Region Clinicians 2023 - 2024

During his fifteen years at Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird ” Johnson High School (CTJ), Jarrett Lipman established a tradition of excellence both on the concert stage and on the marching field. Jarrett opened CTJ in 2008 as an Assistant Director of Bands before his promotion to Head Director in 2010, a role he served in until 2023. Under Jarrett’s leadership, the CTJ Wind ensemble was a consistent Texas State Honor Band Finalist and performed at the 2019 Mid-West Clinic. On the field, the CTJ Marching Band was named the 2020 UIL 6A State Marching Champions and was a multi-time Grand National Finalist and BOA Regional Champion. 

Beyond CTJHS, Mr. Lipman is now a part-time lecturer at the Texas State University School of Music, working with future music educators. Mr. Lipman served student musicians as a member of the Cadets Brass Faculty (2010-2016) and presently as the Brass Caption Manager for the Boston Crusaders (2017-2024).

Emily Gurwitz received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Trinity University in San Antonio and her Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She is currently a band consultant, coach, and clinician, as well as a private flute instructor. 

She was a head middle school and assistant high school band director for a total of 29 years and has taught at campuses with students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Under her direction, the Bradley Middle School Bands received consistent Sweepstakes Awards as well as other awards at various competitions throughout the state. In 2019, the Bradley Middle School Honor Band placed third in TMEA 3C Area E Honor Band competition, which was the highest-ranking middle school band in the San Antonio area.

Mrs. Gurwitz has had flute and piccolo students qualify for the TMEA All-State Bands over 30 times. Over the years, her students have placed 1st chair in the state of Texas in 6A and 5A flute as well as 6A piccolo. She has also had many other top placements at the 5A and 6A state level.

Mrs. Gurwitz has two grown children who are both pursuing careers in music. She currently resides in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Elliott.

Mrs. Kim Garza has just completed her 23rd year as a music educator in the state of Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Texas – Pan American. Mrs. Garza is currently the Director of Bands at Jose M. Lopez Middle School in the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, TX. Previous to her current position, Mrs. Garza has also held positions as the Associate Director of Bands at Lopez Middle School, Director of Bands at Alamo Heights Junior School, Associate Director of Bands at Alamo Heights High School and Associate Director of Bands at Del Valle High School in Austin, TX.

Over the years, Mrs. Garzas’ bands have consistently earned “Superior” ratings and “Sweepstakes” awards at U.I.L. and have been recognized at the region, area and state levels in the TMEA Honor Band State Contests. Her bands have also consistently earned “Superior,” “Best in Class,” and “Outstanding Band” awards at various music festivals around the state. Band students in her program have consistently earned high numbers of chairs into the Region XII bands and orchestras in the San Antonio area. As an educator, Mrs. Garza recently received the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014, representing Lopez MS and North East Independent School District.

Mrs. Garza has been an active clinician, guest conductor and judge for both All-Region bands, UIL contests and summer university music camps in Texas. Her professional affiliations include being a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and the Texas Adjudicators Association. Mrs. Garza is married to Mr. George Garza, who is a high school band director also in the North East Independent School District at Lee High School. She and her husband, George, have 3 boys – Ryan-15 years old, Jacob-12 years old, and Riley-9 years old. They very much enjoy their family time together and are now enjoying being band parents themselves! #gorattlers #gobulldogs Taking fun family road trips, watching live music of all genres and supporting their local Spurs are just a couple of their favorite things to do!

Mrs. Garza set out to be a band director and music educator back in her first week of her own beginner band year. Supportive parents, mentors and God have led her to living her dream for the last 20 years! Mrs. Garza quotes that her students are her greatest success. Mrs. Garza believes in the “whole” student. The more whole an individual, the greater the contribution to the team. Her greatest goal and passion lie in giving her students an education in music of quality, and showing them how hard work, a relentless pursuit of excellence and having fun can coincide to meet success.