HOUSTON – The Lone Star College-University Park music program continues to grow with the pulsing sound of the college’s Percussion Ensemble, directed by Yamaha Artist Lamar Burkhalter. With performances at the front gates of Minute Maid Park during postseason, NRG Stadium, and outside Jones Hall for the opening of “Stomp,” you may have found yourself tapping your foot to their rhythm. Since 2018, the group has helped students pursue their passions for music and has provided unique performances throughout Houston.
“Engaging performances like those given by our Percussion Ensemble are events that bring our community together and give our students the chance to continuously practice and pursue their crafts,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park president. “The Percussion Ensemble’s amazing success over two short years is another direct result of the quality of our faculty, both full-time and adjunct. Everyone is committed to student success and what that means for each individual student.”
Dr. Aaron Alon, director and professor of music at LSC-University Park, is an award-winning composer, writer, director, filmmaker and teacher, holding a doctorate in musical arts from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. In addition to the Percussion Ensemble, he has established the college’s Concert Choir, Pop Singers, Jazz Combo, String Ensemble and Chamber Ensemble.
When Alon joined LSC-University Park in 2017 to help grow the music program, Burkhalter was one of his first calls. Alon saw an opportunity to develop Lone Star College’s first traditional percussion ensemble and one of only two community college programs in Texas to offer drumline, in addition to classical and novelty percussion, as part of the curriculum. Alon connected with Burkhalter, artist-in-residence at LSC-University Park, to conceive of the Percussion Ensemble. Alon was very impressed with Burkhalter’s experience and expertise, but most of all his dedication to students.
“Burkhalter’s work for the program has been outstanding. The students and faculty all love him and he’s helped open up opportunities for our students to perform at major venues throughout the city,” said Alon. “LSC-University Park has built an incredible music program, and he helped us establish right from the beginning that we were creating something innovative and extraordinary.”
Alon’s and Burkhalter’s vision for the group includes not only providing unique performances for the Houston community, but also introducing students to new opportunities. They encouraged students to audition for the 2019 Texas Community College All State Band. Bryan Blanco was the first ever LSC-University Park student to land a coveted spot in the group.
“For those students who have played percussion for years, yet can’t afford the high cost of university tuition, LSC-University Park is perfect for them,” said Burkhalter. “The tuition is affordable and the faculty and staff are both incredibly talented and fully dedicated to their success and goals. Here, we continue to develop their skills, help them get ready to transfer to a university, and prepare them for careers.”
Most recently, the ensemble was the featured entertainment at the annual LSC Employee Awards Ceremony Friday, Feb. 7, at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The ceremony honored employees celebrating service milestones and Faculty and Staff Excellence Award winners. Last fall, the Percussion Ensemble performed a concert at LSC-University Park, in which they played traditional African, Brazilian, novelty and drumline music to a packed house. They will keep on the same beat this spring with anend-of-semester concert Monday, April 27.
Arts at LSC-University Park have experienced accelerated growth over the past few years. The college has seen the demand for more fine arts classes, from drama to music to drawing and painting, and a greater need for space. To help meet demand, the college is planning to open a new Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) during fall 2022.
For more information, please visit LoneStar.edu/UPMusic.