Dr. Andrew Alegría, an assistant professor of music and director of Choral Activities and Vocal Study at Sul Ross State University, has been invited to perform the National Anthem at the 20th Annual Texas Independence Day Dinner on Feb. 29 in Austin. 

The Texas State History Museum Foundation’s (TSHMF) annual event “celebrates the state’s rich cultural heritage and generates support for the Bullock Museum, the nation’s premier institution on Texas history. Over 450 business, political and community leaders from around the state attend the event. Through the generosity of event sponsors, the evening raises critical support for foundation’s efforts to fund the many educational programs and special projects of the Bullock Museum, including school tours and distance learning that benefit over 37,000 students annually,” according to tshmf.org. 

Of note, this year’s honorees include Dr. Kern Wildenthal, who graduated from SRSU with a B.A. in English Literature, and who is the son of Dr. Bryan Wildenthal, the former university president after which the library is named. 

Dr. Alegría received his Bachelor of Music from Baylor University, his Master of Music from the University of New Mexico and his Doctor of Musical Arts from Louisiana State University. He joined the faculty at SRSU in 2018. 

In 2019, he established the Rex Wilson Choral Endowment at Sul Ross, and has helped to maintain several campus scholarship programs. He provides choral clinics at West Texas area high schools, and directs musical theatre and in churches in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. 

Dr. Alegría earned the La Vida Lobo Award in 2021 and in 2022, he was elected as the Region 6 college chair of the Texas Music Educators Association. Additional professional memberships include the College Music Society, American Choral Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. 

For more information, email andrew.alegria@sulross.edu.