Texas Tech University: JT & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, School of Music. TTU University Choir 100-Year Alumni Reunion
- January 15-17, 2027
- Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
About the Reunion
100 years. One unforgettable reunion.
For a century, choral music has brought generations of Texas Tech students together through a shared love of music, performance and community. From the university's earliest choral groups to today's University Choir, the tradition has been shaped by thousands of voices, lasting friendships and the directors who have guided singers throughout the decades.
January 15–17, 2027, University Choir alumni are invited back to Texas Tech to celebrate that legacy together. Across three days, alumni will reconnect with fellow singers, rehearse alongside the current University Choir, share memories and return to the stage for a special 100-Year Reunion Concert in Hemmle Recital Hall.
100 years of voices.
Generations of Red Raiders have found their place through choral music at Texas Tech. Explore moments from across the decades and the voices that have carried this tradition forward.
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Texas Tech University Choir, 1958, Gene Hemmle, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir, 1978-1979, Gene Kenney, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir 1983-1984, Donald Bailey, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir Fall 1993, Ken Davis, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir 1996-1997, Ken Davis, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir August 2002, John Dickson, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir 2004-2005, John Dickson, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir 2009-2010, Rick Bjella, Director -
Texas Tech University Choir 2021-2022, Alan Zabriskie, Director
The directors who shaped University Choir.
While Texas Tech's choral tradition reaches back to 1926, University Choir as generations of alumni know it today took shape under Gene Hemmle beginning in 1949. Since then, seven directors have guided the ensemble, each shaping its musical tradition and the experiences of the singers who were part of it.
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Gene Hemmle
1949–1957
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Gene Kenney
1957–1983
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Donald L. Bailey
1983–1989
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Kenneth Davis
1989–2000
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John H. Dickson
2000–2008
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John Hollins
2008–2009
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Rick Bjella
2009–2017
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Alan Zabriskie
2017–Present
Weekend at a glance.
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Friday, January 15
- Alumni arrival & check-in
- First reunion rehearsal begins at 12:00 p.m. with the current University Choir
- Evening social gathering
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Saturday, January 16
- Morning and afternoon rehearsals
- Free time for lunch and reconnecting
- University Choir Alumni Banquet
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Sunday, January 17
- Morning Free
- 100-Year Reunion Concert
Hemmle Recital Hall - Reunion concludes at 5:00 p.m.
Detailed rehearsal times, locations, parking and other weekend logistics will be shared with registered participants as the reunion approaches.
Registration.
$75
- Early-Bird Registration: $75 + $9 platform fee
- October 1–15
- Regular Registration: $150 + $9 platform fee
- October 16–December 1
*Early-bird pricing will be applied automatically after you select Registration and add it to your cart.
Registration closes December 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT
Space may be limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Your reunion registration includes:
- Reunion weekend participation
- Reunion Choir music
- Saturday Alumni Banquet
- Commemorative 100-Year Reunion T-shirt
- Reunion lanyard/name badge
- Participation in the 100-Year Reunion Concert
Bringing a spouse or guest?
Additional banquet tickets are available for $40 per person and may be added during registration.
Plan your stay.
Courtesy hotel blocks are available for University Choir Reunion attendees at two Lubbock properties.
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Cotton Court Hotel
$139 King $149 Double
Courtesy block available through December 15
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Additional Accommodations
Lubbock offers a variety of additional hotel options near Texas Tech University. Alumni are welcome to make accommodations that best fit their travel needs.
Your story is part of our story.
Your memories are part of the history we're celebrating. Share a favorite University Choir memory, historical photo or short video and help us tell the story of 100 years of choral tradition at Texas Tech.
Frequently asked questions.
Who is invited to participate in the reunion?
Anyone who sang in University Choir during their time at Texas Tech is invited to participate. You do not need to have graduated from Texas Tech or have been a music major. If you were part of University Choir, this reunion is for you.
Who will be conducting the 100-Year Reunion Choir?
Dr. John Dickson, Dr. Richard Bjella and Dr. Alan Zabriskie are expected to join us for the 100-Year Reunion. Additional information about conducting and the reunion concert program will be shared as plans are finalized.
Can I participate if I haven't sung in years?
Absolutely! The reunion is about bringing University Choir alumni back together. Rehearsals throughout the weekend will give participants time to prepare for Sunday's concert.
Do I need to attend the entire weekend?
Yes. Alumni participating in the reunion should plan to attend the full reunion weekend, including scheduled rehearsals and the reunion concert.
Do I need to participate in the concert?
Yes. The 100-Year Reunion Concert is part of the reunion experience, bringing generations of University Choir alumni together to perform once again.
When should I arrive in Lubbock on Friday?
Please plan to arrive in Lubbock by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 15, to allow time for check-in before the first reunion rehearsal begins at noon. We recognize that travel schedules may make this difficult for some alumni. If needed, later arrivals can be accommodated through 3:00 p.m.; however, we encourage everyone who is able to arrive by 11:00 a.m. so you can participate in the reunion from the beginning.
Can my spouse/guest attend the banquet?
Yes. Additional banquet tickets for spouses and guests are available for $40 per person and may be added during registration.
Can guests attend the reunion concert?
Yes! Family, friends and members of the community are invited to attend the 100-Year Reunion Concert.
Will music be provided?
Yes. Reunion music and rehearsal materials will be provided to registered alumni.
What should I wear for the concert?
Concert attire information will be provided to registered alumni before the reunion.
Where should I stay?
Discounted hotel blocks are available for reunion attendees at Cotton Court and the Overton Hotel. See the Plan Your Stay section above for rates and booking information. Additional lodging options near Texas Tech are also available.
Where do I park?
Parking information, including detailed instructions and a map, will be provided to registered alumni before the reunion.
What if I need accessibility accommodations?
Please let us know about any accessibility or accommodation needs when completing your reunion registration.
The music brought us together. The memories bring us home.
Stay connected.
Follow the Texas Tech Choral Department for reunion updates, photos and news as we count down to the 100-Year Reunion.
Questions?
School of Music
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Address
2624 18th Street | Box 42033 | Lubbock, TX 79409-2033 -
Phone
806.742.2274 -
Email
schoolofmusic@ttu.edu