Celebrating Music Addition

January 29, 2015

UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Breaks Ground for Center for the Musical Arts

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January 29, 2015

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

January 29, 2015

The University of Texas at Tyler has begun construction of a two-story addition to the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center that will become the future home of the UT Tyler Center for the Musical Arts, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to celebrate the occasion at the Cowan Center White Lobby.

“The two-story 15,000 square-foot addition to the Cowan Center will provide much-needed space for our growing music program, and it will also respond to the needs of the type of high quality students who come to UT Tyler. Many of our students are used to music being the student activity that enriches their chosen major,” said Jesse Acosta, vice president for business affairs and enrollment.

The Center of the Musical Arts, to be located on the south side of the Cowan Center, will include one 70-seat band/orchestra practice room and one 72-seat choir practice room. The addition also will feature teaching studios for individual student/faculty instruction, a music library, faculty offices and instrument storage.

“The new Center for the Musical Arts will be a great asset to the UT Tyler campus,” said Dr. Michael Thrasher, School of Performing Arts director. “It will enhance the education and experience of our university students and support the music education activities of Tyler and the whole region.”

Expected opening date of the $6.5 million addition is Spring 2016.

The UT Tyler School of Performing Arts offers the bachelor of music and bachelor of arts in music. The school also participates in the interdisciplinary studies master of arts/master of science degree program. Courses leading to teacher certification also are offered.

For more information, visit the UT Tyler School of Performing Arts homepage.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.