Cultural study and performance are receiving a major boost at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center at Laredo Community College.
The fall 2003 opening of the $8.4 million facility has allowed the college to significantly advance its visual and performing arts programs.
The center features state-of-the-art technology for students in music, dance, art and theater classes to master their skills and showcase their talents.
College administrators and faculty speak with pride and enthusiasm about the positive impact the fine arts center is having on student learning.
“The LCC Fine Arts Center is generating excitement among the community and students. The college is experiencing increased interest among students who want to enroll in visual and performing arts courses, as well as exciting partnerships with community groups, including the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School,” Dr. Nora Garza, dean of arts and sciences, said.
With the new facility, Garza said that the college has expanded its program offerings to include more day and evening classes and a wider array of subjects related to the arts.
LCC Music and Dance Department chairperson Dr. Joseph Crabtree also looks at the future of fine arts education in Laredo and the region with a positive note.
“The LCC Fine Arts Center is filled with many innovative features, such as the music computer lab designed by one of our instructors, Dr. Susan Liu. This computer lab is considered to be one of the top three music education facilities in the southern half of the United States,” Crabtree noted.
Another highlight is the facility’s elegant 752-seat auditorium for college student and community performances, which has brought delight to the senses.
A record number of events, including student recitals, music and dance concerts, distinguished lecturer presentations and other special events have been hosted in the theater of the fine arts center.
Among the major events slated for 2006 at the Martinez Fine Arts Center are:
Feb. 5- Percussionist Ney Rosauro in Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16- Violin recital for school children, 10 a.m.
Feb. 22- VMT and LCC Percussion Ensemble concert, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 23- VMT and LCC Music Recital, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 26- Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra concert, 4 p.m.
March 9- Percussion Faculty Recital featuring Matthew Adams, 7:30 p.m.
April 5- “Guys and Dolls” musical for public schools , 9 a.m. ($3 admission)
April 6 to 8- “Guys and Dolls” musical, 7:30 p.m. ($5 admission)
April 11- Music Student Recital, 7:30 p.m.
April 13- Percussion Student Recital, 7:30 p.m.
April 19- LCC Show Band Young People’s concert for UISD schools, 10 a.m.
April 21- LCC Show Band Young People’s concert for LISD schools, 10 a.m.
April 21- LCC Show Band concert, 7:30 p.m.
April 26- Guitar Studio Recital, 7:30 p.m.
May 7- LCC Culturas dance concert, 3 p.m. ($5 admission)
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public. Proceeds from programs with admission fees support student scholarships and other related initiatives. For more information about event listings, contact the LCC Music and Dance Department at 721-5330 or check out the news and calendar section on the LCC website at www.laredo.edu for updates.
The LCC Martinez Fine Arts Center serves as a hub for students in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, dance, music and theatre production classes, among other related subjects.
The center is located on the north side of the college campus adjacent to historic buildings that currently house arts instruction.
The project was funded with support from community, revenue bonds and student fees.
INNOVATIVE: The LCC Martinez Fine Arts Center is fast becoming one of the nation’s top learning models for the arts and a hub for cultural entertainment.
HILARIOUS: Laughs were enjoyed by all who attended the LCC Drama Workshop’s performance of the Steve Martin comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” last fall.
CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA: LCC students will presented a potpourri of dance forms during the annual Dance Concert last year.
BROADWAY DELIGHT: The LCC Opera Workshop’s adaptation of the Broadway masterpiece “Fiddler on the Roof” captivated audiences this past spring.
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