"My why is that I exist to empower others to do the things that inspire them. And that's why being a teacher works well as my job."

Born in South Carolina and spending some time in Florida, and eventually landing in Texas, Eric shares some his thoughts on music education, his new career at UTPB, musical influences, family and going viral on social media.

Personal profiles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.baker.9862

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebtrumpet/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eb_trumpet?lang=en

UTPB Music and Art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utpb_music/, https://www.instagram.com/pots_n_prints/

West Texas Symphony

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestTexasSymphony

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west_texas_symphony/

West Texas Jazz Society

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westtexas.jazzsociety

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westtexasjazz/

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Welcome back from a short summer break. The Catwalk is locked and loaded for another great season and today we are excited to welcome to the table, Mayor Lori Blong.

Lori Blong is a native of the Permian Basin and Co-Founder/Partner of Octane Energy, as well as the current Mayor of Midland, Texas. She is committed to lead, learn, and serve in the oil and gas industry at a regional, state, and federal level, in addition to her service to the community of Midland.

After spending her early career as a high school teacher in El Paso, TX, Lori co- founded an oilfield service company, Octane Energy, with her husband, Jared, in 2013. In 2017 and 2018, Octane was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 5 Fastest Growing private energy companies in Texas.

Octane has provided project management and operational oversight for more than 600 wells a year, for more than 30 distinct operators across the Permian Basin and Oklahoma. Lori’s leadership and disciplined fiscal strategy have been critical to Octane’s continued sustainability in this market.

She also serves on the board of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, and Habitat for Humanity, as well as on Congressman Pfluger’s Energy Task Force.

Please enjoy my conversation with Mayor Lori Blong.

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