By Sarah Kinzbach Williams
Dr. Marcelo Bussiki is a musician, conductor, educator, and musical director of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. The acclaimed conductor is also the equivalent of a Brazilian knight after being bestowed with the title of “Oficial,” the highest honor Brazil’s executive power confer upon an artist. Most recently, Bussiki added to his repertoire of titles as dean of visual and performing arts at Blinn College.
Bussiki is no stranger to Blinn. He joined the college in 2006 as division chair of fine arts at the Bryan campus. Under his tutelage, the program has grown from 1,800 students to more than 4,000 and now offers 51 courses and seven programs. He is now over all campuses and aims to extend the successes of the Bryan campus to the entire college.
While a career in music and art remains challenging, Bussiki suggests looking around. “The way the room is shaped, the way the garden is landscaped, the way we advertise our products – it is full of art or artistic concepts,” says Bussiki. “How many times do you think about the music in the background of a movie or commercial? You don’t necessarily stop and think, ‘Oh, that is the art of music.’ But, it’s there and some artist or musician had to do it.”
As the arts integrate more into daily life, Bussiki says there are opportunities in visual arts that were not available a few years ago. “The use of the arts within the context of the 21st century will be changing and is changing. There are opportunities in arts that go very deep into technological aspect in combination with artistic design.”
With the ever-changing industry and increased interest, Bussiki says the college is exploring possibilities of expansion. “The goal is to secure a space dedicated to visual and performing arts…to solidify everything that has been done over the years and offer another venue…to access art, theater, and music classes.”
Bussiki says the success and continued growth of the program is largely due to the faculty. “We have an extraordinary group of faculty members who are very enthusiastic. A happy faculty member is a happy student and a happy institution. I can do nothing without them, their support, and their trust.”
Between his inevitable legacy at Blinn and his 17-season tenure with the Brazos Valley Symphony, Bussiki is leaving the mark of art on the Brazos Valley.
“The core of it is what I can give to those around me,” says Bussiki. “I am lucky to have a direct connection…with my audience when I am performing, and I am able to make another direct impact in the lives of those students that live in this area. The ability to do that is very fulfilling.”
