“Bailes de Mi Tierra” Competition
Round Rock, Texas - March 1, 2015
Submitted by: Nayeli Lopez, Graduate Assistant for Leadership Programs
The Ballet Folklórico organization traveled to Round Rock, TX to compete at the Bailes de Mi Tierra Annual Statewide Competition on March 1, 2015. There were 409 competition entries, with 31 groups across Texas that competed in the following categories: elementary, middle school, high school, and college/university levels. Other collegiate groups included El Paso Community College and University of Texas at Austin. SHSU Ballet Folklórico won four 1st place trophies and one 2nd place trophy in the categories of solo, duet, ensemble, and small group. Due to the funding provided by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Ballet Folklórico was able to compete and proudly represent Sam Houston State University, bringing back statewide recognition.
The dancers that competed inclu
ded: Nataly Avila, Edgar Banegas, Katy Barber, Elisa Carbajal, Leticia Castillo, Natali Cruz, Jessica Estrada, Juan Garcia, Natalie Guevara, Aristeo Isaias, Janie Lopez, Nayeli Lopez, Jessica Martinez, Cecilia Ontiveros, Guillermo Ramos, Mayra Rodriguez, Lea Sonby, Nictel Sosa, Maria Valtierra, Angelica Vela, Nereyda Vera.
Overall, the competition greatly benefited the Ballet Folklórico organization. It created a memorable travel experience, a rewarding competition, as well as an educational and learning experience. The dancers gained confidence competing in front of judges and other dancers, and expanded their knowledge of cultural dances from other groups competing. They were also critiqued based on their performance, which helps improve their techniques. They networked with other schools and developed relationships to collaborate for future performances. This was a great experience because it also prepared them for their future performance at Disney World on May 13, 2015. Back
South By Southwest Film Festival
Austin, Texas - March 12-20, 2015
Submitted by: Khoi Nguyen, President SHSU Film Society
South by Southwest is one of the biggest film festivals in the nation and a great place to network, learn, and meet other filmmakers who are currently working in the professional world. There are panels of famous directors, Q&A session with actors, workshops with technical experts, trade shows of the latest technology, previews of special movie premieres, and many networking opportunities with such companies as Yahoo, Hulu, Canon, Film Commission and many more.
The workshops are directly aimed at helping attendees become better filmmakers, and serve a gathering place for filmmakers to meet and discuss ideas. For the SHSU officers that attended this event, the benefits include: the opportunity to make stronger connections with businesses and NPOs in the Texas region, make contacts for possible speakers for the club, expand their knowledge base, and be able share what they have learned with other students in the film department at SHSU; therefore, benefiting the film department as a whole. Finally, attending this event gave them the opportunity to meet with professionals in the area offering opportunities to spread the word about the new film program at SHSU. Back
Baton Rouge, LA - February 13-15, 2015
Submitted by: Richard Forbes, Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Club Captain
The SHSU Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Club traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana during the month of February to compete at the Mardi Gras Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. They played a total of 6 games against teams from all over the country, which included: 2 other teams from Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Out of 24 Men’s collegiate teams, they came out in 16th place. They were very proud of this achievement considering they came in higher than several other larger university rivals, and in better standing than they have achieved in the past.
Competing in this event gave the SHSU players an opportunity to network with players from other teams, and demonstrate their camaraderie and team spirit. Back
Spark the Fire, Fuel the Flame Leadership Conference
Fort Worth, Texas - February 13-14, 2015
Submitted by: Korbyn Breckon, Sigma Alpha Beta Vice President
During the month of February, officers Jordan Graham, Megan East and Korbyn Breckon attended the “Spark the Fire, Fuel the Flame” leadership conference held in Fort Worth, Texas. Also attending were prospective officers Claudia Martinez, Megan Vacluin, Amy Cain, Courtney Wienken and Mekayla Perkins. Executive board members were asked to take part in this experience to enhance their leadership skills and create an organized sorority. As a new developing chapter, Beta Pi has worked very hard to set the framework for their members to develop into great leaders within the agricultural industry.
Leadership seminars provided the opportunity for each participating chapter from across the United States to share their ideas, discuss coordinated events and lessons learned. This seminar focused on topics such as: recruiting, communication, conflict management, passing the torch, social excellence and participation among its members. The speakers created an uplifting atmosphere with their excitement and enthusiasm which members were able to take back to their chapter.
The SHSU Beta Pi members that attended the conference, created a slide show presenting the different topics discussed during the conference to their members, affording them with an opportunity to ask questions and interact, similar to that of the conference.
Overall, the conference gave participants an opportunity to listen to great speakers, join in interactive workshops and bond with sorority sisters. Beta Pi would like to thank Student Affairs for funding this conference and supporting them in this learning experience. Back
Texas Music Educators Association Convention
San Antonio, Texas - February 2015
Submitted by: Megan E. Townsend, SCE Treasurer
Recently, the Sam Choral Educators traveled to San Antonio, Texas to attend the Texas Music Educators Association Convention. The trip lasted four days and three nights and included: lectures, concerts, and a huge exhibit hall filled with vendors associated with band, choir, and orchestra.
After returning home, the organization members met to discuss the convention and everything learned, such as: teaching voice to students of different genders, maintaining passion for the profession despite difficulties—finding that it’s okay to experiment, mess up, and try again, especially in the classroom, and learning that it’s about the process of teaching students how to sing and enjoy singing and not the product shown in UIL scores. Additionally, members had the opportunity to learn how to incorporate more technology into their teaching for future generations.
Many members were also able to attend concerts performed by different age groups. While choirs such as the Trinity University singers and the TMEA All-State Mixed Choir brought some members to tears with their performances, other members suggested that the elementary schools connected to their music on a whole new level. This was the first year that TMEA presented an All-State Small School Choir for Title 1 schools in Texas. Their band directors brought nine of the singers in this choir since their schools do not have choir programs.
This experience helped organization members realize that despite a low economy or how difficult life may be, music and singing provides a means for expression. Back