McNeil High School Cluster Directors
McNeil High School - Director of Orchestras
Justin M. Anderson is an accomplished musician and the Director of Orchestras at McNeil High School. With a passion for guiding young musicians, he has dedicated eight years to teaching and inspiring students in the field of music.
Previously, Justin served as the associate director of orchestras at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD for eight years, where he played a pivotal role in fostering excellence among his students. Under his expert direction, his orchestras consistently achieved Superior Ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading evaluations.
Hailing from Odessa, TX, Justin's journey in music began at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, where he pursued a degree in music education. During his time there, he showcased his talent and versatility by performing with various ensembles, including the Fightin’ Falcon Band as a skilled french horn player, the University Choir as a vocal baritone, the Philharmonic Orchestra as a talented violist, and the Piano Ensemble and University String Quartet.
Justin's musical accomplishments extend beyond his educational pursuits. He had the unique opportunity to perform with the esteemed "Cassatt Quartet," formed by Juilliard musicians, as part of the Cassatt in the Basin Project. This collaboration further enriched his musical experience and solidified his commitment to excellence.
Recognizing his expertise and dedication, Justin was invited as a guest conductor at the prestigious Texas Orchestra Director's Association Convention in 2016. This honor highlighted his ability to lead and inspire fellow music educators and conductors.
In addition to his teaching and conducting endeavors, Justin has shared his musical talents with the Midland-Odessa Symphony as a violist. He has also been actively involved with summer music camps at both the university and high school levels, nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Justin remains deeply committed to his professional development and is actively associated with esteemed organizations such as the Texas Music Educator's Association, Texas Orchestra Director's Association, and Texas Music Teachers Association.
Outside of his musical pursuits, Justin finds joy in various activities. He possesses a creative flair and enjoys exploring graphic design. Additionally, he appreciates spending time outdoors, engaging in gardening and yard work. Above all, Justin treasures the company of remarkable individuals who share his passion for music and the arts.
Currently residing in the vibrant Austin Metroplex, Justin continues to shape the lives of aspiring musicians at McNeil High School, leaving an indelible mark on the local music community.
Previously, Justin served as the associate director of orchestras at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD for eight years, where he played a pivotal role in fostering excellence among his students. Under his expert direction, his orchestras consistently achieved Superior Ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading evaluations.
Hailing from Odessa, TX, Justin's journey in music began at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, where he pursued a degree in music education. During his time there, he showcased his talent and versatility by performing with various ensembles, including the Fightin’ Falcon Band as a skilled french horn player, the University Choir as a vocal baritone, the Philharmonic Orchestra as a talented violist, and the Piano Ensemble and University String Quartet.
Justin's musical accomplishments extend beyond his educational pursuits. He had the unique opportunity to perform with the esteemed "Cassatt Quartet," formed by Juilliard musicians, as part of the Cassatt in the Basin Project. This collaboration further enriched his musical experience and solidified his commitment to excellence.
Recognizing his expertise and dedication, Justin was invited as a guest conductor at the prestigious Texas Orchestra Director's Association Convention in 2016. This honor highlighted his ability to lead and inspire fellow music educators and conductors.
In addition to his teaching and conducting endeavors, Justin has shared his musical talents with the Midland-Odessa Symphony as a violist. He has also been actively involved with summer music camps at both the university and high school levels, nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Justin remains deeply committed to his professional development and is actively associated with esteemed organizations such as the Texas Music Educator's Association, Texas Orchestra Director's Association, and Texas Music Teachers Association.
Outside of his musical pursuits, Justin finds joy in various activities. He possesses a creative flair and enjoys exploring graphic design. Additionally, he appreciates spending time outdoors, engaging in gardening and yard work. Above all, Justin treasures the company of remarkable individuals who share his passion for music and the arts.
Currently residing in the vibrant Austin Metroplex, Justin continues to shape the lives of aspiring musicians at McNeil High School, leaving an indelible mark on the local music community.
Pearson Ranch Middle School - Clarissa Lopez
Clarissa López has been teaching instrumental music at the secondary level since 2006. Before Pearson Ranch, Clarissa was the 6-12 Orchestra and Band Director at Meridian World School, Inaugural String Orchestra Director at Hernandez MS and Associate Band Director at Covington Middle School in Austin. Clarissa has experience teaching middle school string, full orchestra, concert band, jazz and mariachi ensembles.
She was born and raised in Alice, Texas and credits her father and band directors for her passion to pursue music education. She often gets invited to clinics and adjudicates instrumental ensembles each year in central Texas. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University Kingsville in Music Education and her Master's degree from the University of Texas in Music Performance. Her main instruments include trumpet, violin and piano.
She believes in instruction that is student-centered and energetic that promotes a student climate of acceptance, compassion, and respect towards others. She works to provide enjoyable learning experiences that build independent musicianship, teamwork, and creativity. She is inclusive of all disciplines in her instruction and collaborates with as many teachers as possible to help build unity within the school.
Some of her recent honors and recognitions include Middle School Teacher of the Year, (2022-2023) Grammy Music Educator Award Quarter Finalist (2019-2020). In addition to this, ensembles under her direction traditionally earn Superior ratings at UIL evaluations and/or Music Festivals.
When she is not teaching, she spends her time reading, practicing her instruments, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and son. She loves learning about others' cultures and meeting new people!
She was born and raised in Alice, Texas and credits her father and band directors for her passion to pursue music education. She often gets invited to clinics and adjudicates instrumental ensembles each year in central Texas. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University Kingsville in Music Education and her Master's degree from the University of Texas in Music Performance. Her main instruments include trumpet, violin and piano.
She believes in instruction that is student-centered and energetic that promotes a student climate of acceptance, compassion, and respect towards others. She works to provide enjoyable learning experiences that build independent musicianship, teamwork, and creativity. She is inclusive of all disciplines in her instruction and collaborates with as many teachers as possible to help build unity within the school.
Some of her recent honors and recognitions include Middle School Teacher of the Year, (2022-2023) Grammy Music Educator Award Quarter Finalist (2019-2020). In addition to this, ensembles under her direction traditionally earn Superior ratings at UIL evaluations and/or Music Festivals.
When she is not teaching, she spends her time reading, practicing her instruments, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and son. She loves learning about others' cultures and meeting new people!
Deerpark Middle School - James Strauss
James (Jamey) Strauss is a music teacher and violinist from Austin, TX. Jamey is committed to instilling an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards music in the minds of young students. Jamey completed his Bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a faculty member of the UT String Project, teaching students as young as 4 years old and as old as high school seniors. He studied violin with Prof. Sandy Yamamoto, and was also a committed member of the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Farkhad Khudyev. As a native of Austin, Jamey attended Lake Travis High School, where he was involved in the Lake Travis Fiddlers, a western swing band, and in CHAMPS, an Austin-based chamber music program. He also achieved placements in the All-Region and All-State orchestras during high school. Jamey is trained in teaching the Suzuki method, which emphasizes that every child has the ability to be successful in music. Outside of music, Jamey is an avid basketball fan, and enjoys watching the Denver Nuggets, as well as spending time with his cat, Sonnie.