Vela Jazz I - 2024 TMEA Invited Middle School Jazz Ensemble

Moises V. Vela Middle School with guest artists Lalo Davila and Andre Hayward

2024 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention

Section Title |

1

Moises V. Vela Middle School with Guest Artists Lalo Davila and Andre Hayward

Erika R. Uribe, conductor Hemisfair Ballroom 1-2 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip · Harlingen, TX 78550· Phone (956) 430-9500

407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip · Harlingen, TX 78550· Phone (956) 430-9500

February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024

To the Members of the Texas Music Educators Association:

To the Members of the Texas Music Educators Association:

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, we extend our warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to our Vela Jazz I Ensemble, set to grace the stage at the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention on February 8.

It is a great honor for our district to have the Vela Jazz I Ensemble perform at this year’s Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District takes pride in providing students with a high-quality education and a variety of opportunities the help students discover and pursue their passions.

We are privileged and thrilled to witness our middle school musicians partake in this event, where they have the opportunity to present their extraordinary talent to an audience of distinguished musicians.

The success of our band program is a testament to the dedication and commitment to excellence of our band directors. The achievements of the Vela Jazz I Ensemble fill us with pride, and their continued success is a clear indication that these young musicians will excel in their ongoing educational pursuits.

The Vela Jazz I Ensemble stands as a shining testament to the Harlingen CISD Fine Arts program. Once again, congratulations! We are very proud of our students, our band directors, and the unwavering support of our entire school district and community.

At Harlingen CISD, our students are at the heart of everything we do. The collaboration between our Board of Trustees, staff, parents, and community is a driving force behind the success of our students. As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Vela Jazz I Ensemble and their band directors, we recognize the importance of collective effort in fostering an environment where our students can thrive.

Respectfully,

We express our gratitude to the Texas Music Educators Association for providing a platform to showcase the musical excellence of our students, and we look forward to this exciting opportunity.

Belinda Reininger President HCISD Board of Trustees

Sincerely,

J.A. Gonzalez , Ed. D. HCISD Superintendent of Schools

Dr. J.A. Gonzalez Superintendent HCISD

Dr. Belinda Reininger President HCISD Board of Trustees

TMEA Attendees, The students, faculty, staff, and administration of Moises V. Vela Middle School are incredibly grateful for the invitation to have our Vela Jazz I perform at the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association Conference. It is with great pride and our desire to strive to be the best that our students are here before you to highlight their talents. As educators, we often tell our students that in the end, hard work will pay off, and this opportunity for our students to perform at TMEA is the ultimate reward for their hard work, time and dedication.

Our band directors, consisting of head band director and Jazz conductor, Erika Uribe, assistant band director Philip De La Fuente, and supported by band consultant, Desi Limon, bring extensive years of experience in the field of music. In 2014, Mrs. Uribe formed Vela Middle School’s jazz program. At the time of formation, Mrs. Uribe started molding our sixth-grade beginner band students into future jazz band members by planting the seed in their minds to think of band past the halftime shows at football games and beyond the sit-down concerts.

As the directors continued to water the seed, we have seen the band program grow in numbers and opportunities for our students. Not only do our students learn about music, but they also learn character education and team building by merely having to work together to help one another and by learning the importance of being responsible for their academics. We are fortunate to have excellent band directors teaching the art of music to our students.

Moises V. Vela Middle School would like to thank our parents, community, Harlingen CISD Administration, and HCISD School Board for their support and dedication to our band program and all HCISD Fine Arts programs.

In closing, I would like to say thank you to TMEA for inviting our students to be a part of this event and for allowing us to be your guests at TMEA. We hope you enjoy the music from our wonderfully talented students of Moises V. Vela Middle School.

