The Score

Send us a textThis week on The Score, Eric and Justin dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in music education: creating strong classroom culture and managing discipline—without losing the spark that makes music joyful.🔥 From setting expectations on Day 1 to navigating those inevitable tough moments, Eric and Justin share real stories, lessons learned, and strategies that keep students accountable and inspired.💡 Whether you’re a new teacher building your first program or a veteran director rethinking your approach, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections you can take straight to your classroom.▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast🎧 Hit play. Get inspired. Share with your people.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

Send us a textThe Score is kicking off the school year with fresh energy and new perspectives! Eric and Justin are back to talk about what it really takes to start strong—whether you’re leading a high school ensemble, shaping young minds in elementary, or finding your rhythm as a new teacher.🎯 In this episode, Justin shares his journey transitioning from secondary to elementary music teaching—what’s surprised him, what’s challenged him, and the lessons he’s already learned. Eric brings insights from the field, highlighting trends, strategies, and the mindset shifts music educators need to thrive in 2025.💬 From setting up classrooms to setting the tone for a new year, we’re getting honest about the preparation, flexibility, and creativity it takes to make back-to-school season successful and joyful.💡 If you’re looking for practical tips, fresh inspiration, and a few laughs to start your school year, 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

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

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

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

Dive into the world of music education and discover the lasting impact of building authentic relationships with students. Personal anecdotes reveal how mentorship can extend far beyond the classroom, helping young individuals navigate their post-high school journeys. The hosts emphasize the importance of nurturing supportive communities over competition and accolades. Listen as they explore shared musical memories that foster connections, showcasing the profound influence these relationships have on students' future success.

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

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

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

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