Current Band News

Bruce Dwain Collins was born October 17, 1955 in Lubbock, Texas, to Dwain and Pauline Collins. A love of music, and respect for teachers was nurtured by his parents, so becoming a music educator was a possibility, but not without a few bumps getting started. Bruce started clarinet in seventh grade at Atkins Junior High…

We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Bruce Collins will be honored as an inductee into the Texas Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame at the upcoming induction ceremony. This prestigious event recognizes outstanding contributions to band music education across Texas, and Bruce’s dedication, leadership, and passion have truly made a lasting impact on students…

Here are our announcements for new faculty and new positions for fall of 2025. Oboe: Dr. Kathleen Carter Bell is a performer and educator based in Amarillo, TX. She holds key oboe positions with the Lubbock, West Texas, and Amarillo symphonies and teaches at Interlochen Arts Camp and Indiana University’s Summer Music Clinic. A founding…

Dear Fellow WT Band Alumni, We have had a wonderful year with many highlights, including the WT Symphonic Band’s return to the stage at Carnegie Hall, a successful April scholarship donation campaign, the celebration of retiring oboe professor (and so much more to so many of us) Dr. Robert Krause, and the return of the…

James Drew’s book, “A Practical Guide to Conducting” is exceptional and is a must read for those that are interested in Professor Church’s principles of conducting. If you are a graduate of WT, you most likely were taught Church’s rules of conducting by Durden, Garner or Lefevre in your conducting classes. In this book, James…

WTAMU is very proud of alumna Raquel Samayoa. She earned the MA and bachelor’s degree in music education from West Texas A&M University where she studied trumpet with David Ritter and Wind Conducting with Gary Garner. Her career at UNT has been an amazing one to follow. See Dr. Samayoa’s Story Here

The WTAMU Concert and Symphonic Bands will present their end-of-year free concert on Wednesday, May 7. This special event celebrates the talent and dedication of WT’s student musicians with a diverse program of powerful works, guest conductors, and featured soloists. When: Concert Band – 6:00 p.m. Symphonic Band – 8:00 p.m. Where: Mary Moody Northen…

Join us in celebrating the considerable career and retirement of Dr. Robert J. Krause! We will be honoring him on Saturday, May 10th at West Texas A&M University. There will be a recital at 4 pm in Legacy Hall, followed by time to visit with Dr. Krause in the Northen Atrium. Both are free and…

Our previous post may have caused some confusion and we apologize. There are two significant events coming up in the next week. World Music Festival Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall Canyon, TX 79015 Sunday April 27 5:30 p.m. Tune in to Classical Music Amarillo this week to hear music by WT alumnus John Tegmeyer –…

Related News: See the links below WT’s First World Music Festival to Feature American Music, WT Alumnus John Tegmeyer and the WT Symphonic Band WTAMU to Host First World Music Festival Featuring American Music, Buff Alumnus Coming Up! Mark your calendars! The Showcase of Music returns for an unforgettable evening of musical excellence. This fast-paced,…