Juan Garcia

Kara Hoeflinger Director of Music Programs HCISD

4 | Congratulatory Letters

Juan Garcia Moises V. Vela Middle Shool Principal

History Vela Family Address

HISTORY

VELA JAZZ REGION MEMBERS

When speaking to students of Vela Middle School, a common phrase Judge Moises V. Vela would say was, “There are two things no one can ever take away from you. Your name and your education.” Following decades of service to his community as a Cameron County judge and Harlingen municipal judge, Vela Middle School was named after Moises Vela in 2005. Vela Monasmith, was able to2009 work Christopher with the students andGuitar staff for twelve years before he passed away in 2017.

2010 Eric Mendoza, Trombone His legacy in the Harlingen community is matched by his passion for education. Every day, he Deric delaRosa, Alto Sax encouraged his own children, 2011 Ivanfive Trevino, Guitar ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren to pursue their education to their highest abilities.

Vela frequently visited Vela Middle School. His visits 2012 Michael Cantu, Alto Sax 2013 Daniel Ruiz, Drums included inspirational discussions, smiles, hugs, and jokes. He would be incredibly proud Elias Sifuentes, Trombone to see the accolades of the campus thus far and the incredible honor to have the jazz band Cristian Palacios, Trombone recognized at theJaime 2024Ramirez, TMEA convention.

Guitar

VELA FAMILY ADDRESS Vela Jazz Region Members When speaking to students of Vela Middle School, a common phraseChristopher Judge Moises V. Vela would say 2009 Monasmith, Guitar was, “There things no one can ever take away 2010 are two Eric Mendoza, Trombone

Deric Alto Sax from you. Your name anddelaRosa, your education.”

Following 2011 Trevino, Guitar decades of serviceIvan to his community as a Cameron Altojudge, Sax Vela County2012 judge andMichael HarlingenCantu, municipal Daniel DrumsVela in 2005.

Middle2013 School was namedRuiz, after Moises Eliaswith Sifuentes, Trombone Vela was able to work the students and staff

Cristian Palacios, for twelve years before he passed away Trombone in 2017. His Jaimecommunity Ramirez, is Guitar legacy in the Harlingen matched by

2014for education.

Allison Gaytan, his passion Every day,Trumpet he encouraged Victoria Garza, Trumpet his own five children, ten grandchildren, and five Alayna Villarreal, Trumpet great-grandchildren to pursue their education to

RyanVela Robledo, Trumpet their highest abilities. frequently visited Vela Michael Garza,inspirational Bass Middle School. His visits included

Joshua Drums discussions, smiles, hugs, Delgado, and jokes. He would be

Jesse Izquierdo, Drums Jaime Ramirez, Guitar thus far and the incredible honor to have the jazz 2015 Zach Pena, Drums band recognized at the 2020 TMEA convention.

Seth Gonzales, Drums Luis Alicea, Trombone Noel Lopez, Trombone Jude Modica, Trumpet 2016 Ethan Gonzales, Alto Sax Ryan Pena, Tenor Sax Kelsey Rivera, Tenor Sax Vangaven Robles, Bari Sax 8 | History Kaitlyn Hawkins, Trombone Yasmin Cantu, Trombone 2017 Izaiah Gonzales, Drums Joseph Cavazos, Drums Ethan Gonzales, Alto Sax Schon Stoycheff, Tenor Sax

