About Philharmonic
The Laredo Philharmonic was founded in 1980 by Dr. Ray Keck III, Sue Killam, and others for the purpose of establishing a legacy of excellence in providing our community with the highest musical performances as we fulfill our mission of engaging, enriching, and entertaining the community, especially our children and students. Through the efforts of the Laredo Philharmonic, our community is afforded the opportunity to experience unparalleled musical performances, and our students are provided opportunities to collaborate with world-class musicians. The activities of the Laredo Philharmonic improve our region’s quality of life, offer a direct tangible economic impact to our community, and provide access to extraordinary musical experiences in a way unlike any other organization.
The Laredo Philharmonic is now in its 44th season and continues its dedication/mission of Engaging, Enriching, Entertaining, and Educating the local community through music. The Philharmonic Board members have a long history of working with educational institutions, arts organizations, as well as private and public entities to enhance and strengthen the understanding and appreciation of all genres of music, including masterworks of classical, contemporary, and international music; Sponsoring or providing musical educational activities, programs and opportunities for the children and youth of the community; Encouraging the general cultural development of the community and region that it serves.
Our Artists
Artist member
Discover the talented musicians who bring our symphonies to life.
Dr. Joseph Crabtree, LP President
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Leadership
Board Members
Annie Alvarez Vice President
Laura Llanes helps manage her husband’s medical clinic as well as medical billing. She has served as Director in the areas of Employment and Training, Nursing Administration, Public Housing, and New Housing Developments (affordable housing). She has also served on many Boards in leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels. She founded and directed an animal advocacy & rescue organization, Protective Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) for 20 years. Laura is a native of Laredo. She received her MA from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. Laura has always had a great appreciation for the arts.
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Judith Kilburn Secretary
Nora Idalia Montemayor, Historian
Elizabeth "Libbie" Casso, Treasurer
Libbie Casso is the President of Mercy Ministries of Laredo, a non-profit organization that operates a Primary Healthcare Clinic for the uninsured and a Domestic Violence Shelter in Laredo. She has worked for Mercy for 23 years. She has been active and served in positions of leadership in many local non-profit organizations including Mercy Auxiliary, The Society of Martha Washington and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Libbie received her BS from St. Louis University and worked for the National Accounting firm Haskins and Sells and for General Electric Corp. She was born in Bardstown Kentucky.
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Molly Higgins
Molly’s love of the arts began at a young age. Her mother, Margaret Higgins, exposed her to art by working as a docent for the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the San Antonio Museum of Arts. After raising four children, Molly continued her creative journey by taking voice lessons with Dr. Joe Crabtree which later progressed to piano lessons so she could learn how to sight read. This is Molly’s third performance with the Laredo Philharmonic. Molly is also a Board Certified Trial Attorney, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
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Gregorio Lopez
John Reimund, General Manager
John R. Reimund currently works as the low brass instructor at the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts. He also is an adjunct music professor at Texas A&M International University. Mr. Reimund is an active tuba performer and clinician in the South Texas region. He serves as principal tubist with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also a founding member of YES Brass (tuba/euphonium quartet). Mr. Reimund has played with the San Antonio Brass Band, Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, WTSU Faculty Brass Quintet, The United States Military Academy Band, The Regimental Brass and the Hudson Valley Opera.
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Nancy De Anda
Ardith Epstein
Gayle Akers Rodriguez
Alejandra G. Rodriguez
John Campbell