Eric Jimenez ‘09
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 27, 2021) – Eric Jimenez ‘09, assistant director of bands at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), continues to make his mark in a field that is his passion. The PVAMU alumnus was recently named as an honoree with the Yamaha 40 under 40 Music Education Advocacy Program. As an honoree, he joins 39 other innovative, creative, and impactful music educators under the age of 40 who exemplify the highest level of music education in the United States.
“I was shocked to receive the nomination and, ultimately, the award,” Jimenez said. “I am grateful for the colleagues who submitted my nomination and who feel the voice I provide for our profession is needed. I take on the responsibility to continue the work to provide a solution-based and positive narrative for our teachers and students in marginalized populations.”
Yamaha established its 40 Under 40 music education advocacy program last year to celebrate music educators across the nation. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, local instrument dealers, and mentors nominated hundreds of music instructors for the award from all grade levels, public and private.
“All recognized educators possess outstanding exemplification of one of four qualities: action, courage, creativity, or growth. The profiles were selected based on their ability to proactively take the necessary steps that lead to a stronger music program; propose and implement new or bold ideas; show innovation and imagination in achieving plans and objectives; and establish and grow or improve music education in their schools and communities,” Yamaha representatives said in a statement.
Along with serving as the assistant director of bands for the Marching Storm at PVAMU, Jimenez is an adjunct instructor for the Music Department and director of the Jazz Band I Ensemble. His musical career began in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), working in various schools where he earned a reputation for growing and reviving middle and high school music programs.
In one of the nomination letters for “40 under 40,” it stated that Jimenez’s “most notable and farthest-reaching accomplishment is his work on The Score podcast.” Jimenez and his former co-worker and fellow PVAMU alumnus, Justin McLean ‘11, launched the podcast in 2019. It was created from their “authentic and nuanced conversations” as band directors at Heights High School in HISD.
“We hoped to provide positive and exemplar stories of educators serving minority students,” Jimenez said. The result was exactly that, with reviews calling the podcast “essential listening,” “in one word, AMAZING,” “eye-opening,” “a great resource,” and “a real gem.”
According to Jimenez, The Score was also part of a broader mission called the Revival Music Project, which aims to provide resources to educators in urban music settings. Today, Jimenez and McLean continue to offer clinics, presentations, and lectures to school districts, teachers, and universities.
“I am excited to continue helping and serving others through music,” Jimenez said. “Music education provides access to higher education and unforgettable memories and relationships. This time in my life allows me to reflect and celebrate the great things I see my current and former students accomplishing in life.”
-PVAMU-