Episodes
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the great opportunity to connect with Mr. Sean Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez is the choir director at Southwest Legacy High School in San Antonio. Sean has such an interesting story of his journey into music, which continues to shape his purpose as a director. Listen in as both Eric and Justin pull back the layers of how Sean has made sure not to ignore his mariachi love and ability to be absent from his role in developing his choral kids. Sean lays out...
Published 04/15/24
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss the aftermath of the results. What do you do once the scores have been given and the final festival or adjudication performance has finished? It is such a hectic time of rehearsals, sectionals, and clinics that once the final note has been played, all you really want to do is just get away. So listen in as both hosts talk about what comes next and how there is still growth, development, and knowledge to be gained. It’s a conversation that will...
Published 04/08/24
Published 04/08/24
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss the overworked and ever-tired aspect of music education. Both Eric and Justin walk down memory lane and remember the pivotal moments of their careers that raised a flag towards self-care. Listen in as the discussion of peace and the ways we can meet that need by reimagining the old way of working towards a more redeeming and intentional model. In Rotation: Eric- Obed Padilla Justin-  Jairus Mozee- 1968  Support the show Connect with us on...
Published 03/18/24
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin catch up with Professor Ricardo Brown. Ricardo Brown is the Associate Director of Athletic and Wind Bands at the University of Connecticut. He also serves as the Co-Caption Head of the Sacramento Mandarins Drum Corp. This has been a well overdue interview and it doesn’t disappoint. Listen in as Prof Brown delves into seizing opportunity in life and how that mantra created the fuel that has gotten him to every destination. This conversation leans into...
Published 03/11/24
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin jump back in the saddle with a much-needed conversation about the art of communication. Specifically how it can hinder student progress when not valued. Both Eric and Justin have experiences where their ability to articulate well was met with surprise instead of normalcy. Listen in as both hosts tackle the issue of communication in the classroom. They take a deep dive into how a teacher can either create an environment for confidence and expansion or...
Published 03/04/24
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the great opportunity to catch up with none other than Dr. Kelvin Jones. Dr. Jones is a world-class musician/educator and a product of The Jackson State University. He is the former director of the famous LSU Tiger band. Dr. Jones has since switched lanes and now resides in the world of real estate development and music consulting. Listen in as Dr. Jones discusses this new chapter of his career. This new hustle is nothing but the very foundation...
Published 12/05/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss one of the most important relationships in the life of a band program. This relationship is none other than the head director and assistant director. This week's conversation pulls back the layers and exposes the elephant in the room: lack of unity and collaboration. Eric and Justin dive into the roles and what can hinder, and what can help. This dialogue will hopefully start the much-needed conversation and help bridge gaps in the connectivity....
Published 10/30/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin bring in their brother from another mother, Dr. Andrew Hunter, Director of Bands at the University of Texas El Paso. Dr. Hunter brings his convictions in this conversation about the concept of innovation in a world that can sometimes be caught up in tradition. This dialogue is filled with healthy, thought-provoking concepts to help the students we teach push to a greater destination as music makers. Listen and take notes on how this passionate and...
Published 10/24/23
Well, it's finally here, episode 100, a momentous occasion and still slightly unbelievable. In this episode, Eric and Justin look forward by looking backward and reflecting on the work, the journey, and all the possibilities that lay ahead. Listen in as Eric and Justin envision what's next in the life of The Score podcast. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! In Rotation: Eric- Carin Leon "Love Like This" Justin- Rain- "Sunday Service...
Published 10/17/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin continue their conversation about Latino music education. Think of this week's episode as a part two of sorts as the light shines on Eric and his Latino experience as a student and music educator. Justin digs into Eric’s experience as an HBCU student and how his love and loyalty to his cultural background was a part of his journey as an educator. This episode gives great dialogue to an experience that helped shape his career and the students who were...
Published 10/02/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss how you, as a music educator, can celebrate the culture and music of the Latino community in your program. This is a deep dive from the perspective of Justin’s point as a black educator. This vulnerable and honest conversation is his approach. Justin and Eric take an intricate look back towards his effort, authenticity, and intentionality to not check off a list but to make those students be seen and a real part of the music community they are a...
Published 09/25/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss the world of Title I schools. Eric and Justin have cut their teeth as educators in the Title I context, which can easily be typecasted as monolithic. Listen in as both hosts pull back the layers and the multi-faceted aspects that create the world of Title I. Let this episode be your guide toward helpful conversations and understanding what it requires to be intentional and effective in all Title 1 environments. Please check out this week's...