incredibly proud to see the accolades of the campus

2014

Allison Gaytan, Trumpet Victoria Garza, Trumpet Alayna Villarreal, Trumpet Ryan Robledo, Trumpet Michael Garza, Bass 2018 Luis Rios, Bari Sax Joshua Delgado, Drums Sophia Castillo,Drums Trumpet Jesse Izquierdo, Jaime Ramirez, Guitar Joseph Colon, Piano Zach Pena, DrumsTrumpet 20192015 Sophia Castillo, Seth Gonzales, Drums Jacqueline Davis, Trombone Luis Alicea, Trombone Joshua Santiago, Trombone Noel Lopez, Trombone Jude Modica, Trumpet Paloma Valdez, Bass Ethan Gonzales, Alto Drums Sax 20202016 Raphael Jay Cantu, Ryan Pena, Tenor Sax Jamil Trombone KelseyGalvan, Rivera, Tenor Sax Candide Petit, Trombone Vangaven Robles, Bari Sax Kaitlyn Hawkins, Trombone Priscilla Pena, Trumpet Yasmin Cantu, Trombone Landrum Rodriguez, Trombone 2017 Izaiah Gonzales, Drums Abigail Garza,Drums Bass Joseph E. Cavazos, 2021 Angel Sax EthanCharles, Gonzales,Alto Alto Sax Schon Stoycheff, Tenor Julianne Castillo, AltoSax Sax 2018 Luis Rios, Bari Sax Robert Villarreal, Tenor Sax Sophia Castillo, Trumpet Haiden Tenor Sax Joseph Zamora, Colon, Piano 2019 David Sophia Castillo, Trumpet Jeremiah Reyes, Bari Sax Jacqueline Davis, Trombone Matthew Soto, Trumpet Joshua Santiago, Trombone Jordan Contreras, Trumpet Paloma Valdez, Bass Trombone 2020 Hudson RaphaelWoods, Jay Cantu, Drums Jamil Galvan, Trombone Nathaniel Garate, Trombone Candide Petit, Trombone Owen Cavazos, Trombone Priscilla Pena, Trumpet Samuel Castillo, Trombone Landrum Rodriguez, Trombone Nathaniel Perez,Bass Guitar Abigail E. Garza,

2022

Vincent Tapia, Piano Abigail Garza, Bass Madison Shinsato, Drums Avani Garza, Alto Sax Henry Zamora, Tenor Sax Coral Shewmaker, Bari Sax Logan Farias, Bari Sax

2023

2024

Nathaniel Perez, Trumpet Evan Gilliam, Trumpet Corey Portales, Trombone Samuel Castillo, Trombone Mikayla Galvan, Guitar Kyah Walker, Guitar Adan De La Riva, Piano Robby Toller, Bass Madison Shinsato, Drums Avani Garza, Alto Sax Fabian Maldonado, Bari Sax Julio Flores, Trumpet Benito Segura, Trombone Patrick Williams, Trombone Mikayla Galvan, Guitar Jaime Davalos, Guitar Adan De La Riva, Piano Iliana Acosta, Piano Robby Toller, Bass Leo Echon, Drums Luke Martinez, Tenor Sax Diego Ortega, Trumpet Benito Perez, Trumpet Benito Segura, Trombone Mauricio Rodriguez, Trombone Hannah Ochoa, Trombone Jaime Davalos, Bass

History |

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PROGRAM

1

Out of the doghouse

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by Erik Morales

by Chris Clark Trevor Caldera, flute Luke Martinez, tenor saxophone Javier Cabello-Corona, alto saxophone Nathaniel Sanchez, baritone saxophone Oscar Jimenez, drumset with Guest Artist Chris Clark, trumpet Alex Parker, guest conductor Director of The Wayne Fisher Jazz Program at Baylor University

Javier Cabello-Corona, alto saxophone Luke Martinez, tenor saxophone

2

Trofeo de Bolos

by Craig Skeffington Javier Cabello-Corona, alto saxophone Oscar Jimenez, timables Leo Echon, drumset with Guest Artist Lalo Davila, timbales

6 | Program

CHILL MODE

4

Sway

by Pablo Beltran Ruiz/arr. Mark Taylor Catalina Cabello-Corona, vocalist with Guest Artist, Lalo Davila, timbales Jose Antonio Diaz, guest conductor Founder/ Artistic Director, Diaz Music Institute

5

Before We Say Goodbye

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by Howard Rowe

by Alfred James Ellis/arr. Kris Berg

Javier Cabello-Corona, alto saxophone

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The Chicken Luke Martinez, tenor saxophone Jaime Davalos, bass guitar with Guest Artist, André Hayward, trombone

How High the Moon

by Morgan Lewis/arr. Dave Wolpe featuring Vela Jazz Trombone Section Benito Segura, trombone Mauricio Rodriguez, trombone Hannah Ochoa, trombone Dean Perez, trombone with Guest Artist, André Hayward, trombone Ronnie Rios, guest conductor Director of Athletic Bands, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

8

Vivir Mi Vida

by Khaled/arr. Terry White Javier Cabello-Corona, vocalist Diego Ortega, flugelhorn with Guest Artist, Lalo Davila, timbales

Program |

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STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Reach beyond what you thought possible.

