The South Texas Saxophone Association (STSA) has a passion for music and wants to expand the potential of saxophone musicians.
The association has been around for about three to four years; it’s a relatively new organization to the campus with about 25 active members. The association often visits local high school bands to recruit potential members who might be interested in being part of STSA. They also have frequent bake sales and other fundraisers to raise money for their organization.
The association is open to all music majors who are interested in participating. However, to have a leadership role in the organization it is required for students to be in their second year of college and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
“I used to be on the executive board, like the board of members, and doing that I learned a lot of leadership skills,” said Libby De La Rosa, Music Education major.
The South Texas Saxophone Association also offers a nice and friendly environment filled with likeminded people who enjoy playing saxophone. Members say it’s a great place to meet new friends and learn helpful skills as well. The association meets every other Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Music Building Rehearsal Hall.
“I love being part of STSA because it helps me make friends and helps my love for saxophone grow,” said Lyndsay Delgado, Music Education major.
The association wishes to grow and showcase its wonderful talents to others and do so by putting together recitals and having groups such as a sax choir and a sax quartet. Dr. Thomas Zinniger helps the association develop and gain new musicianship skills.
“Being a part of STSA has allowed me to play different types of music in a different setting than I usually do in the normal band setting. It has also allowed me play on a different saxophone other than my primary one. I have gotten so many leadership opportunities from being in this organization. I started off as a member my freshman year, then went to treasurer, and I am now the Vice President as a junior. Being involved has also helped me as player. We get some challenging music to play, and it just pushes me to be the best player I possibly can,” said Ixchel Betancourt, Music Education major.
