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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 relationships, increase student engagement, and create more inclusive music programs by embracing the music students already connect with.

From popular music and culturally responsive teaching to recruitment, retention, and authentic student voice, this panel shares practical strategies and personal experiences that challenge us to rethink what meaningful music education can look like.

Whether you're a band, choir, orchestra, mariachi, guitar, or general music educator, this conversation will leave you inspired to meet students where they are—and help them discover where music can take them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Building relationships through students' musical interests
• Creating culturally responsive ensembles
• Bridging popular music and traditional music education
• Practical ideas for increasing engagement and belonging
• The future of music education

🎙️ Recorded live at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Conference 2026.

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Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website

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Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

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🎙 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 student membership, and infusing new purpose into every rehearsal.

💡 From the battlefield of competition to the classroom of community, Christopher shares how discipline, strategy, and heart collide to create excellence—and why he believes “The Art of Band is The Art of War.”

▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

🎧 Hit play. Get inspired. Share with your people.

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📢 Spread the Word: Know someone building greatness in their program? Tag them!
📱 Stay Connected: Follow us @podthescore for more episodes and updates.

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Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website

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Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

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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 community have shaped his path. From navigating barriers as a Black musician in predominantly white spaces to empowering the next generation of music educators, his story reminds us that true leadership begins with purpose and accountability.

Listeners will hear Dr. Fox’s insights on mentorship, vulnerability in leadership, and what it truly means to create spaces where every voice is valued. His message, “If it is to be, it is up to me,” challenges us all to step into our power — not only as educators, but as agents of change.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, conductor, or future arts leader, this conversation will leave you inspired to reflect, act, and uplift those around you.

🎧 Listen now and join the movement to redefine leadership in music education: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

📱 Follow Dr. Fox: www.drderrickfox.com
| Instagram: @singingingfox1

#TheScorePodcast #MusicEducation #Leadership #ChoralMusic #ArtsLeadership #RepresentationMatters #EricAndJustin #IfItIsToBeItIsUpToMe

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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

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🎙 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 making music more accessible and meaningful for all students.

From starting the first collegiate mariachi ensemble in Illinois to helping other student groups across the country form their own, Daniel has been at the forefront of pushing for representation in spaces that often overlook genres like mariachi, banda, and conjunto. His story sheds light on the challenges of advocating for underrepresented traditions in predominantly white institutions, and the resilience required to keep that work moving forward.

We also dive into Daniel’s role as a digital educator on TikTok and Instagram, where he uses his platforms to “democratize” music education and connect with students and audiences beyond the classroom. He opens up about the rewards and roadblocks of partnering with institutions and brands as a non-conservatory trained musician, and how social media has become a powerful tool for both advocacy and teaching.

Whether you’re an educator looking to expand your repertoire, a student navigating questions of identity in music, or simply someone curious about how tradition and innovation collide, this conversation offers practical takeaways and plenty of inspiration.

👉 Listen now and join us as we explore what it means to go beyond the staff — to embrace music as a vehicle for culture, identity, and access.

🔗 Listen here: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

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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

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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.

💡 Whether you’re a new teacher building your first program or a veteran director rethinking your approach, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections you can take straight to your classroom.

▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

🎧 Hit play. Get inspired. Share with your people.

Support the show

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

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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 surprised him, what’s challenged him, and the lessons he’s already learned. Eric brings insights from the field, highlighting trends, strategies, and the mindset shifts music educators need to thrive in 2025.

💬 From setting up classrooms to setting the tone for a new year, we’re getting honest about the preparation, flexibility, and creativity it takes to make back-to-school season successful and joyful.

💡 If you’re looking for practical tips, fresh inspiration, and a few laughs to start your school year, this episode is for you. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! 🌟

▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

🎧 Start your school year with purpose, community, and a little bit of fire.

—
📢 Spread the Word:
Tag a friend, colleague, or someone who’s ready to make a difference in the music classroom this year.
📱 Stay Connected: Follow us @podthescore for updates, future episodes, and more.

Support the show

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Send us Fan Mail

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 burnout to breakthroughs, we’re getting real about the challenges educators face and the responsibility we all carry to keep pushing forward.

💡 If you’ve ever needed a reset or a reminder that your work matters—this episode is for you. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! 🌟

▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

🎧 Start your school year with purpose, community, and a little bit of fire.

—

📢 Spread the Word:
Tag a friend, colleague, or someone who’s ready to make a difference in the music classroom this year.

📱 Stay Connected: Follow us @podthescore for updates, future episodes, and more.

Support the show

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Send us Fan Mail

Our first collab with The Relative Pitch Podcast!

Support the show

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music