Published 09/18/23
Eric and Justin are back to kick off another season of The Score. We could not start this season without letting our listeners know about the new seasons of life we are in and how, even though they look different, the outcome is all the same. We may have left our places of origin, but IMPACT is still the name of the game. Please check out this week's episode and make sure you are locked in as we start another impactful season of The Score. Enjoy and share!! In Rotation: Eric- Grupo Vadenagi...
Published 09/05/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss some major changes that have taken place in their respective lives. Both Eric and Justin are excited about the new life changes and want to share them with our listeners. Don't miss out on these exciting times in the life of The Score Podcast. Tune in and check out this week's episode. Enjoy and share!!! In Rotation: Eric- "Le Va Doler" Grupo Frontera Justin- "Victims & Villains" Musiq Soulchild Support the showConnect with us on Facebook,...
Published 06/05/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin passionately discuss knocking down doors of opportunities to create something new. This discussion is powered by the concept that we all have to do something to contribute to the world of music education. Whether it's a pedagogical approach, student relationship cultivation, or a nuanced way of retaining students in a dying program, this episode is to inspire and convict our listeners to do it, write it, record it, or perform it so that others in this...
Published 05/15/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin had the great honor of talking with educator extraordinaire Jasmine Fripp. Jasmine Fripp is the Director of Choral Activities and General Music at Kipp Nashville Collegiate High School. Mrs. Fripp is an innovator and world-class music educator. Yet, in this episode, she is speaking about something that evades every music educator—the concept of finding balance and why it’s important to the music classroom and students. Tune in and check out this week’s...
Published 05/01/23
In this week's episode, Eric narrates an article, "My Pretend Music School," from composer and percussionist Ivan Trevino. Ivan, an active educator, currently serves as a Lecturer in Percussion at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also co-director of the Eastman Percussion Festival, a biennial summer festival hosted by the Eastman School of Music. He is an artist and clinician for Innovative Percussion, Black Swamp Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Pearl / Adams, Meinl,...
Published 04/11/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the chance to interview Nicolas Prosini & Ær Queen, two elementary school music teachers from Fairfax County Schools, Virginia. We explore the topic of trans kids in the music classroom and how music educators can create a safe, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming environment for them. Ultimately, we explore how music can be a powerful tool for creating a sense of belonging and community for trans youth and how music educators can play a...
Published 04/03/23
 In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the chance to interview Aaron Staebell. Mr. Staebell takes us into the world of a introverted music. This birds-eye view conversation will give every listener a great insight into why understanding introverts in the classroom. Listen in as Aaron discusses with Eric and Justin the importance of knowing how to properly teach, care and connect with the introverted students in the music classroom. Tune in and check out this week's episode. Enjoy and...
Published 03/27/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the chance to interview Mrs. Meaghan O’Connor-Vince. Mrs. O’Connor-Vince teaches Music Technology at Barnstable High School in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Meaghan has a great journey as a prototypical band director that has developed a deep passion and vision of the imminent possibilities for equipping the next generation of music makers. Listen in as Meaghan helps us see the future of education for the next generation of musicians. Tune in and check...
Published 02/27/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the chance to interview Dr. Jack Eaddy. Dr. Eaddy is the Director of Athletic Bands and the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band at Western Carolina University and has a similar mindset to both Eric and Justin. Dr. Eaddy is a stark believer of authentic relationships and that they are the foundation of any level of success for a band program. This week's episode gets into the nuts and bolts of real relationship building that help construct a program...
Published 02/20/23
Article reading of Jesse Cannon II's most recent article in the TMEA Southwestern Musician magazine- The Climb of Your Life. Please consider Jesse for TMEA President-Elect! Why Jesse Cannon II for the TMEA President-Elect Southwestern Musician Support the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal Music Credits: Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben...
Published 02/06/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get a chance to interview Mr. Ramon Rivera, Director of Mariachi in The Mt Vernon School District. You don't want to miss this episode as Mr. Rivera passionately lays out the need and power of developing a quality mariachi program. It is a great episode to inspire and give resources to those looking to spark something new in their communities with a vibrant mariachi program. Tune in and check out this week's episode. Enjoy and share!!! In...
Published 01/23/23
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin bring in the new year by discussing what recent changes have transpired at the start of 2023. The duo also discusses the experience of getting the opportunity to present and be a part of the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. In Rotation: Eric- Carin Leon & Grupo Frontera "Que Vuelvas" Justin- Donnie Houston Podcast  Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website Support The...
Published 01/16/23