Digital piano donated to UWA music program
LIVINGSTON, Ala.—Dr. Manley Blackwell will be the first artist to perform on the new digital grand piano donated to the University of West Alabama by Charlie and Linda Muñoz.
The concert Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Bell Conference Center, also will feature the Kemp Duo, presented by the Sumter County Fine Arts Council. The Muñoz family is dedicating the piano in honor of Blackwell, a recently retired emeritus professor of music.
Blackwell is known not only for his skills as a pianist, but also for his willingness to help others in their own professional pursuits. His contributions to UWA’s Fine Arts department and the University as a whole has been fundamental in maintaining and expanding its cultural presence.
The Muñoz family has long supported the cultural arts of the community and the Black Belt region. She is a glass artist, and her mosaic designs can be found throughout the country. He works in metal, creating jewelry and bronze sculptures. Residing in Cuba, they work in a studio that adjoins their home.
They also support projects at the Black Belt Museum and established the Dr. R.C. & Emily M. Hill Fund through the UWA Foundation in honor of his parents in in support of the Black Belt Museum and its educational programs.
“We seek collaborations and partnerships that can be most beneficial for our students and the communities we serve,” said Christopher Theriot, director of development at UWA.
“The Muñozes have provided support financially and through the sharing of their time and talents to enrich the programs we offer. Their commitment to culture and education is exemplary,” he added.
UWA’s music major offers a flexible degree that allows students with a broad range of music interests to prepare for music occupations or activities throughout their lives.
“We want to develop students who will graduate and excel as classical and contemporary music performers, musical theatre performers, church musicians, vocal/choral specialists, collaborative pianists and music technicians,” said Dr. Christopher Shelt, professor of vocal music and choral director at UWA.
Music majors are trained in leadership, communication and business skills to better succeed in the world of music, Shelt continued.
For more information on the UWA’s music degree program, contact Dr. Christopher Shelt in the Department of Fine Arts by email at cshelt@uwa.edu or 205-652-3437.
To learn more about opportunities to support the arts at UWA, contact Christopher Theriot in Institutional Advancement at ctheriot@uwa.edu or 205-706-0542.