Youth Orchestra Directors

Clarissa López is a dedicated and accomplished musician and educator with a rich history of teaching instrumental music at the secondary level in the Austin area since 2006. She has taught in a range of capacities as a director of string orchestra, full orchestra, concert band, jazz band, mariachi, general music, MYP Music, and IB Music programs.   She is currently the String Orchestra Director at Pearson Ranch Middle School in Round Rock ISD where she continues the rich traditions of music excellency in the program.

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 instruments are the trumpet and violin. 

Clarissa credits her parents and former band directors for instilling the passion to teach music from the lenses of dedication, love, laughter, enjoyment and servitude to the community. 

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 Teacher of the Year (2022-2023) and Grammy Music Educator Quarter-Finalist (2019, 2020). Clarissa often extends her excellence by continuing to apply for grants that either sustain program longevity through inventory accumulation, expose students to master teachers and clinicians, or provide live music travel experiences and/or innovative software.

Her ensembles consistently achieve superior ratings at yearly UIL evaluations and Best in Class / Best Overall Recognitions at music festivals. Clarissa is also dedicated to community outreach and encourages her students to perform at many local 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.