WT’s Showcase of Music to Return, Featuring More Than 200 Student Performers

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — One of the West Texas A&M University School of Music’s most beloved traditions will return in May.

The Showcase of Music, featuring fast-paced performances by several student ensembles, is set for 7:30 p.m. May 2 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. A pre-show begins at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, but reservations may be made here: wtamuuw.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2tWjdpBw3bmDLtI. For information, contact the School of Music at 806-651-2840.

“The Showcase of Music is a unique performance that demonstrates the very best of the School of Music,” said the School’s director, Dr. BJ Brooks. “WT ensembles will perform a series of short, engaging works showcasing musicality and audience appeal. By moving from one group to the next in quick succession the musicians will create a musical mosaic sure to entertain and inspire.”

The concert will feature performances by the WT Chorale, the WT Symphonic Band, the WT Symphony Orchestra, the WT Concert Band, the WT Jazz Band I and WT Opera, as well as smaller chamber groups like the trombone choir, the brass choir, WT Chamber Singers, the saxophone ensemble and more.

In all, more than 200 musicians are expected to perform, with the evening culminating in a grand finale featuring all performers collaborating on “Many Drops Make a River.”

Showcase of Music will be held in conjunction with the Greater Southwest Music Festival, the long-running competitive festival for elementary, middle and high school bands, choirs and student solos and ensembles.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring the WT Showcase of Music back to the Amarillo community, this time in proud partnership with the Greater Southwest Music Festival,” said Dr. James Barger, associate professor of music. “This event is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of everything that makes the WT School of Music special: passion, dedication and a deep love for music. Together with GSMF, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible talent of our students and inspiring the next generation of musicians in our region.”

Pre-show music will begin at 7 p.m. in the Civic Center Complex lobby with Sforzando, the flute ensemble, Phi Mu Alpha Men’s Chorus, and in the hall with Jazz Band II and the percussion ensemble.

Fostering an appreciation of the arts is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: Dr. Russ Teweleit rehearses the WT Concert Band ahead of the return of West Texas A&M University’s Showcase of Music on May 2 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium.

—WT—