Vela Jazz I - The Midwest Clinic 75th Anniversary

Moises V. Vela Middle School Jazz I with specical guest Sean Jones

Chicago, Illinois

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Moises V. Vela Middle School with special guest Sean Jones Erika R. Uribe, conductor The Midwest Clinic - International Band & Orchestra Conference McCormick Place West Chicago, Illinois | December 16, 2021

HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip · Harlingen, TX 78550 · Phone (956) 430 - 9500

From the land of palm trees and parrots, this outstanding middle school band program has been entertaining our region and state for years

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MIDWEST INTERNATIONAL BAND AND ORCHESTRA CLINIC:

with its award winning sounds. With a focus on

The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District

has emerged as an indisputable leader in the field of

considers it a great honor to have our Vela Middle School Jazz I Ensemble perform at this year’s Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. We are proud of the recognition that our musicians have received and more importantly, of the high goals that they have set and achieved.

At HCISD, we have a magnificent Fine Arts Program and amazing sponsors that believe in our students’ immense talents. The dedication and commitment of Erika Uribe, Estella Monasmith, and Desi Limon have led his band program to earn numerous recognitions and receive unwavering support from the entire Harlingen community.

With support like this, our young musicians will continue to thrive.

Our students are at the core of everything we do. Our

excellence supported by a district long known for its commitment to the finest in music education, Vela middle school music!

Our students and directors are excited and grateful for this opportunity to share their special flare with this renowned audience of music education leaders from around the world. Trust us: you are in for a treat! You will know with the first few notes that Texas has sent you our finest - and that in the Rio Grande Valley, which prides itself on its music, “Vela” stands for The Best!

Thank you for the honor of performing for you!

Get ready! Here comes Vela!

Best regards, and with pride, from all of us in the Harlingen, Texas, Consolidated Independent School District!

outstanding Board of Trustees, staff, parents, and community know that our students benefit the most when the entire district and community work together on their behalf. Together, we celebrate our Vela Middle School Jazz I

Gerry Fleuriet H.C.I.S.D Board President

Ensemble and their band directors in this accomplishment.

Respectfully, HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Alicia Noyola, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Harlingen C.I.S.D

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

MIDWEST CLINIC ATTENDEES, The students, faculty, staff, and administration of Moises V. Vela Middle School are incredibly grateful

HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip · Harlingen, TX 78550 · Phone (956) 430 - 9500

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD OF MUSIC!

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for the invitation to have our Vela Jazz I perform at the 2021 The Midwest Clinic-International Band and Orchestra Conference. It is with great pride and our desire to strive to be the best that our students

The Moises Vela Middle School Band is honored and

are here before you to highlight their talents. As

delighted to bring you the best of South Texas jazz!

educators, we often tell our students that in the

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end, hard work will pay off, and this opportunity for our students to perform at The Midwest Clinic is the

HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 407 N. 77 Sunshine Strip · Harlingen, TX 78550 · Phone (956) 430 - 9500

ultimate reward for their hard work, time and dedication.

Our band directors, consisting of head band director, Estella Monasmith, assistant band director and jazz band director, Erika R. Uribe and supported by band consultant, Desi Limon, bring extensive years of experience in the field of music. In 2014, Miss Uribe formed Vela Middle School’s jazz program. At the time of formation, Miss Uribe started molding our sixthgrade 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 our State Recognized 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 The Midwest Clinic for inviting our students to be a part of this event and for allowing us to be your guests at The Midwest Clinic. We hope you enjoy the music from our wonderfully talented students of Moises V. Vela Middle School.

Juan Manuel Garcia Vela Middle School Principal Harlingen C.I.S.D.

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MIDWEST INTERNATIONAL BAND AND ORCHESTRA CLINIC, On behalf of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, it is a pleasure to welcome you all to this performance of the Moises Vela Middle School Jazz 1 Ensemble under the exceptional direction of Ms. Erika Uribe.