Erika R. Uribe

Director of Bands Moises V. Vela Middle School

Erika R. Uribe is in her eighteenth year of teaching and serves as Director of Bands at Moises V. Vela Middle School (Vela) with the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Previously, Mrs. Uribe served as the Associate Director at Vela and as an Assistant Director at Roma High School. She received a Bachelor of Music Education from the Baylor University School of Music.

a National Winner of The Mark of Excellence National Jazz Honors Contest in 2020 and 2022 and a Medal of Distinction Maestro Circle National Winner in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Vela Jazz was recently named the 2024 TMEA Invited Middle School Jazz Ensemble, performing at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in February 2024.

At Vela, Mrs. Uribe leads the Vela Band Program, directs the Honors Bands, assists the Symphonic and Concert Band, instructs multiple beginner classes, conducts Vela Jazz I, Vela Jazz III, Vela Jazz Cubs, Mariachi Pantera de Oro, and the new Latin Ensemble. Bands under Mrs. Uribe have consistently received superior ratings at the Texas UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation and various festivals.

Mrs. Uribe serves as a concert band and jazz band adjudicator. She has served as a jazz clinician at the Texas Jazz Educators Association Symposium in 2022, the Texas Bandmasters Conference in 2022, and various jazz festivals nationally. Additionally, Mrs. Uribe was a fellow in the inaugural H. Robert Reynolds Conducting Institute at The Midwest Clinic and the inaugural Art of Rehearsing and Conducting Workshop at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention.

Jazz bands under Mrs. Uribe are internationally recognized. Past accomplishments include being named the 2020 TMEA/TJEA Invited Middle School Jazz Ensemble performing at the 100th Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas; being invited to attend The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference for the 75th Annual Conference in 2021 in Chicago, Illinois; and the Jazz Education Network National Conference in 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Vela Jazz has also been named

8 | Staff Biographies

Mrs. Uribe serves as the TMEA Region 28 Band Division Secretary and assists with all Region 28 TMEA and UIL contests, clinic/concert events, and Area G competitions.

Mrs. Uribe’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, Jazz Education Network, and the Texas Bandmasters Association. She resides in South Texas with her husband, Michael J. Corcoran, and their Goldendoodle, Fitz.

Philip James De La Fuente, native of Harlingen, Texas, is currently in his ninth year of teaching and second year serving as Associate Director at Moises V. Vela Middle School (Vela) at Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Prior to Vela MS, Mr. De La Fuente served as an Associate Director and Director of Percussion at Veterans Memorial Early College High School in the Brownsville Independent School District.

Mr. De La Fuente received his Bachelors of Music from West Texas A&M University studying percussion under Dr. Susan Martin Tariq. While at WTAMU, he performed with various ensembles including the WTAMU Percussion Ensemble, The Sound of West Texas Buffalo Marching Band under the direction of Dr. Russell Teweleit, the Symphonic Band under Donald Lefevre, and the Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Mark Bartley. Mr. De La Fuente also had performance opportunities with the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra and was a member of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.

As Associate Director at Vela, Mr. De La Fuente’s duties include flute, clarinet, percussion, directing the Vela Symphonic band, Concert band, and Vela Jazz II. Under the direction of Mr. De La Fuente, students have been successful through the TMEA All-Region, Area, and All-State audition processes, UIL Marching, UIL State Solo and Ensemble, and Indoor Percussion Ensemble through TECA and TCGC.

Philip J. De La Fuente Assistant Band Director

Mr. De La Fuente is supported by his friends, parents Luis De La Fuente and Nora Rush, his wife Dr. Jessica Davis, and son Beau Davis De La Fuente.

