University Accepts Musical Instrument Donation from Community Leader Nick Adame
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Equal parts rhythmic foundation and melodic sensibility, bass players are at the root of modern music, creating memorable lines – traditionally on four strings – that are embedded in the magic of legendary jazz standards, top 40 chartbusters and even heavy metal anthems alike.
On Friday, Dec. 14, Dr. Kelly M. Quintanilla, president and CEO of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, accepted an electric bass guitar donation from donor Nick Adame on behalf of the University’s Music Department. The gathering included College of Liberal Arts Dean Mark Hartlaub; Dr. Brian Thacker, professional assistant professor of music industry studies and director of the Islander Jazz Band; Dr. Brian Shelton, music department chair and associate professor of music; and Michael Moore, professional assistant professor of guitar.
Dr. Adame, a longtime Corpus Christi community leader who owns Adame Chiropractic & Acupuncture, said the gift – a new Fender five-string American Elite Jazz electric bass guitar valued at $2,500 – represents a personal interest of his as he still owns five basses from his days as a performing musician.
Thacker said the bass guitar will be utilized by jazz band students looking to step up to a high-end instrument.
“This donation will allow any Island University student interested in playing bass in the jazz ensemble to have a professional quality instrument available to them,” he said.
Adame, who serves as a member of the Texas Jazz Festival board, said he played bass guitar locally in several Conjunto, jazz, and Tejano bands in the 1970s.
“I donated this bass so students who might have a bass may want to try something different, so the opportunity is there,” Adame said. “I have also donated basses to Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Del Mar College. I am a member of LULAC, and 20 percent of what we do is civil rights and the rest is education. Supporting education is part of my mission in life: What can I do to give back?”
