The Score
An Urban Music Education Podcast hosted by Eric and Justin. They provide tips and strategies through honest discussions about their experience teaching music in an Urban setting. The goal is to provide a positive and solution-based narrative to create more effective, compassionate and culturally relevant music educators.
Episodes
Earbuds to Ensembles: Connecting with Students Through Music They Love
What happens when we stop asking students to leave their musical identity at the classroom door?
In this special live episode of The Score, hosts Eric Jimenez and Justin are joined by Shirron Hawkins, Sarah Lopes, and Samara Martinez for an engaging conversation recorded at TMEA 2026. Together, they explore how today's educators can build stronger ...
🎙 Episode 120: Christopher Herrero – The Art of Band is the Art of War
This week on The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Christopher Herrero, Director of Bands at the legendary Edna Karr High School in New Orleans.
🔥 A proud Karr alum and the first Latino Tuba Section Leader at Jackson State University, Herrero returned home to lead the very program that shaped him—reviving its legacy, growing studen...
In this powerful and reflective episode of The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Dr. Derrick Fox (@singingingfox1), Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Research, and Creative Endeavors and Associate Director of Choral Programs at the Michigan State University College of Music.
Dr. Fox opens up about his journey as a leader, educator, and artist — exploring how self-determination, intentionality, and communit...
🎙 Episode 118: Más Que Música – Identity & Accessibility in Music Education
In this week’s episode of The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Daniel Flores (@trumpetpapi) — musician, content creator, and advocate for culturally rooted music education. Daniel shares his journey growing up in underfunded, majority-Hispanic music programs, and how those early experiences shaped his passion for ma...
This week on The Score, Eric and Justin dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in music education: creating strong classroom culture and managing discipline—without losing the spark that makes music joyful.
🔥 From setting expectations on Day 1 to navigating those inevitable tough moments, Eric and Justin share real stories, lessons learned, and strategies that keep students accountable and inspired.
💡 Wh...
The Score is kicking off the school year with fresh energy and new perspectives! Eric and Justin are back to talk about what it really takes to start strong—whether you’re leading a high school ensemble, shaping young minds in elementary, or finding your rhythm as a new teacher.
🎯 In this episode, Justin shares his journey transitioning from secondary to elementary music teaching—what’s surpr...
After a brief break, The Score is back in full effect! Eric and Justin reunite at the mics to reflect, recharge, and refocus on what matters most: music education, leadership, and building spaces where all students thrive.
🎯 In this episode, we unpack where we’ve been, what’s changed in the world of education, and why this next chapter feels more urgent—and more exciting—than ever.
💬 From bur...
Our first collab with The Relative Pitch Podcast!
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website
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Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get to interview Dr. Ruben James Alcala. Dr. Alcala serves as the Vocal and Elementary Music Coordinator for Fort Worth ISD. Listen in as we journey through a decorated career and the genesis story of how music changed his career trajectory. This conversation paints a beautiful picture of Dr. Alcala’s journey that fuels his convictions and has made his quest more impactf...
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a conversation about the longevity of relationships built with students that extend beyond the band hall. We, as music educators, have a great opportunity to invest in our kids for now and for years down the road. Both Eric and Justin recall moments that have afforded them a place to still have the space to continue to pour and mentor. This episode is to inspire and ...
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a beautiful conversation with a world-class educator who invested in the lives of both Eric and Justin. This episode features the well-decorated Dr. A. Jan Taylor. Dr. Taylor has taught at every level and achieved great success. And was the former Choral Director and music professor at Prairie View A&M University. Since her retirement in 2020, she has still been ...
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a beautiful conversation meeting the needs of every student. Specifically, our deaf students make up our various musical ensembles. To help us fully grasp this nuance, we had the pleasure of engaging with Mr. Adam Chitta. Mr. Chitta is the founder and owner of The Chitta Sound and an accomplished band director at North East ISD in San Antonio. In this dialogue, Adam ...
In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into the beauty of a name. Not just any name but specifically the students' names in our programs. There is something to be said about getting a child's name right. Listen in as both Eric and Justin discuss how we can make something so significant seem insignificant. There is confidence, care, and authenticity when we, as educators, aim to get our students' names correct....
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 ab...
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 gr...
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:
Er...
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 create...
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...
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...
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 hopefull...
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