Desi Limon serves as a full-time band consultant with the Moises V. Vela Middle School Band Program. Beginning his teaching career in 1997, Mr. Limon has worked within the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and San Benito Consolidated Independent School District. While serving as a brass and percussion consultant at Coakley Middle School, the band was named the 2005 and 2009 CC Honor Band. Mr. Limon previously attended the Baylor School of Music.

Desi Limon

Band Consultant

At Vela, Mr. Limon instructs beginner French horn, beginner trombone, beginner percussion, and assists with the concert bands and the jazz program. He is the co-director of the award-winning Vela Drumline, which has won their caption multiple times at the Roma and Edinburg Drumline Contests. Private students under Mr. Limon have achieved top honors in the TMEA All-State Process, Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest, and TMEA All-Region Contests.

Staff Biographies |

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GUEST ARTISTS BIOGRAPHY

Lalo has extensive experience both as an educator, composer, author, and performer.

Lalo was named Nashville’s Top Five 1998 Percussionist of the Year Award and “Nashville Scene’s” 2012 “ Best Latin Jazz Musician. Lalo has toured with many artists including the “Take 6” Summer 1996 tour of Japan. Other performances include; the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, the Nashville Symphony, the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, the Nashville Chamber Chorus, the Nashville Ballet, Six Pence and None The Richer, Clay Walker, and Allen Vizzutti. Mr. Davila can also be heard on Kirk Whalum’s Grammy-nominated CD “Hymns In The Garden”. Currently, Lalo performs with several Latin groups including “Orkesta Eme Pe”. Most recently, Lalo’s voice and playing can be heard (as Jafar) in Disney’s Dual Language Series “Aladdin”, “So You Think You Can Dance”, The movies “People Like Us”, “The Amazing Burt Wonderstone”, “McFarland USA”, and “The Equalizer”, The new 2012 PlayStation game “Thieves in Time”, “Star Wars”, Black Ops III, and America’s Funniest 2010 Commercials. Lalo has also composed music for the television shows, “Drop Dead Diva”, “The Bridge”, and “Burn Notice”.

Lalo Davila

Known as an outstanding clinician and adjudicator, Lalo has conducted clinics throughout the United States, Australia, Paris, Poland, Mexico, Sweden, Cuba, and Japan. Lalo is the author of “Contemporary Rudimental Studies and Solos”, “Play at First Sight”, “Timptastic”, “Uncommon Duos”, “Bugadafish”, and “Jingle Jamz”.

Andre Hayward is an extremely gifted trombonist with the sound and clarity reminiscent of the late J.J. Johnson. His gospel-tinged approach is refreshing and will warm the hearts of anyone he comes in contact with. Born in Houston, Texas in 1973, Hayward’s first exposure to the world of music was through his parents, Melvin and Barbara Hayward where musical talent exists on both sides. Hayward began playing trombone and tuba at the age of 11 under the tutelage of Leon Schreiber and 2 years later with Bob Odneal who was lead trumpeter for Maynard Ferguson. Hayward continued playing through high school where he attended Houston’s High School for Performing and Visual Arts under the direction of notable jazz educator, Robert “Doc” Morgan. He continued to hone his skills with Houston’s legendary educator, Conrad O. Johnson. It was Conrad’s instruction, and the opportunity to work in his big band, ”The Big Blue Sound”, where he really started to gain experience working in an ensemble.

He landed his first engagement with trumpeter Roy Hargrove for a European tour after being heard at a jam session during a festival (while playing with the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble). After Hargrove, Hayward performed and recorded with singer/ bandleader Betty Carter for five years in her acclaimed “Jazz Ahead” program. Other acclaimed performers include Joe Williams, Slide Hampton, John Lewis, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gerald Wilson, Kirk Whalum, Jimmy Heath, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and Illinois Jacquet’s Big Band. His most recent performance credits are The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The San Francisco Jazz Collective, and The Clayton–Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

Hayward has served as jazz trombone professor at New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music, New York University, New England Conservatory, Michigan State University, Texas Southern University, University of Texas – Butler School of Music, and University of North Texas.

