

The Score
Eric Jimenez & Justin McLean
An Urban Music Education Podcast hosted by Eric and Justin. They provide tips and strategies through honest discussions about their experience teaching music in an Urban setting. The goal is to provide a positive and solution-based narrative to create more effective, compassionate and culturally relevant music educators.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 115- We’re Back: Music Ed, Leadership, and What’s Next
Send us a textAfter a brief break, The Score is back in full effect! Eric and Justin reunite at the mics to reflect, recharge, and refocus on what matters most: music education, leadership, and building spaces where all students thrive.🎯 In this episode, we unpack where we’ve been, what’s changed in the world of education, and why this next chapter feels more urgent—and more exciting—than ever.💬 From burnout to breakthroughs, we’re getting real about the challenges educators face and the responsibility we all carry to keep pushing forward.💡 If you’ve ever needed a reset or a reminder that your work matters—this episode is for you. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! 🌟▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast🎧 Start your school year with purpose, community, and a little bit of fire.—📢 Spread the Word: Tag a friend, colleague, or someone who’s ready to make a difference in the music classroom this year.📱 Stay Connected: Follow us @podthescore for updates, future episodes, and more.Support the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 14min
Ep. 114- Relative Pitch x The Score Podcast Collab: Don't Talk About It, Be About It
Send us a textOur first collab with The Relative Pitch Podcast!Support the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Sep 30, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 113- Dr. Ruben James Alcala- NOT QUITE: The Quest for Identity in Music Education
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin get to interview Dr. Ruben James Alcala. Dr. Alcala serves as the Vocal and Elementary Music Coordinator for Fort Worth ISD. Listen in as we journey through a decorated career and the genesis story of how music changed his career trajectory. This conversation paints a beautiful picture of Dr. Alcala’s journey that fuels his convictions and has made his quest more impactful for the students he serves. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!In Rotation:Eric- "Lucid Dreams" Leon Thomas feat. MasegoJustin- "My Last Two Dollars" Johnny TaylorRuben- T-PainSupport the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Sep 23, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 112- Caring for Students Post-High School: Shining a Light on Authentic Relationships
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a conversation about the longevity of relationships built with students that extend beyond the band hall. We, as music educators, have a great opportunity to invest in our kids for now and for years down the road. Both Eric and Justin recall moments that have afforded them a place to still have the space to continue to pour and mentor. This episode is to inspire and help all of our listeners see the opportunity we have to continue being an oasis of help for young minds. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!In Rotation:Eric- De Parranda & Tobe Nswige, PJ Morton - "We Need Angels"Justin- Frankie Beverly "We Are One"Support the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Sep 9, 2024 • 54min
Ep. 111: Dr. A. Jan Taylor- Mentorship in the 21st Century: Guiding Music Educators in a Digital World
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a beautiful conversation with a world-class educator who invested in the lives of both Eric and Justin. This episode features the well-decorated Dr. A. Jan Taylor. Dr. Taylor has taught at every level and achieved great success. And was the former Choral Director and music professor at Prairie View A&M University. Since her retirement in 2020, she has still been in heavy demand as a clinician, mentor, and sage of wisdom for upcoming educators in the choral arena. Listen in, as we discussed with Dr Taylor, to the need for real authentic mentorship with those who have come before us to better launch new educators forward towards musical excellence for their programs. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!In Rotation:Eric- My Divo PodcastJustin- Kenyan Dixon "Can I have this Groove"Dr. Taylor- Elevate Vocal ArtsSupport the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Jul 29, 2024 • 50min
Ep. 110: Adam Chitta- Deaf Students CAN be succesful in music!
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a beautiful conversation meeting the needs of every student. Specifically, our deaf students make up our various musical ensembles. To help us fully grasp this nuance, we had the pleasure of engaging with Mr. Adam Chitta. Mr. Chitta is the founder and owner of The Chitta Sound and an accomplished band director at North East ISD in San Antonio. In this dialogue, Adam raises awareness and gives proper tools as a deaf band director to reach out and provide a great experience for those and others alike. This is yet another enriching conversation for educators as a whole to continue being bridge builders for all students, no matter the learning nuance. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! In Rotation:Eric- De Parranda "El A-RA-B"Justin- Aarik Duncan- "Chasing Cars"Adam- Composer Tyler MazoneConnect with Adam: http://www.thechittasound.comAdam@thechittasound.comSupport the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Jul 15, 2024 • 51min
Ep. 109- Authenticity is the NAME of the Game: Developing a Strong Care for the Names of the Kids We Teach
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into the beauty of a name. Not just any name but specifically the students' names in our programs. There is something to be said about getting a child's name right. Listen in as both Eric and Justin discuss how we can make something so significant seem insignificant. There is confidence, care, and authenticity when we, as educators, aim to get our students' names correct. It's a great reminder that another school year is ramping up. It's a conversation that will help invigorate the director and create a community. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! In Rotation:Eric- Lake Street Dive "Dance With a Stranger" & One Song PodcastJustin- PJ Morton "Cape Town to Cairo"Support the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Apr 15, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 108- Sean Rodriguez- This and That: A Mariachi Directing Choir
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the great opportunity to connect with Mr. Sean Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez is the choir director at Southwest Legacy High School in San Antonio. Sean has such an interesting story of his journey into music, which continues to shape his purpose as a director. Listen in as both Eric and Justin pull back the layers of how Sean has made sure not to ignore his mariachi love and ability to be absent from his role in developing his choral kids. Sean lays out his convictions on how the art of music is neither tainted nor lost, yet it brings the this to get to the that. It's a conversation that will help invigorate the director and grow the ensemble. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! In Rotation:Eric- "God is Good" Forest Frank, Caleb GordonJustin- Brandon P "Trap Worship Vol. 1"Sean- "Steak Night at the Prairie Rose" SilveradaSupport the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Apr 8, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 107-After the Ratings: How to Prepare for Next Year
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss the aftermath of the results. What do you do once the scores have been given and the final festival or adjudication performance has finished? It is such a hectic time of rehearsals, sectionals, and clinics that once the final note has been played, all you really want to do is just get away. So listen in as both hosts talk about what comes next and how there is still growth, development, and knowledge to be gained. It’s a conversation that will help invigorate the director and grow the ensemble. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! In RotationEric: Entre Tu y Yo- Grupo VadenagiJustin: De La Soul- Me, Myself and ISupport the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music

Mar 18, 2024 • 42min
Ep. 106: Protecting Your Peace: Balancing Demands in Music Education
Send us a textIn this week's episode, Eric and Justin discuss the overworked and ever-tired aspect of music education. Both Eric and Justin walk down memory lane and remember the pivotal moments of their careers that raised a flag towards self-care. Listen in as the discussion of peace and the ways we can meet that need by reimagining the old way of working towards a more redeeming and intentional model.In Rotation:Eric- Obed PadillaJustin- Jairus Mozee- 1968 Support the showConnect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescoreEmail: podthescore@gmail.com | The Score Podcast WebsiteSupport The Score on Patreon or PaypalMusic Credits:Intro: Justin McLean In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music