Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]  

CANYON, Texas — As West Texas A&M University students prepare to resume classes Jan. 10, preparations already are underway for a full slate of spring arts productions. 

Plans call for a spring semester full of innovative art exhibitions, grand concert performances and even an all-ages musical centered around the beloved children’s cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. 

“We are excited to continue this inventive season of live performances and art exhibitions, building on the success we enjoyed in the fall,” said Dr. Jessica Mallard, dean of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities. “These events entertain and enlighten audiences from around the Panhandle and, more importantly, offer immensely valuable educational experiences for our students.” 

The spring 2022 performance and exhibition schedule includes: 

• Jan. 27 to Feb. 26: Anna Lemnitzer faculty exhibition in the Fitz Formal Gallery; reception 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 27; 
• Jan. 28 and 30: “The Magic Flute” opera performances in the Branding Iron Theatre; 
• Feb. 9 to 13: “As You Like It” performances in the Happy State Bank Studio Theatre; 
• Feb. 18: Harrington String Quartet; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• Feb. 19: WT Symphony featuring concerto/aria competition winner; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• Feb. 25: Grace Hamilton Piano Festival featuring pianist Andrew Brownell; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall;  
• Feb. 27: Choir pre-tour concert; 2 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• March 3 to 26: Rob Weingart faculty exhibition in the Fitz Formal Gallery; opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. March 3; 
• March 8: Showcase of Chamber Ensembles; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• March 9: Sarah Rushing piano recital; 7:30 p.m. in Fine Arts Complex Recital Hall; 
• March 31 to April 23: Ann Callen master of fine arts exhibition in the Fitz Formal Gallery; opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. March 31; 
• March 31 to April 2: “Gallantry: A Soap Opera Opera” performances in the Fine Arts Complex Recital Hall;  
• March 31 to April 3: “Portraits of Dance” performances in the Happy State Bank Studio Theatre;  
• April 7: Spring jazz concert; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall. 
• April 8 to 24: Amarillo College / WT Student/Faculty Art Show at Amarillo Museum of Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St.; opening reception 6:30 to 9 p.m. April 8 at AMoA; 
• April 9: Russian Music Festival featuring WT Symphony Orchestra, WT Chorale, Oklahoma Christian University Chorale and mezzo-soprano Mariya Kaganskaya; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall;  
• April 14 to 24: “The SpongeBob Musical” performances in the Branding Iron Theatre; 
• April 21: Spring choir concert; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• April 25 and 26: Student Showcase Recital; 4 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• April 26: School of Music Honors Recital; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• April 27: Concert and Symphonic Band concerts; 6 and 8 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall; 
• April 28 to May 28: Spring bachelor of fine arts exhibition in the Fitz Formal Gallery; opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. April 28;  
• April 29: Harrington String Quartet; 7:30 p.m. in Northen Recital Hall.  

Fostering an appreciation of the arts is a key component of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World. That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. 

To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised about $85 million. 

About West Texas A&M University 

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 39 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.