Andre Hayward

10 | Guest Artists Biography

He currently serves as trombone professor at Huston-Tillotson University and San Francisco Conservatory of Music

FEATURED CONDUCTORS

Alex Parker

Alex Parker is the Director of The Wayne Fisher Jazz Program at Baylor University. He directs the Baylor Jazz Ensembles and teaches many jazz disciplines. Mr. Parker holds an MM from the University of Miami and a BM from the Eastman School of Music. His background is in jazz writing, performance and pedagogy, as well as trumpet performance and instrumental teaching. Before coming to Baylor, Mr. Parker taught for five years in the public schools. He is a founding director of the Texas Jazz Educators Association (TJEA), the Executive Officer of TJEA, and the editor of the Texas All-State Jazz Etudes. As a writer and arranger Parker has written for the Harrisburg Symphony, the US Air Force Band in Washington, DC, and many collegiate and high school ensembles. He has performed clinics, adjudicated and directed jazz ensembles all over the country and in Costa Rica and Peru, and continues to perform as a freelance musician. Mr. Parker also serves as the Co-Chair of the Baylor Ensemble Division and Director of Baylor Summer Music Camps, and he won the Baylor Outstanding Professor Award for Teaching in 2010.

Ronnie Rios, a multi Grammy Nominated Music Educator, is originally from Alice, Texas. He graduated Summa Cum Laude earning a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters in Music Education from Texas A & M University- Kingsville. As Director of Bands at Harlingen High School, all 6 Concert Bands received consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards, Best in Class, State/ National awards, All-State Band and Jazz Band students as well as his top group competing consistently in the TMEA Honor Band Finals. The HHS Marching Band has advanced to the Texas State Marching Contest 11 consecutive times qualifying every opportunity since 1998.

Ronnie Rios

His Jazz Ensembles have performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago three times and HHS was named the Honor Jazz Ensemble for the State and showcased at TMEA in San Antonio.

The HHS Band was even named the Texas Bandmasters Association “Exemplary High School Band Program of the Year.” Mr. Rios is currently the Director of Music Programs in Harlingen CISD. He has been named to the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Teacher of the Year, Harlingen’s Distinguished Citizen Award, and Phi Beta Mu ‘Texas Young Bandmaster of the Year’.

He also created and serves as the Artistic Director for the Rio Grande Valley Jazz Orchestra in Harlingen. He is a member of TMEA, TBA, TMAA, TJEA, Phi Beta Mu and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Rios serves an active adjudicator for UIL, BOA and DCI. Recently named a Houston BIPOC Arts and Network Fund artist, José Antonio Diaz is the founder and artistic director of the award-winning organization Diaz Music Institute in Houston, Texas and the music director for the Houston Latin Jazz Orchestra. Diaz is a Grammy Nominated Music Educator Top 10 Finalist, winner of Berklee College of Music’s John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award, Texas UIL Sponsor of Excellence and Country Music Association Foundation’s Music Teacher of Excellence, LULAC Educator of the Year Award, and recipient of the Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Award. Recently inducted into DownBeat Magazine’s Jazz Education Hall of Fame, Diaz’s success was the subject of a featured cover story in SBO Magazine, Band Director’s Guide Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and selected by FOX 26 and Univision Television stations as a Hispanic Hero. Jose was inducted into the Texas Christian University Band Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Jefferson Award for his work with Diaz Music Institute.

Jose Diaz

Jose’s jazz ensembles have also performed multiple times at some of the most prestigious international events, including but not limited to the Midwest Clinic, Jazz Education Network (JEN), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Oregon Music Educators Association (OMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). In addition to bringing groups to significant conferences, Jose has presented workshops for organizations such as the Midwest Clinic, Jazz Education Network, Berklee College of Music, Jazz Institute of Chicago, Conservatorium aan Zee in Oostende, Belgium, California Music Educators Association, Oregon Music Educators Association, University of Missouri - St. Louis, Baylor University, Texas Music Educators Association, Virginia Music Educators Association, Western International Band Clinic, National Association of Black School Educators, Texas Music Symposium, National Association for Music Education and the National Association of Schools of Music.