Over its history, the Vela Middle School Band under the leadership of Estella Monasmith, Erika Uribe and Desi Limon has established an outstanding record of achievement and strong tradition of excellence. In addition to today’s performance, the Vela Jazz 1 Ensemble has appeared at the 2019 TMEA Clinic and Convention in San Antonio, Texas and was recently selected to perform at the 2022 Jazz Education Network Conference in Dallas, Texas. The students performing today represent generations of young musicians dedicated to high standards and a deep commitment to expression through jazz. This has been achieved through outstanding instruction, the strong support of administration, parents, and community. HCISD believes in the arts and values their role in the development of the whole child.

Harlingen CISD appreciates The Midwest Clinic for honoring outstanding jazz ensembles and specifically inviting the Vela Middle School Jazz 1 Ensemble to perform. This performance represents the culmination of a great deal of time, effort, focus, dedication, sacrifice, and love. Thank you for being here to share this musical experience with these students, their wonderful directors, and our entire Harlingen, Texas family.

Enjoy!

Kara Hoeflinger Director of Music Programs Harlingen C.I.S.D. Congratulatory Letters

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PROGRAM 1

by Benny Golson/Erik Morales

THE COOL ONE

Angel Charles - Alto Saxophone Matthew Soto - Trumpet Vincent Tapia - Piano

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MCCORMICK PLACE WEST

by Chris Clark

Featuring Jordan Phipps - Alto Saxophone

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THE JAZZ POLICE

by Gordon Goodwin/Mike Lewis

Abigail Garza - Bass Jordan Phipps - Alto Saxophone Jamil Galvan - Trombone Raphael J. Cantu - Drums Diego Garza - Bongos

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FIRST RIDE

by Dean Sorenson

Vincent Tapia - Piano Jamil Galvan - French Horn Jordan Phipps - Bassoon Abigail Garza - Vocals Matthew Soto - Trumpet Jordan Contreras - Trumpet Hiram Sanchez - Flugelhorn

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FUNKTION JUNCTION

by Doug Beach & George Shutack

Matthew Soto - Trumpet Abigail Garza - Bass with special guest, Sean Jones

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IT HAD TO BE YOU

by Isham Jones/Rick Stitzel

Featuring Abigail Garza - Vocals Robert J. Villarreal - Tenor Saxophone Vincent Tapia - Piano with special guest, Sean Jones

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SECOND LINE

by Victor Goines

Jordan Contreras - Trumpet Raphael Cantu - Drums Jordan Phipps - Alto Saxophone The Trombone Section Angel Charles - Alto Saxophone Hudson Woods - Trombone Vincent Tapia - Piano Jamil Galvan - Trombone with special guest, Sean Jones

Program

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STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Erika R. Uribe

Associate Director at Moises V. Vela Middle School

Reach beyond what you thought possible.

Erika R. Uribe is entering her sixteenth year of teaching and serves as the Associate Director at Moises V. Vela Middle School with the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Before Harlingen, Miss Uribe served as Assistant Director at Roma High School and taught within the Roma Independent School District. A native of Harlingen, Miss Uribe received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Baylor University School of Music.

She studied trumpet, brass pedagogy, jazz education, and conducting with Barry Hopper, Wiff Rudd, Alex Parker, and Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole.

At Vela, Miss Uribe directs the Vela Jazz I, Jazz II, and Beginner Jazz ensembles. Additionally, her duties include beginner saxophone, beginner trumpet, beginner euphonium/tuba, directing the Symphonic Band I, Symphonic Band II, and assisting with the Honors Band. In the Spring of 2021, Miss Uribe established the campus mariachi group, Mariachi Panteras de Oro.

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Jazz ensembles under Miss Uribe have earned the title of 2019-2020 TMEA/TJEA Invited Middle School Jazz Ensemble, have been invited to attend The Midwest Clinic - International Band & Orchestra Conference in 2020 and 2021, and invited to attend the Jazz Educators Network National Conference in 2022. Vela Jazz I was named a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Jazz Honors project in 2020 and a Maestro Award National Winner in the Medal of Distinction Concert Division in 2021.

Miss Uribe currently serves as the TMEA Region 28 Band Division Secretary. She has the honor of serving as a jazz clinician and jazz adjudicator across the nation. Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, JEN - Jazz Educators Network, and the Texas Bandmasters Association.

