Phone: (281) 641-5304
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University, Sept 2021; Bachelor of Arts in Music from Prairie View A&M University, May 2001; Certificate of Technology in Audio Engineering from San Jacinto College Central, May 2001; Standard Texas Teaching Certificate in Music, EC-12 from the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), Nov 2005; Orff Level 1 Certification from Richardson ISD, Nov 2007
Mr. Phil O'Neal, M.Mus.
Born into a musical household in Galveston, Texas, O’Neal was introduced to singing through his mother’s performances at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, and his father’s extensive record collection. His instrumental path began when he became a percussionist in his school band in the 6th grade. After embracing the joy of performing for live audiences by singing for his classmates in the 8th grade, O’Neal knew that this was the path he wanted his life to take. His respect and admiration for artists like Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, & Brian McKnight, led him to begin playing the piano when he was eighteen so he could accompany his own voice.
The piano would continue to shape O’Neal’s life as he found himself enrolled at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), where he would graduate from with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music (piano). O’Neal’s time at his alma mater was not just a learning experience, it was a life experience; everything he took from there served to help make him more dedicated to his craft and even more talented as a musician & teacher. Shortly after graduation O'Neal moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and his career in education began in the fall of 2004 in the Richardson Independent School District, where he worked as an elementary music teacher at several campuses until he relocated back to the the greater Houston area with his wife LaShonda & sons Kai & Taj back in July of 2013. Mr. O'Neal was then hired to be the general music teacher at Summerwood Elementary School (SWE) where he founded the nationally known SWE "Shining Stars" Choir and co-wrote the SWE school song "Hail Summerwood" along with the 5th grade class of 2014. He also achieved one of the highest honors in education by being chosen to be the 2017-2018 SWE "Teacher of the Year" and a top 5 district finalist. Since his arrival at Woodcreek Middle Schoool back in August of 2017, his choirs have gone on to win numerous SWEEPSTAKES awards and have performed at various venues around the city such as singing the national anthem at Minute Maid Park and performing on the steps of Houston City Hall at the annual Red Ribbon Rally. Under his direction the choir also performed at Carnegie Hall back in June of 2019 to rave reviews. In addition to being the choir director here at Woodcreek Middle School, Mr. O'Neal is also the Worship Leader at the Atascocita United Methodist Church in Atascocita, TX and a regular performer throughout the Greater Houston area in the local music scene. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Texas Music Educator's Association (TMEA) & the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Mr. O’Neal has been passionate about music for his entire life. This passion has driven him to teach students how to create & appreciate music that is filled with real talent, musicianship, emotion and meaning.
