Faculty and guest artists graced the stage for the Texas Music Festival perspectives series’ grand finale Tuesday evening at the Dudley Recital Hall.

Kirsten Yon, a professor at the Moores School of Music, performed in the grand finale and said the night was a “kaleidoscope of artistic expression.”

“I love performing at this festival; (everyone is) always so friendly. My colleagues are fantastic musicians. There is nothing I like doing better,” she said.

The night’s performers were all mature and experienced professionals, and their sounds were as finely tuned as their craftsmanship.

The repertoire included “The County of Mayo” for voice with two pianos by Joan Trimble, “Portraits of Langston Hughes” for flute, clarinet and piano by Valerie Coleman, “Quartet No. 1 in C minor,” Op. 15 for piano and strings by Gabriel Faure and “Binyang” Mvmt. 2 “Interiors” for clarinet and crotale in F by Ross Edwards.

Some of the most evocative and ephemeral musical moments occurred after intermission in Faure’s quartet.

“Compared to everything else, the last one was very romantic, and I love romantic era,” said music senior Henry Dang.

The precision and clarity in the Faure piece came together through focus and teamwork for professor Yon who was also performing with professor Timothy Hester, professor and principal violist of the Houston Symphony Wayne Brooks and Houston Symphony cellist Kevin Dvorak.

“We had fantastic chemistry from the first rehearsal. Putting it together was incredibly easy for us, and we had a fantastic time,” Yon said.

“Portraits of Langston Hughes” is a mixed media piece that crosses the line between music and spoken words. Before each scene was performed, poetry was read with attention to every word as an attempt to recreate how Hughes would have read his own work.

“I just thought it was really interesting how they incorporated the poetry with the music. You could hear what they were playing in contrast to what he was saying,” said music education sophomore Jordan Johnson.

A visual artist by trade, Barbara Biel enjoyed the Hughes’ poetry as well.

“I liked hearing that guy speaking. He was great. You could read those same poems and not get the same out of it,” Biel said.

For Susan Blair, whose husband is a UH law professor, the voice and double piano trio was thoroughly enjoyable, and she was delighted by the event’s musical variety.

“I am actually a dancer by training, and the music was exquisite,” Blair said. “My favorite moment was watching the pianist. She was dancing; she was connected to the music.”

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Caity Piccini has traveled the world with her flute by her side and with all of her UH success and her looming graduation, she wants to stay in Houston to teach and perform. | Courtesy of Caity Piccini

A recent participant in the Texas Music Fesitval Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition, Caity Piccini is currently developing her dissertation for Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance. Piccini has performed several times in venues throughout the nation and internationally.

The Daily Cougar had the opportunity to interview Piccini about her time at UH, her participation in the recent competition and her future as a musician.

The Daily Cougar: How long have you been at UH?

Piccini: I moved from New York and came to the University of Houston in 2010 in order to pursue a Doctorate in Flute Performance with Aralee Dorough. This year, I finished my coursework and have yet to pass my comprehensive exams in the fall and write my dissertation. I plan to graduate in December.

TDC: How long have you been studying with Aralee Dorough of the Houston Symphony?

Piccini: I have been studying with Aralee Dorough for three years. She has given me the tools and provided me with the inspiration to go out and perform at my best.

TDC: What was it like being a part of the 2013 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition? How did you do at the competition?

Piccini: I had a great time performing in the 2013 CWM Young Artist Competition. I was thrilled that my performance in the first round of competition won me a spot as one of six finalists. The finals were particularly rewarding because I had the opportunity to not only perform for esteemed judges but also for friends and colleagues in the audience. I received a prize for third place and was truly humbled to have been awarded the audience favorite prize.

TDC: I understand that you have performed with several orchestras and given several recitals across the nation. What performance was your favorite? Why?

Piccini: I have played with a number of orchestras and performed a wide variety of genres, and while I do not necessarily have a favorite performance, there are some that are more memorable. I will never forget playing with a full orchestra in a New York City apartment. The living room was large enough to accommodate us all; musicians from the top conservatories in Manhattan gathered together for one night to play Brahms for a man who just wanted to listen and invite all of his closest friends to enjoy a private concert. The other amazing part was that none of us got paid. We all just wanted to come together to play music we loved for people who wanted to listen.

TDC: What do you plan to do after you graduate with your DMA?

