Dr. Brian Shook

‘I was very fortunate to serve as principal trumpeter at least for 11 years, while I was at the University. This special relationship that Lamar University has with the Symphony of Southeast Texas strengthens both organizations.’

     'I joined the faculty of the Music Department in January of 2009. I started as Visiting Assistant Professor. In the Summer of 2016, I became the Department Chair. Previously, I was promoted to Associate Professor. In the Summer of 2021, I was appointed as Assistant Dean, and in the Summer of 2022, I left Lamar University. Lamar was the first institution to take a chance on me for full-time employment. It was a wonderful opportunity for me professionally. At that time, Dr. Jimmy Simmons was the President. Lamar also provided me the opportunity to transition into administration, which is something that I have really enjoyed.'
     ‘Both of my daughters, Penelope and Chloe were born in Texas, a great place to raise a family. They enjoyed going to the music and art events. Going to the football games.’
      ‘One of the great partnerships or a special relationship that Lamar has is with the Symphony of Southeast Texas, which is a professional organization. The faculty at Lamar are also professional performers. Whenever appropriate, they preferred to hire faculty from Lamar to perform in the symphony. There is still an audition process that we go through. I was very fortunate to serve as principal trumpeter at least for 11 years, while I was at the University. It strengthens both organizations, the Symphony having University faculty involved as well as the University having their faculty involved in such a public organization that provides service to the community.’
     ‘When Kristin and I got married, we started our life in Texas without any family or friends. We started with nothing. Thirteen years later, when we left, we had so much, many friends from our church, many friends from the University, neighbors. We are very very blessed to have many deep and meaningful relationships, both adult and children. Lamar is synonymous with Beaumont and Beaumont is synonymous with Lamar. If we could carve out Beaumont and Lamar and place it in the Midwest near our families, we would have the perfect scenario.’