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“Going the extra mile” seems to be all in a day’s work for Roeder, associate professor of music, who has proven himself to be not only a professor of tuba/euphonium but also a mentor, coach, advisor, guide, travel and booking agent, fundraiser and role model.
Nominator Krista Jobson, assistant professor of flute, said she sees an energy in Roeder’s students that she attributes to his ability to connect – encouraging students to reach further and hone their art as they prepare for national and international competitions.
“The tuba/euphonium ensemble that he leads is among the most traveled university ensembles in the country,” Jobson said. “I estimate that Dr. Roeder has helped secure close to $50,000 since 2012 to help his students perform at all these events.”
Abel Ocanas, a former student and now assistant band director for Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen, said he was able to travel to a competition in Austria. “By exposing me to so much talent in the United States and Europe, Dr. Roeder changed my life.”
Former students also say their professor was always available, approachable, and remains a source of support as they pursue their careers in music education.
“A great way to mentor is to listen, and get to know your students – get to understand where they’re coming from, what’s going on in their lives – if you can see into their lives, you have a better avenue to help guide them to get to them where they want to go,” Roeder said.
School of Music
College of Fine Arts
Associate professor