Welcome Reception will feature the beautiful sounds of a classical string ensemble.

Sylvia Clark is a graduate student in music at UTPA in Edinburg, Texas. Her undergraduate degree is in music history from the University of Illinois. She is a harpist with the McAllen Symphonic Band and plays for weddings and other social events. She is certified in both literary and music braille and works as a braillist for the McAllen Independent School District, McAllen, Texas.

The evening will include an elegant dinner, recognition of our honorees, and live performances.

Mario Aleman

Mario Aleman is among the best South Texas has to offer in talent and musical versatility. Mario has entertained presidents, dignitaries, and Valley residents alike. His brilliant solo efforts have admirably been self-arranged, self-produced, and marketed on his own label, Interflame Productions - Soulspeak 2004 and Acoustic Poetry, 1998.
   

Kim Snyder Johnson

Kim Snyder Johnson is a classically trained pianist who is a Rio Grande Valley native. Her solo recordings include Classical & Contemporary Piano and El Corazon (a benefit for Comfort House of McAllen). In December 2005, Kim coordinated the talents of eleven valley musicians on a professional 16 track recording A Valley Christmas, to benefit South Texas College Valley Scholars.
   

Dr. Mazias De Oliveira

Dr. Mazias De Oliveira is founder and artistic director of ProCantus Lyric Opera, Inc. Dr. De Oliveira is a world renowned Brazilian tenor and conductor. Dr. De Oliveira is a faculty member at STC, who earned his doctorate and completed post-doctoral studies in Music, Opera Directing and Production from Indiana University one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. Dr. De Oliveira performs as soloist with orchestras in Brazil, USA and Mexico, and has toured extensively in those countries with different opera companies.

Dancing Under the Stars

Before you leave, please join us in the lounge as we jazz it up a bit with dance tunes by the Kim Snyder Band.

Joining Kim tonight are Carlos Arredondo on percussion, Jerry Quintanilla on bass guitar, and perhaps some surprise guests. With sultry vocals, sizzling drumbeats, and resonating bass lines, it’s easy to lose yourself in the Kim Snyder Band.