Members of the Zebras, the popular music ensemble, reunited in April via today’s most popular method — Zoom.

The meeting included guest of honor Dan Haerle (’66), Professor Emeritus of music, who organized the Zebras in the 1980s.

“Everyone in the meeting has gone on to do some great things in music,” says Lalo Dávila (’87 M.M.Ed.), the event’s organizer. “Everyone had so many great things to say about their experiences at UNT, the Zebras, and the man of the hour, Dan Haerle. Everyone agreed that Dan Haerle had an enormous impact on us — an exemplary teacher, mentor, and without a doubt, a true friend.”

One alumnus, Steve Bailey, says, “When I came to him discouraged, he said, ‘Steve, the cream always rises to the top eventually. Your job is to be the cream. Gravity will take care of the rest.’” Dávila also organized a reunion of UNT Drumline members, which included Dale Baker (’90), who played for Sixpence None the Richer. “Both of these reunions would not have happened if not for COVID-19,” Baker says.

Those who attended are: Lalo Dávila (’87 M.M.Ed.); Dan Wojo (’88); Fred Ganter (’91); Steve Bailey; Pete Demeo, who attended in the 1980s; Jim White (’92); Rick Stitzel (’71); Gary Rich (’81, ’84 M.M.); Brad Dutz, who attended in the 1970s to early 1980s; Ray Brinker (’83); Mike Bogle (’87, ’89 M.M.E., M.M., ’00 D.M.A.); Bob Lanzetti (’04); Aaron Lington (’01 M.M., ’05 D.M.A.); Otis Hayes, who attended in the 1980s; Sanford Hinderlie (’83 M.M.); Mark Nilan (’81); Lee Tomboulian (’97 M.M.); Eddie Clark; Ricardo Bozas (’90); Chris Borin (’08); Ted Cruz, who attended in the 1980s; Shawn Martin; Dale Baker (’90); Stephen Smith (’02); Matt Bissonette, who attended from 1979 to 1981; Mathew Nicholl (’78, ’82 M.M.E.); Uli Geissendoerfer (’92); and Steve Fisher, who attended in the 1980s.