,” he explains. “Our exceptional faculty consists of talented, caring, and supportive artists and scholars dedicated to helping students thrive.”
Dr. Isaac Bustos, UTSA
He describes the environment at UTSA as one where collaboration and creativity go hand in hand. “The student body is a close-knit, welcoming community that fosters collaboration and growth,” Bustos adds. “It’s an environment where musicians can truly flourish—there’s no better place to be.”
And flourish they do. His students regularly place in national and international guitar competitions. Bustos’s approach to mentorship is one that combines musical rigor with heartfelt encouragement—always pushing his students toward their best.
Outside the studio and stage, Bustos lives a life grounded in joy and balance. While music is an ever-present part of his world, he finds equal happiness in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with his family, sharing meals with friends, and exploring new places.
“I love my family, gathering with friends, and traveling!” he says with a smile. For Bustos, maintaining a life outside of music isn’t just healthy—it’s essential. Whether in a recital hall or around a table with loved ones, he’s always seeking connection—something he brings into his teaching as well.
When asked what advice he would give to prospective students or young musicians considering a career in music, Bustos speaks honestly.
“Follow your passion relentlessly,” he begins. “Find your own voice, commit to a journey of lifelong learning, build a strong network of friends and colleagues…be versatile, adaptable, and resilient. A career in music is not just possible—it’s incredibly rewarding!”
As Head of Guitar Studies and Artistic Director of the Southwest Guitar Symposium, Bustos continues to create space for young artists to learn, connect, and dream boldly. His own journey began with the sound of a guitar echoing in a music-filled home, but today, his influence echoes far beyond.
“Stay committed, stay inspired,” he says. “And trust your journey.”
- Suzanna Bridges-Keese
Dr. Isaac Bustos, UTSA
Dr. Isaac Bustos (left) and Dr. Alejandro Montiel, UTSA
HAPPENING AROUND THE NEST
Asst. Prof. Miles Friday selected as Contemporary at Blue Star Berlin Resident
UTSA’s School of Music celebrates one of its own as sound artist, percussionist, and educator Miles Friday embarks on a new adventure: a prestigious residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin. For Friday, the residency is more than an artistic opportunity—it’s a chance to step into one of the most vibrant sound art communities in the world and explore what it means to make music in a global context.
“I’m really excited to dive deep into Berlin’s incredible sound art scene,” Friday shares. “This residency is a chance to expand my artistic horizons, connect with other artists, and explore how different communities create and experience sound. I hope it’s like getting a backstage pass to the city’s artistic landscape.”
Known for his interdisciplinary work in contemporary percussion and sonic experimentation, Friday has long sought to push the boundaries of what sound can be. The Berlin residency gives him a chance to immerse himself in an international artistic hub—one that aligns with his creative goals. “The international community at Künstlerhaus Bethanien is a huge draw for me,” he explains. “I look forward to being in a space where artists from all over the world are sharing their unique perspectives—the mingling of different artistic ideas is incredibly exciting.”
He’s especially eager to make use of the resources available during the residency, including studio space and technology that will allow him to explore new techniques and develop large-scale sound-based works.
“Having access to a studio space and technical resources means I can really push boundaries and create new, exciting work,” he adds.
Friday views this opportunity as a moment of both personal and professional growth. His goal isn’t just to make music—it’s to question how we relate to sound, space, and society.
“I’m hoping to challenge my existing approach to sound, explore new technological setups, and really dig into questions about how people interact with sonic experiences,” he says. “It’s not just about making music—it’s about using sound as a platform to critically think, explore our potential, and rethink the way we envision society.”
Collaboration will also play a major role during the residency. Friday looks forward to reconnecting with ensembles and artists he’s previously worked with in Europe, but also welcomes the spontaneous collaborations that often emerge in creative spaces like Berlin.
“I’m thrilled about connecting with ensembles and artists in the area that I’ve worked with before,” he says.
Miles Friday, UTSA
“I’m also super excited about unexpected collaborations—the spontaneous and surprising moments of artistic connection that happen when creative people from different backgrounds come together.”
Despite his excitement, Friday is also prepared to face new challenges—particularly those that push him beyond familiar ground. But rather than shy away, he plans to embrace those moments of uncertainty as part of the journey.
“The biggest challenge is also the most exciting part—pushing myself out of my comfort zone,” he reflects. “As I understand it, Berlin’s experimental scene is incredibly dynamic, so I aim to absorb as much as possible and embrace as much as I can. I plan to lean into the community, ask questions, and reimagine what I think I already know.”
Friday also recognizes how Berlin’s long history of sonic experimentation will likely shape his own thinking about music. From early electronic music studios to today’s contemporary sound artists, Berlin offers a living archive of innovation and creative risk-taking.
