MUSIC CONSERVATORY
Booker T. Washington HSPVA is the Dallas Independent School District magnet school for the performing and visual arts, and is one of the top high schools in the nation for the study of music. The BTW Music Conservatory offers a wide range of interests for the music student. These interests include classical and jazz studies with extensive courses in vocal music, instrumental music, music composition and music theory. Students pursue a core course of study with additional electives.
Awards and Honors
The BTWHSPVA Music Conservatory has received national recognition and state honors since its inception in 1976.
Awards and Honors
The BTWHSPVA Music Conservatory has received national recognition and state honors since its inception in 1976.
- Five Time Grammy Signature School Winner
- Major performances at Carnegie Hall and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall
- More than 200 Student Downbeat Awards
- More than 30 Grammy Awards by our Alumni
- Multiple Grand Champion Awards at the Monterrey Jazz Festival
- National Scholars of the Arts recipients
- National Invitational Festival Best in Class Awards and Grand Champion Awards from our Choral, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble programs
- TMEA Texas All State Students in Choral, Jazz, Orchestra and Wind Studies
- UIL State Solo and Ensemble Outstanding Musician Awards
- UIL Sweepstakes Awards for Choral, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
FACULTY & STAFF
The Music Conservatory at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts has enjoyed decades of providing outstanding music experiences for students. This success has been built upon a strong work ethic and desire to be the eminent high school music program both nationally and internationally. Our faculty are some of the most respected professional musicians and educators in the nation.
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Dr. Michael JackoDirector of Music Conservatory, Head of Orchestral Studies
Room 269, Main Building Phone: 972 925 1234 Email: mjacko@dallasisd.org Website: www.dallasisd.org/michaeljacko |
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Michael Jacko has served as the conductor of the Maryland Sinfonietta and Assistant Conductor for the Capital City Symphony and the National Gallery of Art Orchestra in Washington, D.C. He holds an M.F.A. in orchestral conducting from Bard College and a D.M.A. in instrumental conducting from the University of Maryland, College Park. A devotee of American symphonic music, Michael completed his doctoral thesis at the University of Maryland, in which he discussed the new editions of Charles Ives's Fourth Symphony.
He recently conducted the Maryland Sinfonietta in the opening program of the National Gallery's 65th American Music Festival, which featured a selection of works by Cage, Copland and Ives that the Washington Post called "fascinating," "illuminating," and "a rich study in American mythmaking."
Michael began his conducting study while pursuing a degree from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at Georgetown University. While at Georgetown, he conducted the University Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Michael completed further studies at Bard College, the University of Denver, and the University of Maryland, where he served as assistant conductor to various instrumental, choral, and operatic ensembles. While at Bard, he coordinated and conducted a string ensemble for Noemie LaFrance’s site-specific ballet, Rapture, staged atop the magnificent Frank Gehry-designed Richard B. Fisher Center, and he also led the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra as a guest conductor.
He recently conducted the Maryland Sinfonietta in the opening program of the National Gallery's 65th American Music Festival, which featured a selection of works by Cage, Copland and Ives that the Washington Post called "fascinating," "illuminating," and "a rich study in American mythmaking."
Michael began his conducting study while pursuing a degree from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at Georgetown University. While at Georgetown, he conducted the University Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Michael completed further studies at Bard College, the University of Denver, and the University of Maryland, where he served as assistant conductor to various instrumental, choral, and operatic ensembles. While at Bard, he coordinated and conducted a string ensemble for Noemie LaFrance’s site-specific ballet, Rapture, staged atop the magnificent Frank Gehry-designed Richard B. Fisher Center, and he also led the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra as a guest conductor.
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Dr. William George-TwymanAssistant Director of Music Conservatory, Head of Choral Studies
Room 130 Phone: 972 925 1229 Email: wigeorge@dallasisd.org Website: www.dallasisd.org/williamgeorge |
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William George is A.B.D. in the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Choral Conducting at the University of Oklahoma, where he as the 2016 recipient of the Outstanding Choral Leadership Award from the school of music.
William comes with many years of choral conducting experience at the middle and high school levels, as well as in the collegiate, semi-professional, and liturgical arenas. He has studied with great conductors such as Dr. Richard Zielinski (University of Oklahoma), Dr. Carmen-Helena Tellez (University of Notre Dame), Dr. Eric Stark (Butler University), and Dr. Gary Anderson (Transylvania University). His masterclass experience includes workshops with Dr. Tim Sharp (American Choral Directors Association), Dr. Craig Hella-Johnson (Conspirare), Simon Carrington (The King's Singers), and Dale Warland (Dale Warland Singers).
Striving to find connections between Classical-era repertoire and modern music, William is known for innovative programming ideas and multimedia collaborations. He has served as pit conductor for several musical theatre productions, most recently a performance of the Tony award-winning "Coram Boy" in partnership with the University of Oklahoma School of Musical Theatre. William has also prepared opera choruses, conducted new music by living composers, and performed internationally as both singer and conductor.
