About The Directors

Ms. Kendall Jones

Kendall Jones is excited and honored to be starting her 5th year as a Blalack Middle School Orchestra Director! Before moving to Blalack, Miss Jones spent 3 years at Ranchview High School and Barbara Bush Middle School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD as the Assistant Orchestra Director. Orchestras under her direction receive consistent Sweepstakes awards, and also received a National Mark of Excellence Award in 2019.

Miss Jones earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. As a violist in the University Orchestra, Miss Jones had the privilege of performing with the rock band Kansas, country performer Michael Martin Murphy, and in two Hardin-Simmons produced operas.

Miss Jones is a proud product of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. She graduated from McLaughlin Elementary, Vivian Field Middle School, and R.L. Turner High School. One of her favorite things about teaching in her home district is that some of her favorite former teachers are now her colleagues!

Miss Jones currently resides in Carrollton with her dog, Charley, and enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and family and watching movies in her spare time.

Miss Jones conducts the Symphonic Orchestra, assists with Philharmonic and Concert Orchestras, and teaches Beginning Viola and Violin.

Mr. Nicholas Tharp

Nicholas Tharp is excited to be starting his fifth year teaching and fourth year here at Blalack Middle school as the Associate Director. Before Mr. Tharp came to Blalack, he was completing his Bachelor’s in Music Education at the University of North Texas. Mr. Tharp had the opportunity to participate in the UNT Concert and Symphony Orchestras as well as the Opera Orchestra.

Mr. Tharp is from San Antonio, Texas where he graduated from Marshall High School, Connally Middle School and Elrod Elementary. Mr. Tharp currently resides with his wife in Flower Mound, Texas and enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, hiking and playing any type of board game. Mr. Tharp conducts the Philharmonic Orchestra, co-directs Concert Orchestra, assists Symphonic and teaches beginning Cello and Bass.