September_CollegeNews1

College of Fine Arts and Communication | 17 nuance and intensity. His interpretation illuminated the sonata’s layers of character and complexity, giving audi- ences a first hearing that was both compelling and deeply moving. For those in attendance, the performance offered not only the thrill of hearing a new work unveiled but also the rare chance to experience it in the hands of the very artist for whom it was written. This premiere marks the beginning of the sonata’s life beyond the festival stage, as it continues to reach new audiences, the work stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and to the clarinet’s ever-expanding expressive voice. [5] Ron Ulen was a special guest artist for an Evening of Opera with the British Opera Academy in London, England, performing with young professional singers representing the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Ulen also offered a voice masterclass, discussed things to consider when se- lecting new opera repertoire as the voice matures, and how to prepare for a career in opera. STUDENT ACCOLADES Cali Anderson served as a volunteer intern for the 50th Victoria Bach Festival. Her main responsibility involved merchandise sales for eleven concerts over four-and-a half days. Cali received rave reviews for her professionalism, friendly demeanor, and hard work. Miles Avelar was accepted via audition to perform this summer in the Mid-Europe Festival World Youth Wind Orchestra Project. The WYWOP was founded in 1997 and is part of the international music festival Mid Europe, held in the mountainous city of Schladming, Austria. The World Youth Wind Orchestra brings together musicians from around the world to perform wind ensemble reper- toire at the highest level. Students at the age of eighteen to thirty-two years have the opportunity to work with inter- nationally renowned conductors, composers, and soloists during an intense musical week in Schladming. WYWOP’s mission is to unite players through the global language of music. [6] The Chronos Saxophone Quartet has been selected via audition submission to perform a thirty-minute music showcase at the 2026 Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio at the Henry B Gonzalez Con- vention Center. Group members are: • Elijah Breda , Soprano (junior performance major from New Braunfels, TX) • Austin Parente , alto (music studies major from Cedar Park, TX) • Connor Zatopek , tenor (sophomore sound recording technology major from Cypress, TX) • Jose Velez , baritone (sophomore music studies major from La Joya, TX) Maria St. Clair was selected as a national semifinalist at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Student Auditions. Maria competed in Phila- delphia, representing both Texoma NATS and Texas State University. ALUMNI ACCOLADES Dr. Marty Lenard , director of Fine Arts at New Braunfels ISD, was named as one of three finalists that will be considered by Governor Greg Abbott for appointment to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Board of Trustees. The election was organized to determine nominees to fill a public school district trustee position on the TRS Board. “I’m honored to have received the amount of votes I did from across the State. Speaking with bus drivers from El Paso ISD, teachers from Houston ISD, and even old col- leagues during the election process was humbling and put the role of a trustee in perspective,” Lenard said. “I would be honored to serve if selected by the Governor, however regardless I plan to continue the important work happen- ing in New Braunfels ISD.” Joshua Weisbord-Torres , appeared as saxophone solo- ist with the Mansfield Wind Symphony at Round Top Festival Institute. Joshua performed "Escapades" by John Williams. This was part of a shared concert by Mansfield Wind Symphony, Austin Symphonic Band, and Sugar Land Winds. Guest Conductor, Jerry Junkin.