Featured Conductors |

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FEATURED COMPOSER AND ARTIST

Chris Clark

Chris Clark is an active composer/clinician/performer/educator in the Dallas area. He can be found performing in several Dallas area jazz ensembles and variety bands as well as classical settings. He also leads his own band, C3 Big Band, which featuring new music written by Chris and members in the group. C3 Big Band has released two albums “Personfications” and “Straight Eighths.” Chris’ publishing company, C3 Compositions, has a library of works ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 5 Jazz Band Repertoire to Concert Band compositions and brass ensembles.

Chris’ charts have been performed by numerous colleges, high schools, and middle schools around the country and are also being currently performed by several professional bands in the Dallas area. Chris is a sought-after clinician in the Dallas area at the College, High School, and Middle School levels both with his big band and as a solo clinician. Chris is also a columnist for SmartMusic and has had several articles published Jazz and Brass pedagogy in both print and digital mediums. Chris holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University and a Master of Jazz Studies from DePaul Univeristy. He is a Jupiter XO artists and is currently is Director of Bands at Hendrick Middle School in Plano, TX. Visit www.c3compositions.com for additional information.

12 | Guest Artists' Biographies

Student Candids |

13

SECTION ROSTER

REEDS Javier Cabello-Corona Alto Sax

Sofia Reyes Alto Sax

Ian Olivo Bari Sax

Hector Acosta Trumpet

Trevor Caldera

Destiny Basaldua Trumpet

Flute

TRUMPETS Henry Zamora Tenor Sax

aniel Luke Martinez D Tenor Sax

Emily Saldivar Tenor Sax

Fabian Maldonado Bari Sax

Nathaniel Sanchez Bari Sax

14 | Section Roster

TROMBONES Julio Flores Trumpet

Patrick Williams Trombone

Salvador Perez Trumpet

Benito Segura Trombone

Diego Ortega Trumpet

Mauricio Rodriguez Trombone

Katelynn Bauer Trumpet

Hannah Ochoa Trombone

Benito Perez Trumpet

Dean Perez Bass Trombone

RHYTHM Catalina Cabello-Corona Vocals

Liam Gaytan Piano

Oscar Jimenez Drums

Mikayla Galvan Guitar

Robby Toller Bass

Leo Echon Drums

Ethan Lopez Guitar

Jaime Davalos Bass

Jaysin Espinoza Drums

Rylen Foster Guitar

Abigail Leal Bass

Hunter Portales Drums

Abraham Leal Vibes

Fernando Reyes Drums

Asher Reyes Vibes

Brandon Aguinaga Drums

Adan De La Riva Piano

Iliana Acosta Piano

Section Roster |

15

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Harlingen C.I.S.D. Board of Education Dr. Belinda Reininger, President Greg Powers, Vice President Dr. Nolan Perez, Secretary

Eladio Jaimez, Member Dr. Gina Cano Monreal, Member Ricky Leal, Member Dr. Bobby Muniz, Member

Superintendent Senior Team Dr. J. A. Gonzalez, Superintendent Dr. Veronica Kortan, Deputy Superintendent Ramon Mendoza, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Oscar Tapia, Assistant Superintendent for District Operations Debbie Scogin, Assistant Superintendent for Human Services Dalia Garcia, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Loranda Romero, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Monica Kaufmann, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Marcy Martinez, Executive Director for Public Relations, Student Outreach, and Student Events Kara Hoeflinger, Director of Music Programs Robert Davies, Director of Athletics

Moises V. Vela Middle School Administration Juan Manuel Garcia, Principal Venessa Acosta, Assistant Principal BJ Cooley, Assistant Principal Veronica Cretors, Instructional Coach

Special Thanks to the following Moises V. Vela Middle Staff Kimberly Alfaro, Principal’s Secretary Dina Martinez, Counselor Marisa Garcia, Counselor Verna Garza, Nurse Elvira Uribe, Receptionist Leonor Cradit, Registrar Maria Olivarez, Attendance Clerk Dina Cano, Librarian Victor Varela, Athletic Coordinator America Rigelsky, Assistant Athletic Coordinator

