Music Professor Receives Military Commission
Music Professor Receives Military Commission
Sep 8 2020 - 2:00pm
By: Brisa Ramirez
The Military Department of the State of Texas has commissioned Steve Hubbard, adjunct professor of music at Southwestern Adventist University as a first lieutenant. He has been assigned as the Band Officer for the State Guard Headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. 1st Lt. Steve Hubbard, SWAU Class of 79, teaches brass instruments and is the conductor for both Southwestern Brass and the newly formed Knights Pep Band.
This past spring, Hubbard, who comes from a military family, inquired about the possibility of occasionally playing trumpet in a state military band. In response, he was invited to recruit, form and train a band for the Texas State Guard as well as to head up and centralize the State Guard's music endeavors. Hubbard was offered a commission as an officer and accepted.
Hubbard is forming a brass quintet and a 22-member ceremonial band. Musicians in both groups will rehearse two days a month as well as several weeks each summer. They will be on call to provide music for state, military, civic and educational organizations.
"I am excited to have this opportunity to use my musical skills for the benefit of the state of Texas. I welcome the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” shares Hubbard. He is also looking forward to the officer training which will involve various aspects of emergency management.
The Texas State Guard is an elite unit of the Texas Military Department. Their primary missions are humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Guard members are currently deployed throughout Texas conducting COVID-19 testing.
“Our department, and SWAU as a whole, is dedicated to being active in the community. We are very proud of this amazing service opportunity for one of our alumni and faculty,” shares Devon Howard, Chair of the Department of Music at SWAU. This is clear through the mission statement at SWAU: Inspiring knowledge, faith and service. It is clear the professors take an active part in achieving that goal.