Piccini: After I graduate, I will continue to teach and work in Houston. I will also be busy planning for my wedding in 2014. I am currently auditioning for orchestral positions as well as applying for teaching jobs at colleges and universities.

TDC: What do you see yourself doing in the future? How does pursuing your DMA at the University of Houston prepare you to achieve your short/long–term goals?

Piccini: I am not certain where I will end up with the flute. It has certainly taken me to places I have never imagined. What I am sure of is that I will always be playing music, teaching music and talking about music. A career performing in an orchestra is my goal, and my time at the Moores School of Music and my studies with Aralee Dorough bring me closer to it. My minor and the focus of my degree in addition to performance is music history. I believe that my academic studies and research have also made me a better musician. I am more informed and better equipped to effectively interpret and portray the message of the music I am playing. In order to be a well-balanced musician, we have to do more than just play the notes on the page.

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Fatima Yusuf posed with traditional Nigerian tribal face paint for the upcoming 3rd annual Miss Face of Africa 2013 pageant held on July 13 in Arlington. | Courtesy of Fatima Yusuf

A UH senior is a finalist in the 3rd annual Miss Face of Africa USA pageant held on July 13 in Arlington.

Health senior Fatima Yusuf, who can trace her lineage back to the Hausa tribe of Nigeria where her father is from,  will be representing her country in the scholarship pageant.

“I feel like it kind of brings in culture with academics, and you can’t get any better than that,” Yusuf said. “You’re embracing your culture, and what’s more beautiful than that?”

FOA is intended to celebrate African cultural identity, empower young Africans, encourage scholarship and instill confidence while still embracing Western culture.

“I think I have qualities that would be grand to be named Miss Face of Africa because I am a leader within my own community and aspire to inspire those around me,” Yusuf said. “I am a humanitarian and embrace my culture in my everyday life.”

To participate in FOA, candidates must be a spokesperson for a cause and deliver a speech about their platform, have a record of community service, have a connection to their African heritage and must have goals related to the betterment of Africa. An African fashion show representative of each candidate’s country is also a part of FOA.

Yusuf plans to be a spokesperson for Fitness for Africa to bring about change in fitness and well-being. She strives to become a physician so that she may open wellness centers across Africa. Yusuf also has a record of service through the NAACP-UH and the Theta Nu Xi multicultural sorority she is associated with.

“The pageant is really important in my eyes, primarily of the fact that it combines scholarship with culture,” Yusuf said. “It has the feel of a real pageant but also puts a little twist in with community service, cultural attire, scholarship and bringing to light to our organization of choice [platform].”

There are currently 12 finalists in the running for Miss FOA. Other African countries represented in the pageant include Kenya, the Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sudan, Uganda and Cameroon.

“(Winning) would be such a huge accomplishment. I would donate some of the proceeds to (Fitness for Africa) and (put) the rest toward school.”

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When students mention that the UC Satellite c-store doesn’t offer certain supplies or when students crave new snacks, lead cashier Mary A. Cooper works hard to satisfy their needs.

Lead cashier of the UC Satellite c-store Mary Cooper has been working at UH since 1999. Throughout the summer, Cooper is the sole worker. “All these years, I haven’t encountered a true problem,” Cooper said. “I really cherish my job here.”  |  Monica Tso/The Daily Cougar

Although the store opens at 7 a.m. throughout the school year, Cooper arrives at 6:30 a.m. everyday to ensure that a full inventory of snacks, drinks and supplies are available for students.

“I enjoy this job, and it’s a great place to work. I love being around the crowd of students,” Cooper said.

“It’s my home away from home. Even after vacation, I’m always well-rested and eager to come back to school.”

With her relatives living in Third Ward, Cooper spends much of her time in the area. She attended Texas Southern University for several years and received a nursing license from Prairie View A&M University.

After her mother passed, she decided that nursing wasn’t her forte.

“I started as a part-time cashier back in 1999. After my children went to college, I had an empty nest and I’ve been full time ever since.” Cooper said.

Cooper, who asks for autographs instead of signatures during checkout, said she stresses the importance of staying positive.

“Everyone has bad days; it’s understandable. Here, it’s all about keeping customers happy,” Cooper said.

“Asking for autographs can brighten their day,” Cooper said. “If you come in here, you’re famous to me.”

Cooper insists that after 14 years, she doesn’t have complaints about the job.

