About

John Rauscher is the son of James and Vanessa Rauscher and is a native of Amarillo, TX.  At the age of 2½ he began taking violin lessons through the Amarillo Suzuki Program at Amarillo College where his father served a thirty-five year tenure as Piano Professor and Chairman of the Music Department.  Over the years, his musical experiences would take him down various paths including; piano lessons from his father age 6-18, participation in TMEA All-Region Orchestra (4 years), TMEA All-Region Choir (1 year), and Tenor 2 in the 2003 TMEA All-State Mixed Choir.

John began his Bachelor’s studies in Music Education and Violin Performance at Texas Tech University (TTU) under the tutelage of Violin Professor - Dr. John Gilbert. During his time at TTU he gave multiple solo violin recitals in Amarillo and Lubbock, TX; performed with various chamber groups; held positions in the TTU Symphony Orchestra (SO), Plainview SO, Lubbock SO, Hobbs SO, and many other string ensembles throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.  It was during his studies at TTU that John discovered his passion for music conducting under the tutelage of Maestro Gary Lewis.

In December of 2008, John graduated from TTU with his dual Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Violin Performance. Over his 15 year career, he has held positions as the Director of Orchestras at David Crockett Middle School - FBISD (3 years); Katy High School - KISD (4 years); and his current post here at Pearson Middle School - Frisco ISD (8 years) which he had the honor of starting in 2015 when the school opened its doors

John has a tremendous passion for teaching young musicians and is extremely thankful for having such a loving family who supports him in everything he does.  John and his beautiful wife Chassity (Co-Director of Orchestras at Roach Middle School here in Frisco ISD) met in the TTU Symphony Orchestra and were married on May 24, 2009.  They currently have three children; Logan-5th grade-Bledsoe; Trinity-2nd grade-Bledsoe; Ava-2 years; and are expecting a little boy in late July, early August 2023. 

Ms. Carolina Lara grew up in Mesquite, TX. She started playing cello in sixth grade and percussion in 7th grade. She attended Poteet High School where she was selected to perform in the All-Region Orchestra on cello, and performed in the State Marching Contest with the band.

Ms. Lara attended Richland College in Dallas before transferring to Baylor University to complete her Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Cello. 

During her time at Baylor, Ms. Lara performed with the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, and string quartets. She was also a founding member and violinist/vocalist of the first mariachi ensemble at Baylor, Mariachi Osos Dorados.

Ms. Lara taught private and group lessons in the Baylor String Project during her time as a student. Since graduating, she has also returned as staff to teach cello in the Baylor University Middle School Orchestra Camp during the summers. This is her 3rd year teaching in Frisco ISD at Pearson MS. Her goal as a music educator is to provide students with the skills and confidence to express their humanity and unique life story to the world. 

Outside of Pearson, Ms. Lara enjoys exploring new nature trails with her dog, Puddles, learning new instruments, traveling, and eating vegan food.