A&M International Presents Music and Dance Concert Thurs., April 30

The Texas A&M International University Ballet Folklorico, the Ballet Folklorico Infantil de A&M International, the A&M International Band, and the University's High Twisters Dance Team will be featured performers for the 1998 Spring Music and Dance Concert to be held on Thursday, April 30 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building on the University's main campus, 5201 University Boulevard.

The concert is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

The Spring Music and Dance Concert will mark the first time the University's four performance groups come together for one evening of entertainment, said event organizer Gabriela Mendoza, director of A&M International's Ballet Folklorico groups and Associate Director of the University's Office of Student Development.

"The concert promises to be a spectacular entertainment event. There will be something for everyone--the grace of the Ballet Folklorico for those who love traditional Mexican dance, the harmonious rhythms on the University Band for those who love symphonic sounds, and high energy of the High Twisters for those who love modern dance "said Mendoza.

University's Ballet Folklorico will perform six traditional dances of Mexico, "La Evangelina," "Pavido Navido," and "La Gruella," from the state of Nuevo León, and "Jarabe Tapatio," "Son de la Negra," and "El Gavilancio" from the state of Jalisco.

The Ballet Folklorico dancers, all students at A&M International, include Eduardo Gonzalez, Isabel Gutierrez, Alexander Hernandez, Vanessa Huerta, David Jones, Luz Leal, Abril Pineda, Juan de Dios Reza, Laura Rodriguez, and Xochitl Rodriguez.

Making their debut performance at the University will be the Ballet Folklorico Infantil de A&M International, a group of 5- to 13-year-olds enrolled in a children's ballet folklorico class offered through the University's Continuing Education department. The young dancers will perform "El Rascapatate" and "Jesusita en Chihuahua." Both the Ballet Folklorico and the Ballet Folklorico Infantil are directed by Gabriela Mendoza, Associate Director of the University's Office of Student Development, and former professional dancer.

The 45-member University Band will perform seven musical selections. Their program will include "The Fairest of the Fair" and "Stars and the Stripes Forever" by John F. Souza, "Beguine for Band" by Glenn Ossen, "Bugler's Holiday" by Leroy Anderson, "Fiesta" Roland Barrett, "Big Band Jazz" by Bob Lowden, and "Seventy-Six Trombones" by Meredith Willson. University Band director is Elmo Lopez Sr.

High Twisters will perform three high-spirited, high energy dance medleys, "Esta es la Musica," "Hard Rock Mix," and "Mother, Mother." The dance team, which was established in October of 1997, includes Gabriela Cavazos, Elisa Cuellar, Miriam Fernandez, Claudia Flores, Vanessa Garcia, Adriana E. Juarez, Clarissa Rangel, Jeannette Ramirez, Ailed Rodriguez, and Anel Ruiz. High Twisters sponsor is Araceli S. Rangel, director of the University's Office of Financial Aid.

For more information on A&M International's 1998 Spring Music and Dance Concert April 30, please call Gabriela Mendoza at 326-2280. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu