Por La Cultura: A Melodic Fusion of Tradition and Innovation for Latino Student Engagement
Clinic Synopsis:
Explore strategies for enhancing music education for the rapidly growing Latino student population! Join a panel of educators and administrators sharing successful approaches to bridge gaps in instrumental music participation. Delve into firsthand accounts of implementing innovative ensembles that elevate Latino voices, promising to inspire and empower educators to create harmonious spaces for every student's musical journey.
Eric Jimenez
- Biographical Information
Eric Jimenez, a music education consultant and Educational Support Manager at Conn Selmer, Inc., holds over 14 years of transformative experience. He elevated Houston's band programs, earning Division I and "Best in Class" ratings at UIL and other festivals while fostering increased student participation and morale.
Eric's impactful contributions garnered recognition, including the 2012 Teacher of the Year at Hamilton Middle School, LULAC-Educator of the Year in 2015, and a 2015 Grammy Educational Award for his work at Davis HS. Honors continued with his inclusion in Prairie View A&M University's 2016 top 40 under 40 and Yamaha's 2021 top 40 under 40.
Active as a clinician, mentor, and speaker, Eric imparts expertise to arts education programs across the United States. Holding a Bachelor of Music Education from Prairie View A&M University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, Eric engages with professional organizations like TMEA, TBA, TJEA, NAfME, and serves on the CMA Foundation board. He is affiliated with Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. and holds honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Andrew Hunter - Biographical Information
Dr. Andrew Hunter, Director of Bands at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), conducts the UTEP Wind Symphony and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting. Serving as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the El Paso Winds, he previously held roles as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at UTEP. With a rich background, he taught at the University of Southern Mississippi and Louisiana College, earning accolades such as the Thomas V. Fraschillo Award and Professor of the Year. Dr. Hunter holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Music from Northwestern State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Tennessee.
As a respected clinician and adjudicator, Dr. Hunter's ensembles have gained recognition, including a notable performance at Carnegie Hall in February 2018. He is renowned for commissioning new works by distinguished composers like Andrew Boss, Mark Camphouse, and John Mackey. Dr. Hunter is affiliated with professional organizations such as the College Band Directors National Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Residing in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Hunter shares his life with his wife, Victoria Price Hunter, and their four children: Allie, Anna Grace, Mercy, and Stephen.
Armando Martinez - Biographical Information
Armando Martinez, Director of Fine Arts for the Socorro Independent School District in El Paso, TX, has a rich history in music education. Prior to his current role, he dedicated over 15 years to the Del Valle Band Program, excelling in various capacities, including Director of Bands and Program Coordinator. Under his guidance, Del Valle's ensembles consistently achieved top honors at UIL contests and festivals across Texas, New Mexico, and California.
Mr. Martinez's contributions extend to organizing honor bands, serving as the Audition Coordinator for Region 22 Band and Jazz Divisions since 2009, and acting as the Region 22 Jazz Chairman. He earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Arizona, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from The University of Scranton, and a Bachelor of Music from The University of Texas at El Paso. His professional affiliations include TMEA, TBA, Phi Beta Mu, TJEA, TFAA, and TAEC.
Residing in El Paso with his daughter Camila, Mr. Martinez continues to impact music education as an advocate and leader, recently joining the UIL Region 22 Executive Committee in 2022.
Paulette Tomlinson - Biographical Information
Paulette Tomlinson, Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD in Northwest Houston, has 15 years of fine arts education and leadership experience. An educational leader and arts advocate, she previously served in this capacity at both Nacogdoches ISD and Flour Bluff ISD.Tomlinson has 10 years experience teaching band in South Carolina, Florida, and Texas.As Director of Bands, Tomlinson led groups through tremendous growth, achieved area and state level participation, and earned two FMEA Student Enrollment Awards. She was also awarded the FBA Tom Bishop Award for “dramatic positive impact on a band program.”Districts under Tomlinson’s leadership have earned NAMM Best Communities for Music Education and TAEA District of Distinction designations.Her leadership expands outside of her district role as she serves on the Texas Arts Education Campaign Board of Directors.Tomlinson earned her Bachelor of Music from Furman University and her Master of Music Education from Florida State University.
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