The José Antonio Galán Open-Air Theater at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) became a venue for gathering, integration, and cultural celebration during the latest edition of “Thursdays at La Gallera,” an institutional event that on this occasion featured a performance by the UIS School of Arts and Music Big Band.
Under the direction of Professor Nelson Cruz, the group offered a repertoire full of rhythm, talent, and musical diversity, performing pieces of Latin jazz, salsa, merengue, and other genres that thrilled students, faculty, staff, and attendees who gathered at this traditional university venue.
The Big Band is composed of professors and musicians from the University who, through trumpets, saxophones, trombones, piano, bass, and percussion, showcased the institution’s artistic talent and the cultural richness found at UIS.
“Thursdays at La Gallera” is an initiative led by the Institute for Regional Outreach and Distance Education (IPRED), with the support of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension (VIE), as part of the institution’s commitment to promoting venues that strengthen culture, regional identity, and the appropriation of university spaces through art and music.
The strategy includes a monthly program featuring artistic groups from the regional campuses and the main campus. Each event will be dedicated to showcasing a specific campus, allowing the invited groups to share their cultural expressions and create opportunities for interaction with the university community.
For the Vice Rector for Research and Outreach, Cristian Blanco Tirado, these types of activities strengthen outreach initiatives and the holistic development of the university community. “Together with IPRED and the Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Outreach, we are developing this outreach initiative so that each month our talented musical groups can perform for the enjoyment of the entire university community. These events are also part of holistic education and allow us to share all the artistic and cultural expression that exists in our regions and on the main campus”.
The vice-chancellor also highlighted the value of cultural diversity at the University and how these initiatives help strengthen integration and institutional identity. “The UIS has students from different regions of the country, and many of them bring with them a wealth of artistic and cultural heritage. These events demonstrate that the University is not just an academic institution, but also a space for engaging with the culture and expressions that define us”.
For his part, Professor Carlos Lozano emphasized the importance of keeping these spaces alive within the university tradition. “These events foster the University’s cultural tradition. Getting involved in these kinds of initiatives allows us to stay relevant, showcase our work, and share part of what we do with the university community. Furthermore, they help provide role models and motivation for our students.”
Likewise, the group’s director, Nelson Cruz, noted that “Jueves en La Gallera” has established itself as a key venue for bringing different artistic expressions to the university audience and strengthening cultural exchange on campus.
