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🎙 Episode 120: Christopher Herrero – The Art of Band is the Art of War

This week on The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Christopher Herrero, Director of Bands at the legendary Edna Karr High School in New Orleans.

🔥 A proud Karr alum and the first Latino Tuba Section Leader at Jackson State University, Herrero returned home to lead the very program that shaped him—reviving its legacy, growing student membership, and infusing new purpose into every rehearsal.

💡 From the battlefield of competition to the classroom of community, Christopher shares how discipline, strategy, and heart collide to create excellence—and why he believes “The Art of Band is The Art of War.”

▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

🎧 Hit play. Get inspired. Share with your people.

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Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

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In this powerful and reflective episode of The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Dr. Derrick Fox (@singingingfox1), Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Research, and Creative Endeavors and Associate Director of Choral Programs at the Michigan State University College of Music.

Dr. Fox opens up about his journey as a leader, educator, and artist — exploring how self-determination, intentionality, and community have shaped his path. From navigating barriers as a Black musician in predominantly white spaces to empowering the next generation of music educators, his story reminds us that true leadership begins with purpose and accountability.

Listeners will hear Dr. Fox’s insights on mentorship, vulnerability in leadership, and what it truly means to create spaces where every voice is valued. His message, “If it is to be, it is up to me,” challenges us all to step into our power — not only as educators, but as agents of change.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, conductor, or future arts leader, this conversation will leave you inspired to reflect, act, and uplift those around you.

🎧 Listen now and join the movement to redefine leadership in music education: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

📱 Follow Dr. Fox: www.drderrickfox.com
| Instagram: @singingingfox1

#TheScorePodcast #MusicEducation #Leadership #ChoralMusic #ArtsLeadership #RepresentationMatters #EricAndJustin #IfItIsToBeItIsUpToMe

Support the show

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Send us a text

🎙 Episode 118: Más Que Música – Identity & Accessibility in Music Education

In this week’s episode of The Score, Eric and Justin sit down with Daniel Flores (@trumpetpapi) — musician, content creator, and advocate for culturally rooted music education. Daniel shares his journey growing up in underfunded, majority-Hispanic music programs, and how those early experiences shaped his passion for making music more accessible and meaningful for all students.

From starting the first collegiate mariachi ensemble in Illinois to helping other student groups across the country form their own, Daniel has been at the forefront of pushing for representation in spaces that often overlook genres like mariachi, banda, and conjunto. His story sheds light on the challenges of advocating for underrepresented traditions in predominantly white institutions, and the resilience required to keep that work moving forward.

We also dive into Daniel’s role as a digital educator on TikTok and Instagram, where he uses his platforms to “democratize” music education and connect with students and audiences beyond the classroom. He opens up about the rewards and roadblocks of partnering with institutions and brands as a non-conservatory trained musician, and how social media has become a powerful tool for both advocacy and teaching.

Whether you’re an educator looking to expand your repertoire, a student navigating questions of identity in music, or simply someone curious about how tradition and innovation collide, this conversation offers practical takeaways and plenty of inspiration.

👉 Listen now and join us as we explore what it means to go beyond the staff — to embrace music as a vehicle for culture, identity, and access.

🔗 Listen here: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

Support the show

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music