Andrea Sasha Ortiz
Andrea Sasha Ortiz is a fifth-year doctoral
candidate in clinical psychology and is the reigning
International Ms Texas 2021, a role in which she
serves as an ambassador, speaker and advocate. Her
primary purpose is to inspire and empower women
through her community service initiative, E^3:
Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship.
She is a mental health activist and brand ambassador
for Glam Gloss Beauty Co. and HiTech MODA.
This October, for Domestic Violence Awareness
Month, she will debut her cosmetic line Golden
G!ddess Beauty Co., with proceeds benefitting
Genesis Women’s Shelter. While studying at UNT,
she collaborated with members of the UNT System
Board of Regents to launch the Interdisciplinary
Mentorship Program and served as vice president of
Marketing and Communications and sitting president
of the Graduate Student Council.
Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble at UNT is a diverse and innovative program that has set high standards in percussion education and performance for decades. Part of the largest school of music in the United States, this select percussion ensemble directed by Mark Ford has performed at a variety of music festivals and conventions, including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, The Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and international concerts in France, Belgium, Poland and Croatia. The ensemble has recorded two CDs, Marimba Heritage and Vespertine Formations.
In addition to this outstanding ensemble, UNT boasts one of the finest jazz drum set programs in the world, and according to Bleacher Report, the best College Drum Line in the country. To further enhance their educational offerings, UNT percussion students also benefit from numerous ethnic ensembles, including Gamelan, Steel Band, African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian & South Indian ensembles.