“I try my best to be a problem-solver, and so far, there hasn’t been a problem that doesn’t have a solution. In all the years I’ve worked here, there has been only one incident when a student cursed at me, but that’s it,” Cooper said.

She has both accumulated countless memories and revisited a few of her best moments while working at UH.

“I remember the day Beyoncé and her mother visited back in October 2011. My daughter was so excited. I also remember when Obama visited Houston in 2012,” Cooper said.

“For me, everyday is a new, lasting memory.”

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Health and wellness organizations urge the importance of including plenty of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet plan.

Strawberry Spinach Summer Salad  |  Jasmine Tamez/The Daily Cougar

According to the American Heart Association, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help control weight and blood pressure. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Exercise sports sciences for health professions graduate Taryn Cramer described many benefits of including fruits and vegetables in her diet plan.

“Incorporating fruits and vegetables into my diet fuels my body with phytonutrients and beneficial vitamins like vitamin B. This helps provide energy and helps with hair and nail growth,” Cramer said.

“The intake of greens as part of a healthy diet can significantly impact a person’s life and provide nothing but positive results.”

Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, individuals are urged to consume about four and a half cups of fruits and vegetables every day.

With this scrumptious strawberry spinach salad drizzled with savory sweet strawberry cilantro vinaigrette dressing, eating four and a half cups of fruits and vegetables is easier — and delicious.

Strawberry Spinach Summer Salad

Makes 2 servings
Calories per serving: about 270

Ingredients:

• 4 cups loosely-packed spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced or quartered
• 1 pear, thinly sliced and cut into small strips
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• ⅓ cup walnuts, whole or chopped
• ¼ cup strawberry cilantro vinaigrette

Instructions:

Place spinach, strawberries, pears, grapes and walnuts into a large salad bowl.

Fold until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Serve two equal portions in a salad bowl or on a plate.

Drizzle 1/8 cup strawberry cilantro vinaigrette on each salad.

Strawberry Cilantro Vinaigrette

Makes 8 servings
Calories per serving: about 85 calories

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh strawberries
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 ½ lemons, juiced
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

Place strawberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, honey, lemon juice, cilantro, black pepper and salt into a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth.

Place blender or food processor on lowest setting. While the motor is running, add olive oil slowly and steadily to the mixture.

Drizzle on your salad of choice.

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Not only has Macklemore’s song “Thrfit Shop” promoted the recent boom in thrifting, but students on a budget have found bargains and great discounts on luxury brand clothing, furniture and accessories from local stores. | Kayla Stewart/The Daily Cougar

Even before Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” hit the radio, young shoppers flocked to local thrift stores to find great deals on fashionable clothes and accessories.

According to the Association of Resale Professionals, resale is a multibillion dollar industry that grew approximately 7 percent per year for the last two years. Whether it’s Buffalo Exchange, Plato’s Closet or Salvation Army, the ultimate goal is finding bargains. From 2007 to 2012, Goodwill Industries experienced an 83 percent increase in revenues.

Resale shops offer on-a-budget students the opportunity to find unique clothes and set new trends, but it isn’t the only option. Interpersonal communications senior Cayla Wheaton said she prefers to shop at Ross or T.J. Maxx.

“I feel like I can go to Ross to find the same clothing in a resale shop, but newer, “ Wheaton said. “I do go to thrift stores to buy umbrellas and tents.”

Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” has impacted resale shops and Goodwill Industries have began to use the “poppin’ tags” phrase in their advertisements.

The recent popularity of thrifting has also seeped its way into reality television with shows like “Resale Royalty” and “Fashion Hunters.” These shows provide tips for the public and offer advice on finding inexpensive, fashionable outfits.

Media studies senior Justin Sanford prefers to buy new clothes, but shops for furniture at consignment stores.

“My grandparents introduced me to consignment stores because they have variety of pieces that flowed together,” Sanford said.

“I like Coda in the Heights. You can find unique pieces and you get more for your money.”

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Named after Conrad N. Hilton’s son, Barron’s Restaurant opened doors to its first summer menu where students have a first-hand experience in the restaurant industry. Hotel and Restaurant Management seniors Dat Trinh and Jaclyn Vickery worked as hosts for Barron’s Restaurant Tuesday afternoon.  |  Monica Tso/The Daily Cougar

Barron’s Restaurant, an on-campus restaurant operated, managed and staffed by students from two Conrad N. Hilton College courses, has opened with its first summer menu.

