Grace Burton was raised in a home filled with music. In middle school, she discovered a love for percussion and knew it was her calling.
She performed through high school in marching, concert and jazz bands. In her first year at Texas A&M University, she performed in the Hullabaloo Pep Band and the University Symphonic Orchestra and University Symphonic Winds. But ultimately, she wasn’t satisfied and considered transferring because of the lack of a music degree. Then she received what she calls “the best news.”
“Texas A&M was finally going to have a music program,” Burton said. “From that moment forward, I took advantage of every opportunity handed to me and learned so much. This degree has been the biggest blessing to my life, and I am grateful to be one of the first graduates of the program.”
The Midland native is set to graduate Friday with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance, and will be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday.
“This is such an honor, and I feel blessed to have been selected for this award,” she said. “I’m so happy the work I completed over the last three years is being recognized and appreciated. It means so much to me.”
Burton reflected on her first interarts showcase, in which she wrote a solo work titled “Dimensions” for snare drum and electronics. She also designed the lighting and visual elements of the piece.
“I revised this piece for my senior capstone project, and I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out,” she said. “I really enjoyed getting to make cool, interdisciplinary art for the first time, and the experience ignited my passion for interdisciplinary and electroacoustic percussion.”
She recalled sharing late-night practice sessions with her classmates Grace Lunsford, Gavin Orris and Lauren Suttle.
“We used to spend time working all together and giving each other feedback on pieces,” she said. “I absolutely adored those moments.”
Francisco Perez, D.M.A., instructional associate professor; and Lynn Vartan, D.M.A., associate professor, were particularly helpful to Burton as she fulfilled her degree. She worked with both instructors as a member of the Aggieland Percussion Group and performed in two “Crescendo” music showcases.
“Dr. Perez helped me so much in my development as a musician and as an artist, and I’m grateful for all of the skills, techniques and musical expression he taught me,” she said. “Dr. Vartan helped me become a better percussionist and performer. She was a huge supporter of my work and helped me find new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and festivals, and I am so grateful.”
Following graduation, Burton will pursue a Master of Music in Percussion Performance at Stephen F. Austin State University. During the summer, she will perform at the National Conference of Percussion Pedagogy and the Nief-Norf Summer Music Festival.
“I am so excited to be a part of these summer opportunities, as well as starting my pursuit of higher education as a master’s student,” she said. “I also plan to pursue a doctoral degree in musical arts and become a professor at a university much like the one I have spent so much time at.”
Burton credited the college for supporting the growth in her musical abilities and providing opportunities to expand her skills beyond the classroom.
“I never would have thought that I would learn so much about interdisciplinary collaboration, set design, lighting, interactive visuals, instrument construction and other music technology aspects,” she said. “Because of that, I feel I have a competitive edge over many others in my field, and a unique grasp of artistry and music.”
