From arguing about which is The Cure's best album to asking if someone has seen Blackpink Jennie's latest music video, UHD's Music Appreciation Club (UMAC) is home to passionate conversation between music lovers. When music interests align and our favorite artist goes on tour, who better to talk about it with than our friends?
A club where Metal meets Mozart and where get-togethers go something like "Guys, what if...we go to an opera show?," the club is unique in that it's members all agree on hearing any type of music, anytime, anywhere.
The growing organization has 172 on-campus members and 240 members across online platforms like Discord, GroupMe, and Instagram. Asked about the number of members, Alex Mendoza, Vice President of the organization and a Social Sciences major, said "I seriously considered holding all our club meetings in the back room of a café. Little did I know that more than 100 people would be interested. It's gratifying, to say the least."
Sam Pueblos, President of UMAC and a Social Work major, guides the club, along with Mendoza. Both were looking forward to sharing their love for music with like-minded people during their time at UHD, and their small idea turned into a fun rollercoaster of organizing movie nights and concert trips.
"This club creates community and provides a safe space for students who may feel a bit isolated during their first semesters at UHD," Mendoza said. "I want this club to represent a place of belonging for all UHD students, especially the marginalized."
UMAC members have been in the presence of artists like jazz master Terence Blanchard and alternative duo Twenty One Pilots. UHD is in the heart of Houston, and with many opportunities to see artists from all over the world, UMAC hopes to continue to unite students through a love for music.
Photo credits: Marina Bravo-Cabrera