About the Directors...
Director of Orchestras, Lubbock-Cooper High School:
Mrs. Rachel Gonzales
Mrs. Rachel Gonzales is the Director of Orchestras for Lubbock-Cooper ISD. Her primary instrument is the Violin, and specializes in upper strings for the district.
Mrs. Gonzales grew up between Clovis, NM, and Midland, TX. Her favorite high school memory is playing in Carnegie Hall in New York City with her high school orchestra. Having moved around the country for school and her husband's work, she has lived and taught in Abilene, TX, Nashville, TN, Lynchburg, VA, St. Louis, MO, Plano, TX, and back home in West Texas. Mrs. G loves spending time at home with her husband and three kids, ironing clothes, and traveling.
Education:
High School Diploma from Midland High School, Midland, TX
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Advertising from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX
Master of Music Degree in Violin Pedagogy from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
In Progress: Ph.D. in Music Education from Liberty University, Projected Graduation Spring 2025
Director of Orchestras, Lubbock-Cooper MS
Mr. Braxton Braly
Mr. Braly grew up in Midland, TX. Starting in 8th grade, he developed a love for classical music and string playing all the way through graudation. Originally wanting to be psychologist, he realized his junior year that teaching students how to play in orchestra sounded much more fulfilling (and way more fun).
Despite being a 1st-year official teacher, Mr. Braly has a lot of teaching experience from his time at Tech. He taught locally in various schools around Lubbock, and he was heavily involved in the Texas Tech University String Project, a community-outreach program designed to give young students an opportunity to learn a string instrument. His primary instrument is violin, though he has familiarity and pedogogical understanding of the other three orchestral instruments as well.
Mr. Braly enjoys listening to vinyl, watching movies/tv shows, all things football, and playing board/card games.
Education:
Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Master of Music Education from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Director of Orchestras, Laura Bush Middle School:
Ms. Therese Simmons
Music education, specifically string pedagogy, has been Ms. Simmons' passion for many years. It is her privilege to engage young and old alike in the orchestral arts.
Orchestra halls, private studios, and even custodian closets have served as venues for teaching and performing in a career that has taken her all over the country and around the world. She never tires of seeing the sparkle in the eye of the beginner’s first raw notes or the satisfied smile of a seasoned musician’s unforgettable performance on a beautiful stage. In addition to teaching, she has performed with some outstanding ensembles including orchestras in Rome (Italy), Johannesburg (South Africa), Toledo, Amarillo, and Midland-Odessa.
Education:
High School Diploma from Maumee High School in Maumee, OH
Bachelor of Music Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH
