Dr. Wayne Dyess Memorial Scholarship in Music established
The Lamar University Foundation has announced an endowed scholarship has been established for the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The Dr. Wayne Dyess Memorial Scholarship in Music will provide funds for students to further their studies in higher education.
“This scholarship will help an aspiring trombonist and jazz student pursue their love of music and be an encouragement to other fellow musicians as Wayne was for so many,” said Russ Schultz, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. “A legend on campus, Wayne had a profound effect on students and teachers. This scholarship is meant to continue his legacy and the contributions he made to Lamar and music education.”
The friends of Dyess and the members of The Night and Day Orchestra, which was founded and led by Dyess, established the scholarship. A veteran of the United States Navy, Dyess graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a bachelor of music. He went on to earn his master of music from The Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and doctor of education from the University of Houston, having also completed graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin.
In 1977, Dyess became Assistant Director of Bands at Lamar. He was also the principal trombonist with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and performed regularly throughout the United States and internationally with several groups. Dyess was trombone soloist and section leader of the “World’s Finest” United States Navy Band. Since the inception of Lamarissimo! Concert Series in 1990, Dyess conducted Lamar jazz bands, attracting many notable guests.
For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.
