The new center replaces the 50-year-old E.V. Adams Band Hall and the Choral Activities Suite located in the Memorial Student Center, which these performing groups have outgrown. Due to safety concerns, the 300-plus member Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band has not been able to rehearse in the Adams Band Hall for several years. Additionally, the building lacks adequate performing and storage space for musical groups that are growing in popularity on campus.
“We now have great spaces to hang out before and after rehearsals,” said Rachel Hampi ’20, a senior in the Symphonic Winds and a student employee for Music Activities. “This space is a great way for students from our different ensembles to meet and talk about school and music. It means a lot to me, and I know it will make my work for the department more efficient.”
While Texas A&M does not have a music degree program, students from all majors and disciplines may participate and perform in musical groups.
“This new building is an adventure as the choirs move into a new space, learn to adapt to changes and gain the opportunity to rehearse in a more comfortable space,” said Robby Reyes ‘20, president of the Century Singers. “The ensemble and practice rooms will allow more students to practice their craft without interruption. I’m excited that the Century Singers will have our own storage closet, and a larger rehearsal room gives us the chance to expand the choir due to lack of space.”
An Investment in the Future
Numerous individuals and groups, headlined by the Corpus Christi-based Ed Rachal Foundation, which provided the $10 million cornerstone gift to the project, have joined forces with Texas A&M to make the center a reality.
In recognition of two dedicated Aggies’ years of service to Texas A&M and the Rachal Foundation, the new facility will bear the names of John D. White ’70 and Robert L. Walker ’58.
Naming rights provided in recognition of other key leadership gifts include:
- The Elizabeth A. and Paul H. Motheral ’52 Aggie Band Rehearsal Hall made possible by Elizabeth and Haskell Motheral ’52. The Motheral Family also gave another gift to name the Concert Band Rehearsal Hall after Dr. Timothy Rhea.
- Dunlap Drill Field, the new practice site for the Aggie Band, in honor of Anne and Dave Dunlap ’83.
- The “Patricia C. and Weldon D. Kruger ’53 Plaza” recognizing Patricia and Weldon Kruger ’53. This space will host future music activities events.
- The Dorothy and Artie McFerrin ’65 Heritage Hall, made possible by Dorothy McFerrin. The Heritage Hall details the history of Texas A&M music activities.
Additionally, nearly 50 other naming gifts, ranging between $25,000 and $250,000, were provided by individuals, families, groups and affiliate organizations.
Many gifts that support the center pay tribute to family members, friends, classmates and Music Activities staff. The names of those who funded gifts and those they honor are engraved on structural pillars around the building, fence pillars surrounding the drill field, and on custom-designed plaques on interior and exterior spaces (such as practice rooms) throughout the building.
For those interested in creating their own gift in support of Texas A&M music activities, naming opportunities including rehearsal spaces, student and staff offices and suites, and building and drill field pillars still remain.
For more information about how to support future generations of talented Aggie musicians and secure naming rights for one or more areas of the facility, contact Matt Jennings '95 at mjennings@txamfoundation.com or (979) 845-7604.