Andy Rhodes
Alfredo Velez III marches to the beat of a familiar drum — a Bearkat Marching Band drum.
Velez serves as assistant professor of music and associate director of bands at Sam Houston State University. He is one of the new faculty and staff members that have come to SHSU since January 2006 and he directs the symphonic band, basketball bands, and the Bearkat Marching Band.
He teaches music education and advance conducting courses.
“I was attracted by the talented students, outstanding faculty, and great administrators,” Velez said. “The potential in the music program is also quite promising.”
Velez began his music career directing the jazz, concert, and marching bands in the Plano Independent School District.
He served as director of bands at Texas A&M; Kingsville, assistant director of wind studies at the University of North Texas and associate and interim director of bands at Texas Christian University.
The bands Velez directed have received several honors and awards. Texas A&M; Kingsville’s Wind Ensemble Band earned excellent reviews a the Texas Music Educators’ Conference in Feb. 2006.
His bands in the Plano ISD were recognized on more than one occasion for outstanding performances.
He also earned the privilege of conducting the inaugural concert of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra in Dallas in Sept. 2006 at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Velez earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Angelo State University in San Angelo.
His professional affiliations and memberships include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, National Band Association, and the College Band Directors National Association.
Outside of conducting and teaching classes, Alfredo Velez enjoys barbecuing. He placed third in a barbecue competition last year.
“I love to barbecue,” Velez said. “I make a mean sauce.”