“Germany has a long and fascinating history of sonic experimentation,” he explains. “I’m looking forward to absorbing that energy, understanding how historical and contemporary sound practices intersect, and letting that influence my own work.”
In preparing for this residency, Friday leaned on advice from colleagues and fellow artists—many of whom have helped guide his approach to the experience.
“My favorite advice is to stay curious and be open to collaboration,” he shares. “So, I’m approaching this residency with a sense of artistic adventure and a commitment to learning.”
Outside of his artistic goals, Friday is also looking forward to experiencing Berlin’s everyday rhythm—the public transportation system, the architecture, the energy of its neighborhoods.
“Beyond artistic growth, I’m really looking forward to riding a bike around the city and taking the train,” he says. “The importance of human-centered transportation can’t be understated, and there are some truly fascinating places to explore!”
As he prepares for the months ahead, Friday embodies the spirit of artistic exploration that defines so many at the UTSA School of Music. His journey to Berlin promises to deepen his craft, expand his vision, and bring new insights back to the students and community he continues to inspire.
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Suzanna Bridges-Keese
Left to right: Brandy Gonzalez, Miles Friday, Anthony Rundblade, Andrea Willems, and the Contemporary’s Executive Director Mary Heathcott. (credit: Contemporary At Blue Star)
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE MUSIC: Marketing UTSA’s Sound to the World
The UTSA School of Music Marketing Team is a dedicated group of students and staff who promote the people, programs, and events that make our School of Music vibrant. Using social media, design, photography, and video, we spotlight UTSA’s musical life and share its story with the broader community.
Each month, we produce Cadenza, the School’s go-to source for news, highlights, and upcoming events. Our team attends concerts, captures media, creates social content, and collaborates with faculty to develop campaigns that align with their vision—all to maximize impact. We’re proud to showcase the talent and energy that define the School of Music.
Join me as we introduce the creative minds behind our team!
Joey Berrios, MSB Music Marketing Coordinator
Suzanna Bridges-Keese
PR Assistant/Editor
Major: English | Minor: Russian/Dance
• Classically trained pianist and dancer; currently on the Latin Dance Society’s performance team.
• Plans to pursue a master’s in Global Policy and study Russian in Estonia.
• Fan of gothic and historical fiction.
• Favorite music genres: Alt-Pop, Rock, and K-pop.
Suzanna Bridges-Keese, writer for Cadenza, UTSA’s School of Music magazine, is passionate about storytelling that celebrates music and the arts. She’s a senior majoring in English with a concentration in Professional Writing and plans to graduate in Fall 2025, with minors in Russian and Dance. A classically trained pianist and dancer, Suzanna draws from her background to authentically capture the people and performances that shape UTSA’s musical community. Whether covering a senior recital or an opera production, she infuses her writing with energy and heart, aiming to amplify the voices of UTSA’s artists and leave a lasting impact through her work.
Sebastian Forestier
Graphic Designer
Major: Art
Captain of high school cheer squad.
2 time national cheer champion. Writes, records and produces original R&B/Latin Music.
◦ Artist name: Montemacias.
◦ Has released two solo albums. Favorite music genre: Alternative R&B and anything with Latin influence.
Sebastian Forestier, Graphic Designer for the UTSA School of Music marketing team, is both a visual artist and musician who transforms performances into compelling visual stories. He designs posters, branding, and digital content that reflect the energy and identity of each ensemble, blending creativity with technical skill. Passionate about immersive media like projection mapping, he hopes to incorporate it into future campaigns. Inspired by designers like David Carson and Paula Scher, Sebastian is pursuing a career in branding and digital marketing, using his experience with the UTSA team to sharpen his skills in creative direction and campaign strategy.
Alissa Esper
Asst. Marketing Coordinator/Social Media Manager
Major: Communications
• Owns and operates her own media company: Esper-Media.
• Part of the Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) for 5 years.
◦ Is a member of the SOSA marketing team.
• Loves the gym.
• Favorite music genre: Pop and R&B.
Alissa Esper, Assistant Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, is a talented musician and media creator who strives to highlight the vibrant music community at UTSA. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Alissa uses her skills to craft engaging content that captures the essence of each performance and event. Her work promotes the incredible talents of students and faculty while fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts. Whether through captivating videos, eye-catching graphics, or compelling story posts, Alissa is dedicated to bringing the magic of music and performance to a wider audience. She is pursuing a career in communications, with the specific aim of collaborating with universities to promote their music and arts programs.
Joey Berrios Marketing Coordinator
• Retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2016.
• Holds degrees in Aviation, Healthcare Administration, Art and Business.
• Co-Owns Ear Bender Recording Studio.
• Plays Bass in The Jed Craddock Band and Jacob Kyle and The Blues Bonnets.
• Favorite music genre: Heavy Metal, Soul, Hip-Hop and Reggae.
