Student, Faculty & Alumni Success
March 2026
MCC Faculty and Alumna Shine at Mid-South Horn Workshop
The McLennan Department of Music was well represented at the Mid-South Horn Workshop in Nacogdoches, Texas, over Spring Break. Dr. Kim Hagelstein, MCC Assistant Professor of Horn, performed with the Texas Horn Professors Horn Choir and served as a judge for one of the workshop’s competitions. In addition, Caitlyn Cantrell, a former student of Dr. Hagelstein’s at MCC who is now pursuing her master’s degree at Baylor University, presented a lecture titled “When the Alphorn Enters the Concert Hall: From Mozart to the Modern Stage.” Cantrell was also named a finalist in the Graduate Solo Competition. Go, Highlanders!
February 2026
MCC Students, Faculty Perform at Texas Music Educators Association State Conference
In February, MCC students performed at the annual Texas Music Educators Association state conference in San Antonio, an event that showcases the finest students from two-year colleges across Texas. Selected through a rigorous audition process, MCC representatives included Trish Huynh, Aundraya Jacobs-London, and Mason Kusler, who performed with the TTCCDA Two-Year College All-State Choir, and Rachel Holden, Archie Hatten V, Elia Salas, Gabriel Valdivia, Riley Malloy, and Aidan O’Shields, who performed with the TCCBDA All-State Wind Symphony. Additionally, Dr. Jared Eben served as the collaborative pianist for the TTCCDA All-State Choir. Congratulations to these outstanding students and faculty members on this prestigious achievement!
December 2025
MCC Faculty Member Featured on BBC-Acclaimed Holiday Album
MCC faculty member Jenna Hernandez McLean is featured for her involvement with the acclaimed choral ensemble Ensemble Altera and their new Christmas album, Feminine Voices at Christmas, which celebrates the richness of women’s voices in holiday music. Feminine Voices at Christmas has earned a 5-star review and the Christmas Choice designation from BBC Music Magazine, highlighting the group’s exceptional artistry and musical excellence. Congratulations to Jenna Hernandez McLean and Ensemble Altera on this distinguished recognition!
November 2025
MCC Alumnus Leads Rosebud-Lott Band to UIL 2A State Finals
MCC alumnus Jordan Sundermann (Class of ’18) has led the Rosebud-Lott High School Cougar Band to remarkable success this fall, qualifying for the UIL 2A State Marching Band Competition in San Antonio. Under her direction, the band advanced through regional and area contests and earned a place in the state finals, finishing 6th overall in Class 2A. Congratulations to Jordan Sundermann and the Cougar Band on this outstanding achievement!