Established in 1989, Barron’s is open for the first time during the summer semesters. Food and beverage service students form the staff, while advanced food and beverage management students operate the restaurant. Faculty advisor, Kristi Baker, began overseeing Barron’s last Fall.

“I have the opportunity to teach the students in a practical hands-on environment and to share my passion with the industry’s next set of leaders,” Baker said. “Barron’s Restaurant is a learning lab, and we’re not meant to make a profit. We’re here to teach you what running a restaurant is supposed to be like.”

Baker described the precise details in cooking the dishes to create a unique and delicious experience.

“I consider myself a foodie and am very picky about food, so if I wouldn’t eat it, we don’t send it out,” Baker said. “We also strive for pricing that will appeal to students and food that will please anyone.”

Hotel and restaurant management junior Katie Proctor said that her favorite dish on Barron’s menu was the Texas Twister, a sandwich topped with hot garlic tenders between toast.

The Turkey & Muenster Panini with a side of thin-cut french fries for a great summer-reduced price. | Monica Tso/The Daily Cougar

“It’s absolutely delicious. In addition to fantastic made-to-order food, visitors (to the restaurant) can expect attentive service, friendly and knowledgeable students and a comfy atmosphere,” Proctor said.

Hotel and restaurant management senior Duy Nguyen explained the benefits to students having the opportunity to work as washers, chefs and hosts.

“It’s such a great experience, because we can fully understand how to run a restaurant,” Nguyen said. “One day, you’re the expediter, and you have to lead the team in making sure all the food comes out correctly. The next day, you’re meeting all sorts of people as a host.”

Many students have expressed a positive reaction to the new menu.

“Barron’s has exceeded my expectations,” said kinesiology junior Felipe Arismendi. “The quality of our food was very good for such low prices.”

Located in the Conrad N. Hilton College, Barron’s Restaurant will be open 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday until June 28, and will re-open on July 15 until Aug. 2.

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A panel of professional architects from organizations and different cities joined ideas at the third biennial Collaborative Community Design Initiative to create methods to improve Houston’s neighborhoods. | Tuhin Dey/The Daily Cougar

Guests took a seat at one of four workshop tables with sprawled aerial maps to discuss new visions for Houston’s neighborhoods Saturday morning at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture.

The UH School of Architecture housed the third biennial Collaborative Community Design Initiative to analyze possible developments and solutions for the community. The CCDI, a program of the UH Community Design Resource Center, aims to bridge gaps and build partnerships between the University, local communities and professionals through urban planning and designing of sustainable, holistic neighborhoods.

CCDI project director and architecture professor Susan Rogers explained one of her goals in improving low and moderate income communities across Houston.

“We’re influencing decision making, and that’s what we were hoping to do,” Rogers said.

Every two years, the CCDI researches and strategizes new development projects for different neighborhoods. For their third installment of the program, “Hearts,” the CCDI plans to re-envision four neighborhoods: Greater Fifth Ward, Denver Harbor, Magnolia Park and Sunnyside.

Project researching includes a full survey of the areas’ history, demographic, education and disease. The CCDI is not only offering a plan to clean up Houston’s historic neighborhoods but also aiming to change people’s health through architecture and urban design. Assistant researcher at the CDRC Claudia Ponce was a discussion leader and added to Rogers’ enthusiasm.

“We bring together the community and find a way to make a community healthier by design,” Ponce said.

Through funding from the Center for Disease Control and a new partnership with the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, CCDI has attracted a larger audience to create a tank of ideas.

A key concern was what makes a healthy community, which included ways to break from conventional restrictions of housing.

The Collaborative Community Design Initiative started in 2009. Each year, the CCDI focuses on four different Houston neighborhoods and the needed improvements. | Tuhin Dey/The Daily Cougar

Ideas included grocers with fresh produce, green spaces, public activities, revamped local schools, infrastructure, recreational sites, libraries, arts and culture, bike and pedestrian lanes and clinics and several others. Carra Moroni from the HDHHS talked about the role of collaboration in effecting change in public health.

“It’s not just the role of the health department to solve public health issues,” Moroni said. “It’s a collaborative effort that includes other entities as well. A community that is livable is a community that is healthy.”

UH architecture alumna Melvalean Mclemore considered the meetings as more than only a strategizing process.

“It’s about promoting interest in the community,” Mclemore said. “It’s a round-table-like experience.”