Joey Berrios is a visual artist, musician, small business owner, philanthropist, and proud veteran committed to serving the San Antonio community through music production, custom art, and education. He holds degrees in Aviation Communication Systems (2007) and Healthcare Management (2012) from the Community College of the Air Force, a BA in Art with a minor in Music Marketing (2020), and a Master of Science in Business (2021) from the University of Texas at San Antonio, blending creative vision with business expertise in all his work. From 2018 to 2023, Joey served as Director of Operations and later Executive Director of San Antonio Sound Garden, a nonprofit dedicated to music education. He is also the co-owner and operator of Ear Bender Studios, a recording studio located in San Antonio’s historic Government Hill.
UTSA Clarinet Choir
Heading to Clarinet Fest 2025
This summer, the UTSA Clarinet Choir will take the stage at ClarinetFest 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. Their performance, scheduled for Sunday, July 13th, marks a major milestone for the ensemble and reflects the growing recognition of their artistry on a national level. Hosted by the International Clarinet Association, ClarinetFest is one of the most prestigious conferences for clarinetists worldwide—and for the UTSA students performing there, it will be an experience to remember.
Dr. Nicholas Councilor, Assistant Professor of Practice in Clarinet and director of the UTSA Clarinet Choir, submitted the group’s proposal to the International Clarinet Association’s Artistic Leadership Team earlier this year. “I submitted a proposal… and they selected less than half of them to receive an invitation to the conference,” Councilor explains.
For Councilor and the ensemble, receiving an invitation was a meaningful affirmation of the progress the Clarinet Choir has made in recent years. The performance will allow UTSA’s students to engage with world-class musicians while showcasing their own artistry on an international platform. “Participation in this conference will be a life-changing experience for our students,” he says. “They will gain insights from attending various educational sessions and concerts, networking with other professionals, and witnessing performances by the world’s greatest clarinetists.”
But the significance of the performance goes beyond the students—it also reflects the momentum building within the School of Music. “A high-profile performance like this will help to expand the reach of our School of Music,” Councilor notes, “and enhance our visibility and esteem in the musical world.”
In addition to performing standard repertoire, the UTSA Clarinet Choir will also present two world premieres. One of them is a piece by Clarisa De la Garza, a recent UTSA graduate who earned her Master’s in Music in 2023. Her work draws inspiration from the poetry of Isa Asp—recognized as Finland’s first female poet. “Much of Isa Asp’s poetry is very personal,” Councilor explains, “based on admiration for the people in her life and her country and nature, as well as personal struggles relating to morality and religion.”
The piece reflects a journey through longing, solace, and ultimately, loss. De la Garza selected four of Asp’s poems to build the structure of the music, all of which reference a “song” that functions either literally or symbolically as an inner voice. “The UTSA Clarinet Choir will perform this music with an audio track of Finnish narration,” Councilor says. “To my knowledge, this has never been done before in the clarinet choir medium, so it’s very exciting!”
UTSA Clarinet Choir performs at the Texas State Capitol in Austin during UTSA Day at the Capitol, February 2025
The second premiere comes from composer and clarinetist Dr. Tyler M. Webster, titled Visions. A longtime friend of Councilor’s, Webster is known for his harmonic language and complex rhythms. “I actually just received the music today, so I’m learning more about it myself,” Councilor shares with a smile. “It’s going to be a challenging piece for us, but I know we’ll have fun learning it.”
Preparing for an international performance comes with logistical needs as well. The ensemble currently has a fundraising goal of $6,000 to cover travel-related expenses, registration fees, and commission costs for their featured composers.
“This covers the registration fees to attend the conference, hotel costs for the overnight stay, and some commission costs for our composers,” Councilor explains. “You can contribute to our fundraiser here: https://fund.utsa. edu/campaigns/utsa-clarinet-choir.”
He also encourages supporters to help spread the word by sharing the flyer and supporting students through encouragement and community visibility.
The Clarinet Choir’s invitation to ClarinetFest marks the second major conference performance for the ensemble in less than a year. In 2024, they also performed at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention. More recently, the ensemble brought their sound to venues like the Texas State Capitol and San Antonio’s Tobin Center.
“Our students have already been hard at work this semester,” Councilor says. “And we’re just getting started in our preparations for ClarinetFest.” He also points out that the group includes non-music majors who volunteer their time simply because they love playing—and being a part of something bigger.
“The UTSA Clarinet Choir includes several non-music majors,” he adds, “who volunteer their time and talents to help us get to where we’re at.”
As they rehearse, plan, and prepare for this milestone performance, Councilor and the students continue to build a legacy of excellence and passion—one rehearsal at a time. ClarinetFest 2025 won’t just be a performance opportunity—it will be a defining moment in the story of the ensemble and the School of Music as a whole.
- Suzanna Bridges-Keese
UTSA Clarinet Choir performs at the 50th celebration of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, March 2025
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.
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