Estella Monasmith is the Head Director of the Moises V. Vela Middle School Band Program. With over thirty years of service to the music education community, Mrs. Monasmith has taught within the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District and the Pharr-San JuanAlamo Independent School District. A graduate of the Baylor University School of Music, Mrs. Monasmith was a student of Dr. Richard Shanley.

Bands under Mrs. Monasmith have received first division ratings at the Texas UIL Concert and SightReading Evaluation and various festivals. Currently, Mrs. Monasmith oversees the band program at Vela, directs the Vela Honors Band, instructs beginner flute, beginner oboe, beginner bassoon, beginner clarinet, and beginner saxophone.

Estella Monasmith

Head Director at Moises V. Vela Middle School

Mrs. Monasmith would like to thank her children for their love and support, her son Christopher Monasmith (Mansfield Legacy), assistant band director, and her daughter Andrea Monasmith, a freelance graphic artist who designed this program.

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.

At Vela, Mr. Limon instructs beginner French horn, beginner trombone, beginner percussion, and assists with the concert bands and jazz program. He is the 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 & Ensemble Contest, and TMEA AllRegion Contests.

Desi Limon Band Consultant

Staff Biographies

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GUEST ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES

Sean Jones Music and spirituality have always been fully intertwined in the artistic vision of trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator and activist Sean Jones. Singing and performing as a child with the church choir in his hometown of Warren, Ohio, Sean switched from the drums to the trumpet at the age of 10.

Sean is a musical chameleon and is comfortable in any musical setting no matter what the role or the genre. He is equally adept in being a member of an ensemble as he is at being a bandleader.

Sean turned a 6-month stint with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra into an offer from Wynton Marsalis for a permanent position as lead trumpeter, a post he held from 2004 until 2010.

In 2015 Jones was tapped to become a member of the SFJAZZ Collective. During this time, Sean has managed to keep a core group of talented musicians together under his leadership forming the foundation for his groups that have produced and released eight recordings on the Mack Avenue Records, the latest is his 2017 release Sean Jones: Live from the Jazz Bistro.

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Sean has been prominently featured with a number of artists, recording and/or performing with many major figures in jazz, including Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Gerald Wilson and Marcus Miller. Sean was selected by Miller, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter for their Tribute to Miles tour in 2011.

He has also performed with the Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Youngstown Symphony Orchestras as well as Soulful Symphony in Baltimore and in a chamber group at the Salt Bay Chamber Festival.

Sean is also an internationally recognized educator. He was recently named the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair of Jazz at John Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore.

Before coming to Peabody, Sean served as the Chair of the Brass Department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

WWW.UNLIMITEDMYLES.COM

José Antonio Diaz José Antonio Diaz is the founder/artistic director for the award-winning organization Diaz Music Institute in Houston, Texas. 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, 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, the Houston Chronicle, and selected by FOX 26 and Univision Television stations as a Hispanic Hero.

Jose’s jazz ensembles have 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.

Jose is a graduate of the University of Arkansas (BSE) and Texas Christian University (MME).

He is on the board of Directors for The Midwest Clinic and is a JEN, NAfME, TBA, TMEA, Phi Beta Mu, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha member. Diaz is co-author of Middle School Music ExpressionsTM (Alfred Music Publication) and composed the music for Freddie the Frog and the Invisible Coquí (Mystic Publishing, Inc.). Currently, Jose is developing a new jazz curriculum entitled “About That Jazz.”

Guest Artist Biographies

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GUEST ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES

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.

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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 the 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 collegiate ensembles. He has performed clinics, adjudicated and directed jazz ensembles all over the country in Greece, Peru and Costa Rica, and he continues to perform as a free-lance musician. Mr. Parker also serves as the Director of Baylor Summer Music Camps and won the Baylor University Outstanding Professor Award for Teaching in 2010.

