All I can say is that some of you who are bagging on the North Texas Music School don't seem to know what you're talking about. If you do a google search on "University of North Texas Alumni" and look through the listings for various schools and programs, some of them make up one page, maybe a couple make up two, and only one "Music" goes on for 3 pages.
That's all the more remarkable because some of those listings are for bands instead of individuals, some of which are composed of multiple UNT alumni, and some people are not listed despite having stellar music careers. Among those not listed are Ray Hermann, woodwinds player for Chicago; Sarah Jaffe, well regarded folk singer-songwriter; Bruce Fowler, formerly trombonist with Frank Zappa (although fellow Zappa alumni Arthur Barrow is listed); Jim Ed Norman, former bandmate and longtime arranger for Don Henley and the Eagles and many others; and Midlake, a pretty fair folk rock band.
Maybe instead of downplaying the achievements of these musicians and program, y'all should just give a listen to some of the folks who have been through the UNT music program, or figure out how to turn some of your own favorite schools, departments or programs into international successes. Of course noone is a prophet in their own country, and I guess some like Roy Orbison had to leave for England to find recognition.
And I have just one question: would the student fee increase for athletics (needed to build Apogee) ever have been approved if it weren't for the votes of those in the School of Music, who may have realized that with no new stadium, there would eventually be no football, and no meaningful marching band?
https://northtexan.unt.edu/notable-alumni?field_alumni_category_tid=36