16 | Acknowledgments

Ana Penaloza, ACE Coordinator Lynn Arsola, UIL Coordinator Samanta Zavala, Theatre Selina Charles, Choir Dr. Joshua Medrano, Choir Accompanist Leonardo Hernandez, Orchestra Natalie Hagueberg, Orchestra Assistant Jose Briones, Computer Technician Miguel Piedra, Head Custodian

Special Thanks from the DirectoR To the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Administration, School Board, and Dr. J.A. Gonzalez: Thank you for your continuing support and expansion of the Fine Arts programs in HCISD. We reach, we aspire, we dare to be, we are HCISD!

To the Harlingen CISD Music Department: We are one big family. Thank you to everyone that taught them how to sing in elementary, gave them a lesson, listened to the band, offered a suggestion, leant equipment, and so much more. I could go on and on. I appreciate each one of you.

To Desi Limon and Philip De La Fuente: Thank you for continuing to be a part of this crazy ride. Thank you for making this happen and for being there every step of the way.

To Juan Garcia: Thank you for having my back, our program’s best interest in mind, and supporting us 100%. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive principal.

To Ruben, Liz, and Monica Uribe: Thank you for supporting me from the beginning. I hope you enjoy the performance. Thank you for your never-ending support.

To my friend, Chris Clark: Thank you for your compositions and creativity. I look forward to sharing the stage with you today.

To Vela Jazz I: Congratulations! Thank you for all your hard work and perseverance. Keep reaching beyond what you thought possible. You can be anything you dream to become. Love you all.

To the Vela Band Parents: Thank you for allowing your students to be a part of our organization – the extra practices, encouragement, instrumental needs, extra lessons, etc. Thank you for choosing Vela and Harlingen CISD. To the Vela Middle School Family: Teachers, coaches, directors, sponsors, administration and support staff, we could not do it without you. Thank you for being a champion of children.

To Kara Hoeflinger and the HCISD Performing Arts Center team: Thank you for helping make today happen. Thank you for offering a helping hand.

To Estella Monasmith, Nora Rush, Donna Cavin, and Dr. Carol McNabb: Thank you for choosing our program to help strengthen from bottom to top.

To Ronnie Rios: Thank you for believing in our band and offering your expertise and support. I learn from you every time you step in front of the band.

To Jose Antonio Diaz: Thank you for continuing to be a supporter of our band and for helping to open doors for me. I appreciate you more everythime we collaborate. I look forward to the next project with you. Much love to Liz, Joey, and the whole Diaz Family.

To Alex Parker: Thank you for everything. Your optimism and willingness to give of yourself are beyond words. Thank you for teaching me how to play, how to be good to people, and for turning every disappointment into a teachable moment. You always seem to be available when we need you. You are always appreciated.

To my teachers: The late Barry Hopper, thank you for instilling your passion for music. It lives on within all of us. Wiff Rudd, thank you for showing us how to persevere in any situation.

Kevin Sedatole, thank you for showing me how to be a leader and for always giving me a chance to learn. Thank you all for helping shape me into the person and educator I am today.

To my friends: Thank you for attending today’s concert. I appreciate you all.

To my husband, Michael J. Corcoran: You have long been a supporter of myself and our program. Nothing has changed, other than a ring, a promise, and a lifetime together. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.

To Alma Cavazos: Thank you for always answering the phone.

To the Harlingen South Band and Big Red Cardinal Band Staffs: Thank you for working with our future Hawks and Cards prepare for today. We appreciate you very much.

Congratulations to the Roma High School Percussion Ensemble (Moses Simon), Weslaco Central Middle School Band (Moisés A. Garza), and the Homer Hanna High School Band (Dennis Ewing) for your upcoming performances at the 104th Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention! Best wishes.

Acknowledgments |

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Experience H.C.I.S.D.