KINGSVILLE (September 11, 2026) — The Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) Wind Symphony has been chosen for the sixth time to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention in San Antonio. The group, under the direction of Dr. John Lopez, director of bands at TAMUK, was selected as a TMEA Invited Ensemble for the 2027 event scheduled for Feb. 11-12.
This distinction represents a significant honor. Only 29 choral and instrumental ensembles from elementary through university levels across Texas are selected to perform at the convention. The event is the largest music educators gathering in the nation, drawing more than 30,000 attendees each year.
“An invitation to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention is a remarkably high honor that puts the TAMUK Wind Symphony among the very best collegiate bands in the state of Texas,” Lopez said. “Only three collegiate bands are chosen to perform each year and the selection process is one of, if not the most competitive in the United States. This high achievement is a testament to our incredibly talented and hardworking students and our world-class faculty in the School of Music.”
“As the largest state music educators’ convention in the county, being invited to perform at TMEA is a tremendous honor, recognizing the hard work of the students and faculty and distinguishing us among the top collegiate music programs in the state,” said Dr. Kyle Millsap, director of the School of Music.
The TAMUK Wind Symphony is not the only ensemble from A&M-Kingsville to be selected to perform at the TMEA event. Jazz Band I is tied with the Wind Symphony with six performances each. The Wind Symphony has performed at TMEA in 1993, 2001, 2006, 2010, 2019 and will perform in 2027. Jazz Band I has performed in 1995, 2003, 2009, 2013, 2020 and 2025.
About TMEA
Founded in 1920, the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) is a nonprofit professional association that supports high-quality music education for all Texas students. With over 20,400 members, including 14,100 school music educators, TMEA advocates for fine arts instruction and offers professional development through online courses and its annual Clinic/Convention. The convention offers an unparalleled experience for students, educators, administrators, and families. Over the course of four days, the convention features 100 concerts, 300 workshops, and 600 exhibitors, all of which promote excellence in music education for all.
-TAMUK-