Ronnie Rios 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. 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. Guest Artist Biographies

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SECTION ROSTER

REEDS Jordan Phipps Alto Saxophone/ Bassoon

Sarah Garcia Alto Saxophone

TRUMPETS Angel Charles Alto Saxophone

Haiden Zamora Tenor Saxophone/ Clarinet

Hiram Sanchez Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Priscilla Pena Trumpet

Matthew Soto Trumpet Jonathan Leal Tenor Saxophone

Jeremiah Reyes Baritone Saxophone Jordan Contreras Trumpet

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Lauren Lopez Baritone Saxophone

Julianne Castillo Alto Saxophone

Robert Villarreal Tenor Saxophone

Coral Shewmaker Baritone Saxophone

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Nathaniel Perez Trumpet/ French Horn Carla Castillo Trumpet/ French Horn

RHYTHM

TROMBONES Jamil Galvan Trombone/ French Horn

Abigail Garza Bass/Vocals

Vincent Tapia Piano

Candide Petit Trombone

Joey Arizmendi Auxiliary Percussion

Abraham Leal Piano

Hudson Woods Trombone

R.J. Cantu Drums

Maria Aguado Drums

Owen Cavazos Trombone/ Euphonium

Diego Garza Auxiliary Percussion

Ethan Saldivar Auxiliary Percussion

Corey Portales Trombone

Jason Camacho Tuba

Matthew Alvear Auxiliary Percussion

Samuel Castillo Trombone/ French Horn

Kyah Walker Guitar

Roel Rivas Auxiliary Percussion

Section Roster

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Gerry Fleuriet, President

Greg Powers, Member

Dr. Bobby Muniz, Vice President

Dr. Belinda Reininger, Member

Javier De Leon, Secretary

Eladio Jaimez, Member

Dr. Nolan Perez, Member

HARLINGEN CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Dr. Alicia Noyola, Superintendent of Schools Dalia Garcia - Associate Superintendent for Data Governance and Outcomes Shane Strubhart - Associate Superintendent for Community Engagement/Workforce Development Julio Cavazos - Chief Financial Officer Oscar Tapia - Assistant Superintendent for District Operations/School Safety Debbie Scogin - Assistant Superintendent for Human Services Joseph Villarreal - Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Loranda Romero - Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Veronica Kortan - Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and Innovation Robert Davies - Director of Athletics Kara Hoeflinger - Director of Music Programs

MOISES V. VELA MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Juan Manuel Garcia, Principal

Leonor Cradit, Receptionist

Venessa Acosta, Assistant Principal

Viri Valdez, Registrar

BJ Cooley, Assistant Principal

Monica Rodriquez, Attendance Clerk

Brittany Ricci, Instructional Coach

Dina Cano, Librarian

Jenny Benavidez, Principal’s Secretary

Jose Briones, Computer Technician

Dina Martinez, Counselor

Miguel Piedra, Head Custodian

Marisa Garcia, Counselor Verna Garza, Nurse

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| Acknowledgments

SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE DIRECTOR To Dr. Alicia Noyola, Harlingen Consolidated Independent

To Juan Garcia: Thank you for having my back, our program’s best

School District Administration and School Board: Thank you for

interest in mind, and supporting us 100%. It as if you have been

your continuing support and expansion of the Fine Arts programs

with us the whole time.

in HCISD. We reach, we aspire, we dare to be, we are HCISD!

To my friend, Chris Clark: Who would have thought that in all of

To Estella Monasmith and Desi Limon: I could not ask for a better

college adventure, we would be on this stage today. Thank you for

group of friends to work with and be on this crazy ride with. Thank

the chart(s) and creativity. Keep doing what you love. Thank you

you for making this happen and for being there every step of the way.

for sharing your husband, Christiana, and daddy, Abby and Noah,

To Ruben, Liz, and Monica Uribe: Thank you for supporting me

with us.

from the beginning. It means so much that we are here together.