CCDI also offers students, professionals and community members the opportunity to put their skills to work and to bring about visible changes. Health Chair for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Texas Carol Moore appreciated the sincerity of the people involved.

“They’re really wanting to make a difference; they really care,” Moore said. “There is only one word for this: excellent.”

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Facilitators Nathan Mckee (left), Selby Lo (middle) and Melanie Fitzpatrick (right) educated the group with LGBT facts, terms, history and trivia during Cougar Ally Training Wednesday afternoon. | Aisha Bouderdaben/The Daily Cougar

More than 100 UH staff and faculty members are allies of the LGBT community, and several participants attended Cougar Ally Training Wednesday afternoon to increase their knowledge and to become helpful to students in need.

The facilitators of Cougar Ally Training — Lab Operations Supervisor Nathan Mckee, Graduate School of Social Work Program Director Melanie Barr Fitzpatrick and Activities Advisor Selby Lo — all worked to promote the awareness of the LGBT community. Lo stressed the importance of holding a monthly training for UH.

“We hope that attendants leave training with a better understanding of others and knowledge of available resources for students,” Lo said. “Knowing the resources is half of the battle in creating a safe environment.”

Also having assisted three training sessions for more than a year, Lo shared the impact of working with Cougar Allies and the LGBT community.

“This entire experience has helped me learn about myself as a person,” Lo said. “I highly encourage more people to attend.”

Dean of Students graduate assistant Branston Harris participated in Cougar Ally Training to grasp an understanding of the LGBT community.

Allies may choose to display this placard that demonstrates their knowledge of the LGBT community, which assures a safe environment. | Courtesy of Lorraine Schroeder

“UH is an institution of higher learning with a diverse population of students who come from all kinds of backgrounds. It’s important that we have the information to help all students. We don’t want them to feel segregated by any means,” Harris said.

Assistant Dean of Students DuJuan Smith has attended ally trainings at previous institutions and was eager to be involved in the training at UH.

“The training reinforced positive things about the LGBT community that I already knew,” Smith said. “Being an advocate and providing assistance and resources for students is incredibly important.”

The next Cougar Ally Training session will be held July 16.

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The Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston will be located on Main Street, where over 120,000 students from nearby universities can socialize. More than 40 art groups and national experts have proposed ideas in creating a sustainable facility for Houston’s art scene. | Courtesy of The MATCH

A new creative center for local arts organizations and a broad spectrum of artists to collaborate and showcase will enhance Houston’s community in 2015.

The Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston will provide a home for artists to exhibit and perform. With award-winning architects, management services and consulting groups, the MATCH hopes to create a sense of place and culture.

Jewett Consulting, a Houston-based consulting firm, specializes in helping arts and cultural non-profit organizations achieve their goals. Jewett Consulting executive assistant Regina Romano works with president Jill Jewett as lead consultants in the MATCH project.

“In the past two years, we have developed a strong development board and worked closely with arts organizations,” Romano said. “With the help of lawyers and board members, Jill has negotiated all city agreements, including a grant agreement that provides the MATCH with annual support of $450,000.”

Romano said that she has been waiting for a spot in Houston like the MATCH for a long time.

“The facility will strengthen Houston’s arts community by filling a gap in needed visual and performing arts venues,” Romano said. “It will also provide Houston with a new, unique destination that is accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Known theater and art venues in Houston are costly and formal. Romano described the struggle to find adequate spaces built for the arts.

“With art exhibits and performances taking place on any given night of the week, the MATCH serves as a shared space that will help groups learn from each other and gain exposure,” she said.

Director of Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts Karen Farber is a volunteering member of the Houston arts community and an advisory board member for the MATCH based at UH.

“Given the proximity to campus, I’m really excited for what it has to offer,” Farber said. “With so many young, energetic and experimental art groups at the MATCH, it will make living at UH more exciting with its vibrant and lively connection. It will complement what happens on campus.”

Farber plans to coordinate programming between the Mitchell Center and the MATCH.

“The MATCH will hold different arrangements for different groups with some resident organizations and some rental projects,” Farber said. “We are hoping to launch an annual spring festival for contemporary arts at UH and organize events at the new center.”

The 59,000-square-foot facility holds four theaters, two classrooms, several galleries and more.

“A lot more of Houston’s art scene will be seen,” she said. “This state-of-the-art facility is so important because there are too little affordable venues in Houston. Plus, it’ll bring a cross-fertilization of audiences.”

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