|
Mr. Hugo Escobedo
Director of Bands hugo.escobedo@nisd.net Hugo Escobedo is the Director of Bands for the John M. Harlan High School Band. He received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. While at UTSA, he participated in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Combos, and the Jazz Band where he was the lead trumpet player. He studied trumpet with Jan Roller, Chris Carillo, and Adrian Griffin. Mr. Escobedo studied conducting under Dr. Robert Rustowicz. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association. He is proud to be a part of the Harlan Band and is very fortunate to work with such talented students. Hugo Escobedo most recently served as the Director of Bands for LEE High School in San Antonio, Texas where he oversaw all aspects of the program including the marching band, concert ensembles, indoor programs, and the jazz band. The marching band has been a consistent UIL Sweepstakes recipient while the indoor percussion and color guard programs have been state finalists in the TCGC/TECA circuits. LEE Indoor Percussion was the TECA State Champion in 2013 & 2015 and the LEE Winter Guard was TECA State Champion in 2014. The LEE-Tones, a competitive jazz ensemble, was awarded Over All Best Jazz Performance in the Palo Alto Jazz Contest in 2016. |
His role as a music educator is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to learn and grow. It is important for learning to take place in such an environment so that students are not only free to be themselves, but free to make mistakes and learn in the process. It is of utmost importance that educators prepare students to be high-functioning members of society when they leave the sheltered environment of school, regardless of what their roles or vocations may be. Through music, he engages students in activities that require them to be creative, disciplined, flexible, and work cooperatively with others.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, watching TV, movies, working out, and playing with his son, Noah. He looks forward to another successful year with the Harlan Band.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, watching TV, movies, working out, and playing with his son, Noah. He looks forward to another successful year with the Harlan Band.
|
Mr. Bobby De Leon Jr.
Associate Director of Bands bobby.deleon@nisd.net Bobby Joe De Leon Jr is a Texas native, born in Lubbock, Texas and raised in Mathis, Texas. Growing up in the Mathis band program, saxophone was a primary passion of his musical career. Along with saxophone De Leon performed and competed as a Mariachi vocalist and was a marimba player for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012 and 2013. De Leon then went to study music education at the University of Texas - San Antonio, where he graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelors in Music Education and a Certificate in Saxophone Performance. De Leon received many accolades in college, including principal saxophone, 3-time national vocal finalist for the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition, Head Drum Major for the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band, and was hired on as the Drum Major Instructor for the marching band in 2018 at UTSA. De Leon was a receipt of the UTSA Golden Feather Award at the University Life Awards. This award is given to students who have left a legacy of excellence in leadership for years to come. De Leon joined the Harlan Hawk team in 2019. |
|
Mr. Steven Partida Associate Director of Bands/Director of Percussion steven.partida@nisd.net Mr. Steven Partida is a Texas native, born and raised in New Braunfels, TX. Going through the New Braunfels band program, percussion instruments have been a part of his life since the sixth grade. He guided by the teachings of Brad Arnold and Melissa Townsend. Partida then went on to continue his studies of music at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Music Education as a music department scholarship recipient. |
Partida received many accolades in performance opportunities, including being chosen as guest Marimba Soloist with the UTSA Chamber Choir, as well as being a performer at PASIC several times – most notably as a member of the 2015 PASIC All-Star Ensemble under the direction of Michael Burritt. Also during his undergraduate education, Partida lead the percussion studio as the elected Vice President, and then President of the UTSA Percussion Studio.
Next, Steven went on to graduate with his Masters of Music in Percussion Performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he was awarded an Associate Instructorship. During his time at Indiana, Steven was involved with a professional percussion quartet “Four/One,” giving masterclasses, performances, and premieres of works throughout the state of Indiana.
Next, Steven went on to graduate with his Masters of Music in Percussion Performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he was awarded an Associate Instructorship. During his time at Indiana, Steven was involved with a professional percussion quartet “Four/One,” giving masterclasses, performances, and premieres of works throughout the state of Indiana.