Mrs. Clarissa López has been teaching instrumental music at the secondary level since 2006. Prior to working at Pearson Ranch MS, Clarissa was the Orchestra and Band Director at Meridian World School for grades 6-12, Inaugural String Orchestra Director at Hernandez Middle School and Associate Band Director at Covington Middle School in Austin ISD. Clarissa has experience teaching middle school string and full orchestra, concert band, jazz, rock, and mariachi ensembles.  

She was born and raised in Alice, Texas and credits her father and band directors for her passion to pursue music education. She often gets invited to clinics and adjudicates instrumental ensembles each year in central Texas.  She earned her Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University Kingsville in Music Education and her Master's degree from the University of Texas in Music Performance.  Her main instruments include trumpet, violin and piano.

She believes in instruction that is student-centered and energetic that promotes a student climate of acceptance, compassion, and respect towards others. She works to provide enjoyable learning experiences that build independent musicianship, teamwork, and creativity. She is inclusive of all disciplines in her instruction and collaborates with as many teachers as possible to help build unity within the school.

Some of her recent honors and recognitions include Middle School Teacher of the Year, (2022-2023) Grammy Music Educator Award Quarter Finalist (2019-2020).  In addition to these awards, ensembles under her direction traditionally earn Superior ratings at UIL evaluations and/or Music Festivals.  She consistently looks for creative ways to serve her community and works to find performance opportunities for her students.

When she is not teaching, she spends her time reading, practicing her instruments, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and son. She loves learning about others' cultures and meeting new people!