In addition to being an accomplished choral conductor, William is a trained countertenor, having performed in Handel's "Messiah" (University of Notre Dame), Bach's "Magnificat in D Major" (St. Mark the Evangelist, Plano, Texas) and numerous early music groups.
Previous degrees include a Master of Sacred Music degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Butler University, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Transylvania University.
William comes with many years of choral conducting experience at the middle and high school levels, as well as in the collegiate, semi-professional, and liturgical arenas. He has studied with great conductors such as Dr. Richard Zielinski (University of Oklahoma), Dr. Carmen-Helena Tellez (University of Notre Dame), Dr. Eric Stark (Butler University), and Dr. Gary Anderson (Transylvania University). His masterclass experience includes workshops with Dr. Tim Sharp (American Choral Directors Association), Dr. Craig Hella-Johnson (Conspirare), Simon Carrington (The King's Singers), and Dale Warland (Dale Warland Singers).
Striving to find connections between Classical-era repertoire and modern music, William is known for innovative programming ideas and multimedia collaborations. He has served as pit conductor for several musical theatre productions, most recently a performance of the Tony award-winning "Coram Boy" in partnership with the University of Oklahoma School of Musical Theatre. William has also prepared opera choruses, conducted new music by living composers, and performed internationally as both singer and conductor.
In addition to being an accomplished choral conductor, William is a trained countertenor, having performed in Handel's "Messiah" (University of Notre Dame), Bach's "Magnificat in D Major" (St. Mark the Evangelist, Plano, Texas) and numerous early music groups.
Previous degrees include a Master of Sacred Music degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Butler University, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Transylvania University.
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Terence Hobdy |
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Terence Hobdy, a native of Houston, TX, earned a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. While studying at North Texas, he was a member of several ensembles and represented the music department internationally. Mr. Hobdy earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Houston.
For nearly 18 years, he has been a professional performer and educator, having traveled to various countries to perform and record with many different artists. For six of those years, Mr. Hobdy has served as an adjunct professor and instructor of drum set, general percussion, and Jazz Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his professorship, he has served as a consultant for the Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts as Director of the Contemporary Music Ensemble and initialized a weekly Drum Set Master Class.
Mr. Hobdy is committed to seeing his students develop the skills that will allow them to adapt to any circumstance in which they find themselves. This concept is more than a philosophy of music, but a philosophy for life. He is also a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity of America, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
For nearly 18 years, he has been a professional performer and educator, having traveled to various countries to perform and record with many different artists. For six of those years, Mr. Hobdy has served as an adjunct professor and instructor of drum set, general percussion, and Jazz Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his professorship, he has served as a consultant for the Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts as Director of the Contemporary Music Ensemble and initialized a weekly Drum Set Master Class.
Mr. Hobdy is committed to seeing his students develop the skills that will allow them to adapt to any circumstance in which they find themselves. This concept is more than a philosophy of music, but a philosophy for life. He is also a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity of America, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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Christian Parkess |
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Christian Parkess is a proud alumni of Booker T. Washington HSPVA from the class of 1995, and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master of Music degree from The University of Oregon. He worked as a Graduate Teaching Fellow, teaching undergraduate music classes while earning his Master’s in Oregon. Before completing his academic degrees, Christian worked extensively as a professional performer, composer, and arranger in the New York City area.
Christian has taught music in San Antonio, Houston, and for the last four years has been teaching International Baccalaureate and AP Music Theory in Frankfurt, Germany and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He is forever interested in the cultural contexts in which music is created, and the myriad of ways that music functions as a part of the human experience.
Christian has performed at multiple venues in the UK, and has appeared at the Montreux, Umbria, La Spezia, and Vienne Jazz festivals.
Christian has taught music in San Antonio, Houston, and for the last four years has been teaching International Baccalaureate and AP Music Theory in Frankfurt, Germany and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He is forever interested in the cultural contexts in which music is created, and the myriad of ways that music functions as a part of the human experience.
Christian has performed at multiple venues in the UK, and has appeared at the Montreux, Umbria, La Spezia, and Vienne Jazz festivals.
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Art Ruangtip |
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Mr. Ruangtip is the new Director of Wind and Percussion Studies at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. He was previously the Director of Bands at Rowlett HS in Garland ISD after just completing his 20th year as a Texas music educator. Art obtained his Master of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi and his undergraduate music education degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennesse. Currently he currently resides in Fate, Texas with his wife, Rose and dog.
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Steven SchragAssistant Director of Music Conservatory / Guitar / Music Production
Room 284 Phone: 972 925 8263 Email: sschrag@dallasisd.org Website: www.dallasisd.org/stevenschrag |
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Mr. Schrag has played in live bands and studio sessions across the nation, and maintains an active performance schedule in addition to teaching.
