Youth Orchestra Directors

Clarissa López is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with a rich history of teaching instrumental music at the secondary level, starting her career in 2006. She has served in various notable roles, including Orchestra and Band Director at Meridian World School, Inaugural String Orchestra Director at Hernandez Middle School, and Associate Band Director at Covington Middle School in Austin ISD. She has extensive experience instructing string and full orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensemble, mariachi and general music. She is currently the Orchestra Director at Pearson Ranch Middle School and continuing the rich traditions of music excellency within the program.

Raised in Alice, Texas, Clarissa's passion for music was inspired by her father and her band directors. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University Kingsville and a Master's degree in Music Performance from the University of Texas. Her primary instruments are the trumpet, violin, and piano. 

Clarissa is a strong advocate for student-centered, energetic instruction that fosters a climate of acceptance, compassion, and respect. She aims to provide learning experiences that develop independent musicianship, teamwork, and creativity. Her inclusive approach often involves collaboration with other teachers to build a unified school community.  

Her excellence in teaching has been recognized through several awards, including the Meridian Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023 and Quarter-Finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award in 2019-2020. Under her direction, her ensembles consistently achieve superior ratings at UIL evaluations and Best in Class / Best Overall Recognitions at music festivals. Clarissa is also dedicated to community outreach and is in high demand for her groups to perform at Round Rock community events.

Outside of her professional commitments, Clarissa and her husband, Samuel, are blessed parents of two incredible children, Noelia and Felix. She enjoys reading, practicing her instruments and catching up with her friends. She has a keen interest in learning about different cultures and meeting new people.

Her professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Director Association and the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Cathy Humphrey is a highly experienced music educator with an impressive 29-year career dedicated to teaching a wide range of musical disciplines, including concert band, orchestra, marching band, colorguard, steel pan, and jazz ensembles. Her teaching philosophy centers around the belief that music education fosters essential life skills and personal growth, and she strives to inspire her students to appreciate these benefits through their participation in structured musical programs.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in All-Level Music Education from Texas State University and was an active member of Tau Beta Sigma. In 2009, she earned her Master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University in Austin complemented by certifications in both Instructional Leadership Development and Professional Development and Support.

In her current role as the Director of Bands at Cele Middle School in Pflugerville ISD, Mrs. Humphrey's ensembles consistently earn Superior Ratings at UIL and notable achievements in festivals and invitational competitions. Her jazz and chamber wind ensembles are actively involved in community performances. She is a proud sponsor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, which enables her students to take on leadership roles within their community.

Prior to teaching at Cele MS, Mrs. Humphrey was Director of Bands at Hernandez Middle School in Round Rock ISD. In just three years of its opening, she led her band to achieve national recognition by winning the 2013 Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors. Her tenure at Covington Middle School in Austin ISD was equally impressive, with her groups consistently excelling in UIL competitions and performing at prestigious venues like the Lincoln Memorial Center, Carnegie Hall and various national invitationals. 

Outside of public education, Cathy served as Director of Student Life for the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee for six years, where she played a key role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants from around the globe. Her responsibilities included working closely with the festival's artistic director and collaborating with distinguished conductors and faculty artists from leading orchestras and conservatories. This experience not only enhanced her operational acumen in managing a non-profit organization but also allowed her to contribute to educational programming and community performances.

Her professional memberships include Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Education Association and The National Association for Music Education.