MEET CHARLES |
Charles is a native of Victoria, Texas where he began his love of the arts and education. He attributes his success to the outstanding teachers he had in his early years including his elementary music teachers Lucille Araj and Leah Matocha, who encouraged him to audition for the Victoria Community Childrens Choir (VCCC).
CONDUCTOR At age 13, Charles was encouraged by Sammy Cowan, Director of VCCC, to become a conductor and went on to make his conducting debut that year with the choir. As a student of Dr. Russell Logan at Victoria High School (TX), he decided to specialize in instrumental conducting and after graduation went to Texas State University-San Marcos, then Southwest Texas State (SWT), where he studied with the late Professor John Stansberry and served as Professor Stansberry's assistant conductor for the SWT Wind Ensemble during his Senior year conducting on several concerts. Charles was also Drum Major of the "Pride of the Hill Country" Bobcat Marching Band for two years under Jim Williamson and James G. Hudson. As Director of the Georgetown High School (TX) Wind Symphony, Charles received accolades from notable conductors such as Colonel Arnald Gabriel, Jerry Junkin, and Richard Floyd. Charles continues to serve as guest conductor and clinician throughout the nation. EDUCATOR Charles began his career in 1993 in the San Marcos (TX) Consolidated Independent School District where he served as a band director along with John Martinez for San Marcos High School, Owen Goodnight Junior High School, and Doris Miller Junior High School. In 1996, Charles began working alongside Rodney A. Klett in the Georgetown (TX) Independent School District where he was on the opening staff of Douglas Benold Middle School and Associate Director at Georgetown High School. In 2004, he was appointed the district's first Director of Fine Arts and held that position for 5 years. In 2006, the Georgetown Wind Symphony was selected to perform for the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival. Georgetown was also twice named as one of the Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America during his tenure. In 2008, Charles was appointed Associate Principal for Teaching and Learning at the Georgetown Ninth Grade Campus which two years later became East View High School. Along with Principal Dave Denny, they are credited with developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning which have resulted in continuous academic and social success at the Title I campus. In April 2013, Charles was selected as the first Director of Fine Arts for the Lake Travis Independent School District in Austin, TX where he also works on the district's Curriculum and Instruction team in many areas including Languages other than English and the University Interscholastic League Academic program. In April 2022, Charles was appointed the 12th Director of the Mustang Band at Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he oversees the athletic bands and spirit groups. For two seasons ('18 & '19), Charles was on staff for the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from Casper. Wyoming. He is currently the Corps Director for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps from Austin, TX. Charles presents frequently at state and regional conferences on Fine Arts topics, Curriculum integration, Digital Literacy, Organizational Design, and many other innovative programs. He is in demand as a workshop presenter, music clinician and adjudicator, as well as a trainer for student and adult leadership. He has a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from Texas State University-San Marcos and a Master of Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix where he has completed all course work for the Doctorate in Educational Leadership (ABD). Charles has been featured in the following publications and websites: Georgetown View Magazine, Keeping the Rhythm, August 2010 Spotlight on the Arts and Digital Literacy Initiative, September 2013 Teach Like A Rockstar, Podcast, 2012 25 Disney Days of Christmas, Travel with Rick Podcast, 2011 Achieve Texas in Action, Southwestern Musician, January 2008 |