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Audra Scott |
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This Award-winning soprano continues the steady ascent of her emerging career. She has received numerous accolades for her stunning vocal quality and artistry, by way of top ranking in both regional and national vocal competitions. Audra has been seen in the role of Strawberry Woman throughout Europe. She has performed with the tour of Porgy & Bess for the past ten years with the Munich-based Company, New York Harlem Theater, and she has been seen in opera houses and theaters such as; Oper Leipzig, Bremen Music Theatre, Kölner Philharmonie, Komische Oper Berlin, Grand Théatre de Genéve, Chassé Theater (Netherlands), Amsterdam RAI, Le Colisée, Opéra de Massey and National theatre Mannheim to name a few. She has also been featured in a concert series entitled, 'Christmas Dreams from America' presented in churches throughout Germany. Audra has been presented in recital throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Houston, Prairie View, Arizona, Minnesota, Utah and California, and has trained as a young artist with Amarillo Opera, Utah Festival Opera, and Dallas Opera. Audra has also been seen at the Historic Jubilee Theater in Fort Worth, TX. She debuted with the Fort Worth Opera as Lily in its production of Porgy & Bess in the Spring of 2019. Audra was recently presented in concert at the Toruń International Music Festival in Toruń, Poland.
As a musician Audra's career does not stop with her, it extends to the education of others. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Prairie View A &M University and a Master of Music from University of Arizona, both degrees specializing in vocal performing. She worked as a voice teacher in Richardson ISD while completing her Artist Certificate from Southern Methodist University. She also taught studio production in Houston for various recording artist. Audra served as a choral director with the Fort Worth Independent School District for eight years. She serves as co-owner/operator of the non- profit organization, Music Mentors of Texas.
Last but certainly not least, Audra has released her first CD, a collection of spirituals and hymns arranged with elements of jazz and classical. The CD is entitled, A Long Road and the single, "Wade in the Water" can be found on iTunes, CD baby and through Audra Scott music on Facebook. Audra dedicates her life to the character building of students and other aspiring musicians through music and world traveling.
As a musician Audra's career does not stop with her, it extends to the education of others. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Prairie View A &M University and a Master of Music from University of Arizona, both degrees specializing in vocal performing. She worked as a voice teacher in Richardson ISD while completing her Artist Certificate from Southern Methodist University. She also taught studio production in Houston for various recording artist. Audra served as a choral director with the Fort Worth Independent School District for eight years. She serves as co-owner/operator of the non- profit organization, Music Mentors of Texas.
Last but certainly not least, Audra has released her first CD, a collection of spirituals and hymns arranged with elements of jazz and classical. The CD is entitled, A Long Road and the single, "Wade in the Water" can be found on iTunes, CD baby and through Audra Scott music on Facebook. Audra dedicates her life to the character building of students and other aspiring musicians through music and world traveling.
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Leonardo Zuno Fernández |
Read LEONARDO ZUNO FERNáNDEZ's bio
Leonardo Zuno Fernández was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He discovered his passion for teaching from a very young age. Mr. Zuno is currently a Ph.D. candidate in music theory with a related field in musicology at the University of North Texas, where he recently taught as a Teaching Fellow for four years. Currently, Mr. Zuno is writing his doctoral dissertation.
He studied piano under Dr. Richard Baca and Mr. Alfred Mouledous. Having obtained two master's degrees at SMU (in piano performance and pedagogy and in music theory), Mr. Zuno taught courses as adjunct lecturer at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts in the areas of music theory, aural skills, and class piano to both graduate and undergraduate students. In addition, he has taught piano for over 20 years, and also has experience teaching at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. He has been a board member for Dallas Music Teachers Association from 2006-2018 and has also volunteered with Texas Music Teachers Association's theory advisory committee.
Mr. Zuno frequently adjudicates around the DFW metroplex in festivals and contests.
He loves being married to his wife and is blessed to have two children. One of his greatest joys is seeing students succeed. He considers himself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to serve Booker T. Washington’s amazing and dedicated students.
He studied piano under Dr. Richard Baca and Mr. Alfred Mouledous. Having obtained two master's degrees at SMU (in piano performance and pedagogy and in music theory), Mr. Zuno taught courses as adjunct lecturer at SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts in the areas of music theory, aural skills, and class piano to both graduate and undergraduate students. In addition, he has taught piano for over 20 years, and also has experience teaching at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. He has been a board member for Dallas Music Teachers Association from 2006-2018 and has also volunteered with Texas Music Teachers Association's theory advisory committee.
Mr. Zuno frequently adjudicates around the DFW metroplex in festivals and contests.
He loves being married to his wife and is blessed to have two children. One of his greatest joys is seeing students succeed. He considers himself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to serve Booker T. Washington’s amazing and dedicated students.