As we strive to create more inclusive and diverse musical ensembles, Eric and Justin, two band directors of color, will share how they got kicked out of a band hall to run their own. With over ten years of experience serving Title I band programs, Eric and Justin will provide tips and strategies to implement in your ensembles to acknowledge, celebrate, and inspire your marginalized students.
Eric Jimenez
- Biographical Information
Eric Jimenez
Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Bands at Prairie View A&M University, Eric Jimenez has over 12 years of revitalizing several band programs throughout the Houston area. His music programs increased student participation, morale, earned Division I and “Best in Class” ratings at UIL and numerous other festivals.
He is the recipient of Hamilton Middle School’s Teacher of the Year award in 2012, LULAC- League of United Latin American Citizens- Educator of the Year in 2015, a Grammy Educational Award for his work at Davis HS in 2015, Prairie View A&M University’s top 40 under 40 in 2016, Yamaha’s top 40 under 40 in 2021. He is an active podcaster, clinician, mentor, and consultant for arts education programs within the Houston area and Texas.
Eric is a 2009 graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in 2014. He is a current board member for the CMA Foundation. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), Texas Jazz Educators Association (TJEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Justin McLean, Percussion Director/Assistant Director of Bands at Hightower HS and Lake Olympia MS Band in Fort Bend ISD. Before his appointment at Hightower, he was the Percussion Director/Associate Director of Bands at Heights High School and former director of bands at Hamilton Middle School. He has received superior UIL ratings at both middle and high school, developed region band students, and a quality indoor percussion ensemble during his time there.
Mr. McLean is a Texas native raised in Rosenberg, Texas, a humble community outside Houston. Justin’s love of music began at an earlier age and was heavily influenced by the church through gospel and secular artists/musicians. His ambitions propelled him to strive for excellence in his aspirations and academic/professional life.
He received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Prairie View A&M University in 2011 and has had the pleasure of educating and training young musicians as a band director and percussion instructor for the past nine years in Houston ISD and now Fort Bend ISD. He is also a devoted music director and student minister in his local church and currently pursuing a Master’s degree through Reformed Theological Seminary.