To Jose Antonio Diaz: Thank you for continuing to be a support

I hope you enjoy the performance. This one is for you and your

of our band and for helping to open doors for me. I appreciate you

never-ending support.

more everytime we collaborate. I look forward to the next project

To Vela Jazz I: Congratulations! Thank you for all your hard

with you. Much love to Liz, Joey, and the whole Diaz Family.

work and perseverance. Keep reaching beyond what you thought

To Alex Parker: Thank you for everything. Your optimism and

possible. You can be anything you dream to become. Love you all.

willingness to give of yourself are beyond words. Thank you for

To the Vela Band Parents: Thank you for allowing your students to

teaching me how to play, how to be good to people, and for turning

be a part of our organization – the extra practices, encouragement, instrumental needs, extra lessons, etc. Thank you for choosing Vela

every disappointment into a teachable moment. My collegiate experience was better because of you. It was a blast having you

and Harlingen CISD.

down to work with the band and share the stage today.

To the Vela Middle School Family: Teachers, coaches, directors,

To my teachers: The late Barry Hopper, thank you for instilling

sponsors, administration and support staff, we could not do it without you. Thank you for being a champion of children.

To Kara Hoeflinger: Thank you for your efforts to make this trip happen. I look forward to rides ahead.

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 Michael J. Corcoran: Thank you for the support and care you have shown for our program over the years. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.

To Alma Cavazos, Juan Restrepo, Joseph Armendariz: You are

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.

Congratulations to the Harlingen High School Honors Jazz (Maria D. Coronado) for your performance at The Midwest Clinic and for your upcoming performance at the 102nd Texas Music Educators Association Convention! Best wishes.

amazing. Thank you for being so good to all of us.

To JD Guzman: Thank you for bringing your energy and knowledge to our rehearsals. We appreciate you very much.

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.

Acknowledgments

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HISTORY

VELA JAZZ REGION MEMBERS

VELA FAMILY ADDRESS 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 was able to work with the students and staff for twelve years before he passed away in 2017. His legacy in the Harlingen community is matched by his passion for education. Every day, he encouraged his own five children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren to pursue their education to their highest abilities. Vela frequently visited Vela Middle School. His visits included inspirational discussions, smiles, hugs, and jokes. He would be incredibly proud to see the accolades of the campus thus far and the incredible honor to have the jazz band recognized at the 2020 TMEA convention.

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| History

2009 2010

2011 2012 2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Christopher Monasmith, Guitar Eric Mendoza, Trombone Deric delaRosa, Alto Sax Ivan Trevino, Guitar Michael Cantu, Alto Sax Daniel Ruiz, Drums Elias Sifuentes, Trombone Cristian Palacios, Trombone Jaime Ramirez, Guitar Allison Gaytan, Trumpet Victoria Garza, Trumpet Alayna Villarreal, Trumpet Ryan Robledo, Trumpet Michael Garza, Bass Joshua Delgado, Drums Jesse Izquierdo, Drums Jaime Ramirez, Guitar Zach Pena, Drums Seth Gonzales, Drums Luis Alicea, Trombone Noel Lopez, Trombone Jude Modica, Trumpet Ethan Gonzales, Alto Sax Ryan Pena, Tenor Sax Kelsey Rivera, Tenor Sax Vangaven Robles, Bari Sax Kaitlyn Hawkins, Trombone Yasmin Cantu, Trombone Izaiah Gonzales, Drums Joseph Cavazos, Drums Ethan Gonzales, Alto Sax Schon Stoycheff, Tenor Sax Luis Rios, Bari Sax Sophia Castillo, Trumpet Joseph Colon, Piano Sophia Castillo, Trumpet Jacqueline Davis, Trombone Joshua Santiago, Trombone Paloma Valdez, Bass Raphael Jay Cantu, Drums Jamil Galvan, Trombone Candide Petit, Trombone Priscilla Pena, Trumpet Landrum Rodriguez, Trombone Abigail E. Garza, Bass Angel Charles, alto sax Julianne Castillo, alto sax Robert Villarreal, tenor sax Haiden Zamora, tenor sax David Jeremiah Reyes, bari sax Matthew Soto, trumpet Jordan Contreras, trumpet Hudson Woods, trombone Nathaniel Garate, trombone Owen Cavazos, trombone Samuel Castillo, trombone Nathaniel Perez, guitar Vincent Tapia, piano Abigail Garza, bass Madison Shinsato, drums

Experience H.C.I.S.D.