SHEILA E. - THE "E" IS FOR ELECTRICITY

If electrical storms had names like hurricanes, McNally Smith College of Music could call the category five storm that passed through on Thursday and Friday: Sheila E.

She played the congas with one of the McNally Smith Latin Ensembles, and her virtuosity, confidence, and charisma were simply astonishing. She eagerly signed hundreds of autographs with messages of sincere encouragement, she gave interviews with directness and honesty, and she answered dozens of questions from eager students with insight and experience, the complete embodiment of a seasoned professional.

Sheila learned percussion quite literally at the feet of the master: the legendary Pete Escovedo, her dad. He was and still is her greatest inspiration, even though he insisted she study violin instead of percussion, a decision she thanks him for to this day.

But happily for all of us, she followed her true inspiration and became one of the finest percussive artists and performers of her generation.

Not surprisingly, the music business was not an easy place for a woman filling a traditionally male role in the band. Many questions from McNally Smith students probed her strategy for dealing with the resentment and disrespect she sometimes felt as the only woman in the band.

Her answers always displayed a calm assurance and surprising absence of any bitterness or anger at the treatment she sometimes received. Her message was clear and consistent: be prepared; do your homework; show up ready to do your best; and, above all, be confident in your ability and let your (superb!) performance answer the critics.

Sheila E has achieved success most musicians only dream of, but she has not rested at the pinnacle of her success. Perhaps her most inspiring message of all is her commitment to helping to build and restore community where it is most needed. She dedicates a huge part of her time and energy to the Elevate Hope Foundation, a group that works with abused and neglected children through music and art therapy to promote self confidence and human compassion.

It was our great privilege to host this fabulous artist, one who instead of living The Glamorous Life, has chosen to apply her skills and resources to help those who need help most. Thanks so much, Sheila, for your dynamic music performance, and your generosity of spirit.