September_CollegeNews1

College of Fine Arts and Communication | 15 article can be read here. This project reflects Hank’s deep commitment as a jazz historian, researcher, and educator. As the 2019 Morroe Berger–Benny Carter–Edward Berger Jazz Research Fellow at Rutgers University’s Institute of Jazz Studies, he has dedicated years to curating archival material, mentoring students, and advancing jazz scholar- ship. • In June 2025, Hehmsoth was honored with a front- page feature in the San Marcos Daily Record highlight- ing his dual accomplishments as a jazz pianist and dig- ital visual artist. The article celebrates his contributions to the Austin jazz scene, his teaching at Texas State University, and his current exhibit, Expressions of Free- dom at the Walker Gallery, in San Marcos. The feature offers insight into Hehmsoth’s evolution as a creative force, from performing on major stages with iconic art- ists to pioneering new directions in digital media. His two featured pieces in the exhibition—"The Reach for Innocence” and “Thought Races”—were created using iPad Pro and Procreate, reflecting themes of childhood wonder and unbounded creative thought. The works reveal the improvisational sensibility that drives both his music and visual art. Beyond his role as an exhib- iting artist, Hehmsoth is also recognized in the article for his work as an educator, composer, and mentor at Texas State. He brings decades of experience into the classroom, shaping the next generation of music pro- fessionals with a focus on creativity, real-world applica- tions, and interdisciplinary innovation. • On June 18, 2025, Hehmsoth was featured in the Aus- tin Jazz Legends , a prestigious concert presented by the Austin Jazz Society at Monks Jazz Club. This annual series celebrates iconic contributors to Austin’s jazz scene, recognizing artists whose careers have shaped the city’s musical identity. Hehmsoth was honored as the last active jazz pianist in Austin whose roots trace directly to the city’s 1970s jazz renaissance. As a featured performer, he joined a stellar lineup of long- time collaborators and musical luminaries including Pam Hart, John Mills, Bruce Saunders, Roscoe Beck, and others. The evening showcased live performances and honored the legacy of the artists who helped define Austin as a center of jazz innovation. Hehmsoth’s appearance was also captured in a compelling image by KTYarbrough Photography, where he is pictured with Austin’s “First Lady of Jazz,” vocalist Pam Hart. This recognition reflects Hehmsoth’s enduring influence in both the local jazz community and the broader cultur- al landscape of Texas music. • On June 20, 2025, Hehmsoth appeared live on Fox 7’s Good Day Austin with his jazz quartet, Double Vision. The segment celebrated the premiere of Hehmsoth’s new original composition, “Road Trip,” composed in 2025 and performed for the first time on live television. Broadcast across Central Texas, the feature highlight- ed his contributions as a composer, performer, and bandleader, and included a brief interview with Fox 7 anchor Dave Froehlich, followed by a full performance of the new tune. The quartet—featuring long-time collaborator John Mills on saxophone, Utah Hamrick on bass, and Aaron Easley on drums—represents a dis- tinguished ensemble of regional talent and is co-led by Hehmsoth and Mills. This high-profile media perfor- mance exemplifies Hehmsoth’s role as a cultural am- bassador for jazz in Texas and reinforces the mission of Texas State University’s School of Music in promoting artistic excellence and community engagement. “Road Trip” will also be included in Double Vision’s 2025–26 programming supported by the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. • Hehmsoth was featured in the season finale broadcast of Austin Music Television’s All Music Videos , marking the conclusion of Season 30 of the long-running local music series. Airing Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the spe- cial wrap-up episode highlighted standout artists from across the season, with Hehmsoth’s jazz trio selected to close the episode as the final performance of the year. The performance featured a bold interpretation of Thelonious Monk’s "Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are", performed by the Hank Hehmsoth Trio and filmed in Austin. The segment aired on Channel 16 in the Aus- tin area (Spectrum, U-Verse, Roku, and Apple TV), and was streamed globally through SupportAustinMu- sic.com , connecting local jazz artistry with an interna- tional audience. [2] Robert (Bobby) López was chosen for the 2025-2026 Texas Music Educators Association all-state études in two different areas: percussion (band) and guitarrón (mari- achi). He was chosen as the selector of music as well as the performer for the percussion area and was selected as the performer for the guitarrón (mariachi) études. He is proud to represent Texas State University and provide this important educational resource for high school students across the great state of Texas. Todd Oxford performed the national anthem on May 16 for the Texas State Baseball Team at Bobcat Ballpark. [3] Raúl Rodríguez served as an adjudicator for the 2025 University Interscholastic League (UIL) Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition, judging 5A and 6A tuba and euphonium solo competitors. This year marked his 11th year of service in this capacity to the UIL Music Program. On June 13, 2025, Rodríguez returned to perform as Principal Tuba with the Victoria Bach Festival Orchestra