Mrs. Jessica Harry is a violist and music educator who grew up in Carrollton, Texas, where she is currently the Head Orchestra Director at Newman Smith High School, from which she is also a proud graduate of the class of 2000. After earning her Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2005 from Sam Houston State University, Mrs. Harry began her teaching career as the assistant orchestra director at Newman Smith for 7 years, followed by 6 years as the head director at Smith’s primary feeder, Polk Middle School, before returning to Smith as head orchestra director in 2018. Her orchestras have consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes awards and competitive honors throughout her 20-year teaching career, and she is very proud of not only the legacy of musical excellence of which she has been a part, but for providing her students a safe and welcoming environment in the orchestra room each day. She is an active member of TODA, TMEA, and TMAA, and recently held the position of TMEA Orchestra Division Chair for Region 31. Additionally, she has contributed to numerous service opportunities within TODA over the years. Mrs. Harry also serves frequently as a guest clinician and adjudicator for various contests, camps and festivals in the Dallas and Houston areas. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including husband, Chance, her two bonus daughters, Savannah and Brooklyn, daughter Bethany, who is a cellist and vocalist, and son Noah, who plays the violin and soccer.
Describe what personal qualities make you a good candidate for serving on the TODA Board and why you are interested in serving. Please include any prior experience in serving TODA in other capacities.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve as a board member for TODA because I would be honored to be able to give back to one of my very favorite organizations in this way. I love the family atmosphere and learning environment TODA provides, not only at Convention each summer, but throughout the year at a variety of events and clinics. Since I joined TODA as a young orchestra director in 2006, I have always loved connecting with orchestra colleagues from all different backgrounds and generations, meeting new people, and everyone coming together for the common goal of being the best orchestra directors we can be.
I believe I specifically am a worthy candidate to serve on the TODA Board because I have a variety of experiences that will serve TODA well. I am currently in my 20th year as an orchestra director in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where I have taught both middle school and high school. I am passionate about teaching music at a high level, helping students be successful, and making students feel welcome and important in my classroom. An asset that I would bring to the board is my experience teaching in all Title 1 schools throughout my career; I will be able to bring attention to the unique needs of this population in the state of Texas and give valuable input from this perspective.
Serving my colleagues and students in various ways is one of my strengths and something I enjoy. In my time as an orchestra director, I have gladly served as a mentor teacher for several student teachers over the years who have gone on to be successful orchestra directors across the state, and I continue to enjoy helping younger and less-experienced teachers hone their craft. I work well with all kinds of people with various backgrounds and experiences; I am highly cooperative and compassionate. I also have great concern for making sure all voices are heard and considered, and that everything runs smoothly for events. I have served as Region Chair and Region Secretary, as well as a Region Orchestra Organizer multiple times over the years. As a detail-oriented person, I excel at hosting various events for my district and region, including auditions, concerts, and UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation.
Over the years, I have gladly served TODA on the hospitality and silent auction committees, as a presider numerous times, as my region’s TODA representative for the last few years, as host of High School Student Leadership Day for the DFW area for 3 years, and led a small group lobby talk, or open discussion, at TODA in the summer of 2024. I believe that I will be a wonderful addition to the TODA board due to my experiences within TODA and throughout the state serving in numerous capacities, and I am excited at the possibility of committing my strengths as an organizer and leader to this prestigious organization.
What are the current challenges you see facing string education in Texas, and what would you do to address these as a member of the TODA Board?
I believe one of the biggest challenges facing string education in Texas today is the lack of public school funding. With this financial crisis comes the underfunding of programs, the possibility of cuts to staff and even teacher fatigue and burnout. As a TODA board member, I will advocate for our programs at the local and state level, showing the value our programs hold for students, with dedicated teachers giving so much to young musicians through their orchestral experiences.
What is your vision for TODA moving forward?
My vision for TODA is to be an organization that provides ongoing support and encouragement to orchestra directors at all stages of their careers, from novice to seasoned professionals, and across all educational levels, from elementary and middle school to high school and beyond. I also hope to foster an inclusive environment that feels like a supportive family, where educators with varying personalities and from all backgrounds and cultures are welcomed and valued.
The 2025 Constitutional Review Committee is proposing six (6) changes to the TODA Constitution.
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