Christina LeBlanc is an educator, orchestra director, clinician, and arts leader serving students and music programs throughout the Greater Houston area. She currently serves as Assistant Orchestra Director at Sprague Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and has previously directed orchestra programs at Bridgeland High School, Elsik High School, and YES Prep West.
An active clinician, adjudicator, and conductor, Christina has worked with more than 30 orchestra programs across the Houston region and regularly serves at UIL and TMEA events. She also maintains a successful private violin and viola studio whose students consistently earn Region, Area, and All-State honors.
In addition to her work in music education, Christina is Executive Director and Concertmaster of the Galveston Symphony Orchestra, where she leads community engagement and artistic initiatives. She holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Rice University and lives in Cypress with her family.
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.
My experiences as an educator, performer, administrator, and advocate have given me a broad perspective on the needs of orchestra programs across Texas, and I believe those experiences would allow me to serve effectively on the Board of Directors for the Texas Orchestra Directors Association.
Over the course of my career, I have taught orchestra at both the middle school and high school levels in a wide variety of educational settings. My experience includes traditional suburban programs as well as Title I campuses with student populations that were over 90% economically disadvantaged. Working in these very different environments has strengthened my belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality music education, regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status. It has also taught me how important flexibility, advocacy, and relationship-building are to sustaining successful orchestra programs.
In addition to my classroom experience, I have remained actively involved in professional service throughout Texas. I have volunteered on the hospitality committee for previous TODA conventions and have presented sessions at both TODA and TMEA conferences. These opportunities allowed me not only to share ideas and collaborate with colleagues, but also to support the professional community that has shaped me as an educator.
I have also served as Region Chair for Region 27 and actively adjudicate as a member of the Texas Music Adudicators Association. Through these roles, I have gained valuable experience in leadership, organization, communication, and evaluating programs from a statewide perspective. They have reinforced the importance of mentorship, professionalism, and consistency in supporting directors and students alike.
I am interested in serving on the TODA Board because I care about the future of orchestra education in Texas. I want to help strengthen mentorship opportunities for young teachers entering the profession and provide encouragement and guidance that helps them remain successful long-term. I also hope to serve as a strong voice for music education by helping bridge communication between educators, administrators, counselors, parents, and communities regarding the long-term value of remaining involved in music throughout a student’s school career.
Most importantly, I want to serve in a way that keeps the students at the center of every decision. Orchestra programs change lives by building discipline, confidence, teamwork, creativity, and belonging. I would be honored to contribute my experience, energy, and passion to the TODA Board in support of students and orchestra directors across Texas.
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?
One of the greatest challenges facing orchestras in Texas is the increasing pressure on students to leave music programs in pursuit of endorsements and “career-focused” pathways. This often comes at the expense of a well-rounded education and causes programs to lose many of their strongest students. As a TODA Board member, I would advocate for stronger communication with administrators, counselors, and communities about the long-term academic, personal, and career benefits of music participation.
What is your vision for TODA moving forward?
My vision for the Texas Orchestra Directors Association is for it to continue serving as a leading advocate for music education across Texas by highlighting programs and districts that successfully balance academic rigor, student GPA, and the development of well-rounded students. I also believe TODA should continue strengthening mentorship, advocacy, and professional development so that teachers are equipped not only to be outstanding educators, but also effective advocates for string education.
