Jonathan Roane, Orchestra Director
A product of Humble ISD schools, Jonathan Roane began playing the violin in 6th grade and graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University in 2018. While at OSU, he studied with renowned pedagogue and author Dr. Robert Gillespie and violinist Dr. Kia-Hui Tan, as well as working as a coach for the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras. During his time at Ohio State, Mr. Roane maintained an active performance schedule with the OSU Symphony Orchestra, Men’s Glee Club, and in the orchestra pit of musicals and operas, and was a member of the Beta Xi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. During his schooling, Mr. Roane studied orchestral conducting with David Becker and David Itkin. Mr. Roane is currently pursuing a Master of Music Education degree at the University of North Texas.
Email Mr. Roane at: Jonathan.Roane@humbleisd.net
Mario Garcia, Associate Orchestra Director
Mario Garcia recently completed his bachelor’s degree in music education from the Moore's School of Music at the University of Houston, where he studied double bass with Dennis Whittaker. While at the Moores School of Music, Mr. Garcia has performed with the University Orchestras, and has led the double bass section as principal on several occasions. In December of 2018, he was among a selected group of musicians to travel and perform with the Moore's School Symphony Orchestra and the Virtuosi of Houston Chamber Orchestra at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. During the last 5 years, he has worked with many students in private lessons, and clinics within Humble ISD and other surrounding districts. Mr. Garcia is an Humble ISD graduate from Summer Creek HS, and is excited to begin his career in his home district where he also completed his student teaching this past spring. Mr. Garcia is engaged to violinist and music educator Amanda Baez.
Email Mr. Garcia at: Mario.Garcia@humbleisd.net
Why Orchestra?
Orchestras provide children opportunities to express themselves, interact, and build people skills such as collaboration and communication.
Studies show that learning music can improve cognitive skills, physical development, and emotional well-being.
Stringed instruments are found in nearly every culture and country around the world. Many musical styles feature stringed instruments including jazz, country, pop, mariachi, church music, and folk.
Research shows that music students have increased memory capabilities because of individual and group rehearsal. These skills transfer to other subjects, too.
Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education. Additionally, research shows that students who choose to take music courses in high school instead of taking honors and other classes, were still accepted into college.
Colleges and universities need string players for their orchestras and may offer scholarships to string students regardless of their academic major.
Research shows that learning to play an instrument can lead to higher measures of attention to detail, openness, and ambition. These effects were more noticeable for students in lower socio-economic status households.
