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.

Ep. 114- Relative Pitch x The Score Podcast Collab: Don't Talk About It, Be About It

Send us a textOur first collab with The Relative Pitch Podcast!Support the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

10-30
01:13:53

Ep. 113- Dr. Ruben James Alcala- NOT QUITE: The Quest for Identity in Music Education

Send us a textIn 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 impactful for the students he serves. Please check out this week's episode to...

09-30
55:15

Ep. 112- Caring for Students Post-High School: Shining a Light on Authentic Relationships

Send us a textIn 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 help all of our listeners see the opportunity we have to continu...

09-23
40:08

Ep. 111: Dr. A. Jan Taylor- Mentorship in the 21st Century: Guiding Music Educators in a Digital World

Send us a textIn 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 heavy demand as a clinician, mentor, and sage of wisdom for u...

09-09
54:05

Ep. 110: Adam Chitta- Deaf Students CAN be succesful in music!

Send us a textIn 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 raises awareness and gives proper tools as a deaf band director ...

07-29
50:26

Ep. 109- Authenticity is the NAME of the Game: Developing a Strong Care for the Names of the Kids We Teach

Send us a textIn 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. It's a great reminder that another school year is ramping up. I...

07-15
51:02

Ep. 108- Sean Rodriguez- This and That: A Mariachi Directing Choir

Send us a textIn 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. ...

04-15
54:36

Ep. 107-After the Ratings: How to Prepare for Next Year

Send us a textIn 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 conversati...

04-08
42:58

Ep. 106: Protecting Your Peace: Balancing Demands in Music Education

Send us a textIn 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 PadillaJustin- Jairus Mozee- 1968 Support the showConnec...

03-18
42:28

Ep. 105- Seize Your Opportunity: Ricardo Brown

Send us a textIn 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...

03-11
01:07:56

Ep. 104: Beyond Words: Colleague Reactions to the Symphony of Well-Spoken Communication

Send us a textIn 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 e...

03-04
42:15

Ep. 103- The Hustle Outside of Music: Dr. Kelvin Jones

Send us a textIn 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 ...

12-05
58:08

Ep. 102- Head and Assistant Directors: A Match Forged Through Truth and Grace

Send us a textIn 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...

10-30
45:11

Ep. 101- Dr. Andrew Hunter- This AND: Open to Innovation In a Traditional World

Send us a textIn 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 passio...

10-24
59:18

Ep. 100- Four Years of Reflection, Service for Music Ed Podcasting

Send us a textWell, 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 Servi...

10-17
42:08

Ep. 99 Inclusive Notes: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Latino Music Education

Send us a textIn 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 studen...

10-02
45:16

Ep. 98- Celebrating Latino Culture and Heritage from a Black Music Educator's Perspective

Send us a textIn 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 commun...

09-25
43:06

Episode 97 - Title I is Not One Size Fits All- There Are Levels to This

Send us a textIn 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 thi...

09-18
45:26

Ep. 96- Season 4- Back Like We Never left

Send us a textEric 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- Grup...

09-05
50:48

Ep. 95- SUMMER BREAK! But with some BIG UPDATES from Eric & Justin

Send us a textIn 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 FronteraJustin- "Victims & Villains" Musiq SoulchildSupport the showConnect with us on F...

06-05
44:54

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