Nick Knirk (’98), McKinney, has released Gypsy Spirit Suite, a CD that explores how contemporary jazz manouche music, originated by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt, has evolved from its traditional quintet format to larger ensembles and contemporary harmonic influences. The project grew out of his thesis research for his master's degree in music composition at Stephen F. Austin State University. Nick serves as coordinator of music technology at Collin College. At UNT, he was a member of Jazz Guitar Club.