For third-year Del Mar student Leo Gutierrez, the student emergency aid assistance program arrived at a critical time during the spring 2026 semester. After switching majors, Leo did not receive financial aid in time to cover the cost of his 21 credit hours. Gutierrez learned about the student emergency aid program through Cynthia Longoria, Dean of Music at Del Mar College. “The application process was really simple and easy, took about 15 minutes, and I was approved within two days,” said Gutierrez.  The funding allowed Gutierrez to pay tuition for one class before the deadline, which was one of his…

The rhythm section locks into a blues groove, and suddenly the humid South Texas air feels a little lighter. For three days every October, Heritage Park transforms into a sprawling showcase of brass and blues. Yet, behind the scenes, some of the musicians are not just touring professionals, they are local college students. “With orchestra music, it’s more restricted,” said Del Mar College tenor trombonist, David Hernandez. “But with jazz, there’s technically no rules if you know what you’re doing.” The love of jazz is what brings together the community and artists at the Texas Jazz Festival, scheduled for Oct.…

Del Mar Drama’s cast and crew are deep in preparation for the fall production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” which debuts Oct. 30.  “Little Shop of Horrors” is a dark comedy musical based on the 1960 film of the same name. It follows the story of a clumsy flower shop worker, Seymour Krelborn, who discovers an exotic, conscious plant with malicious intentions. Most recently, Aurora Arts Theatre performed the musical in the summer of 2023, and it is coming back to Corpus Christi at the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre on the Heritage Campus. It features ear-catching tunes like “Suddenly Seymour”…