Youth Orchestra Directors

Clarissa López is a dedicated and accomplished musician and educator with a rich history of teaching instrumental music at the secondary level in the Austin area since 2006. She has taught in a range of capacities as a director of string orchestra, full orchestra, concert band, jazz band, mariachi, general music, MYP Music, and IB Music programs.   She is currently the String Orchestra Director at Pearson Ranch Middle School in Round Rock ISD where she continues the rich traditions of music excellency in the program.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University Kingsville and a Master's degree in Music Performance from the University of Texas. Her instruments are the trumpet and violin. 

Clarissa credits her parents and former band directors for instilling the passion to teach music from the lenses of dedication, love, laughter, enjoyment and servitude to the community. 

Clarissa is a strong advocate for student-centered, energetic instruction that fosters a climate of acceptance, compassion, and respect. She aims to provide learning experiences that develop independent musicianship, teamwork, and creativity. Her inclusive approach often involves collaboration with other teachers to build a unified school community.  

Her excellence in teaching has been recognized through several awards, including Teacher of the Year (2022-2023) and Grammy Music Educator Quarter-Finalist (2019, 2020). Clarissa often extends her excellence by continuing to apply for grants that either sustain program longevity through inventory accumulation, expose students to master teachers and clinicians, or provide live music travel experiences and/or innovative software.

Her ensembles consistently achieve superior ratings at yearly UIL evaluations and Best in Class / Best Overall Recognitions at music festivals. Clarissa is also dedicated to community outreach and encourages her students to perform at many local community events.

Outside of her professional commitments, Clarissa and her husband Samuel are blessed parents of two incredible children, Noelia and Felix. She enjoys reading, practicing her instruments and catching up with her friends. She has a keen interest in learning about different cultures and meeting new people.

Her professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Director Association and the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Cathy Humphrey is currently in her second year as Music Director of the Central Texas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. She is thrilled by the remarkable growth in both the number of talented student musicians joining the ensemble and the exceptional quality of their performances.

With 30 years of teaching experience, she recently transitioned into the role of Director of Visual and Performing Arts for Del Valle ISD. Her passion for fine arts education drives her to support today's educators with practical tools, resources, and high-quality instruction. Through her thoughtful and collaborative leadership, she has strengthened middle and high school programs in districts including Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, Pflugerville ISD, and Aldine ISD, benefiting both teachers and students.

Cathy has worked with a wide range of ensembles, including concert band, orchestra, marching band, colorguard, steel pan, and jazz bands. Her students have consistently earned Superior Ratings at UIL competitions and performed successfully at festivals across the United States. She emphasizes the broader benefits of music education, helping students develop essential life skills—such as discipline, teamwork, and confidence—alongside their musical growth. Cathy is also a strong advocate for the Tri-M Music Honor Society, encouraging students to take on leadership roles and contribute positively to their communities.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in All-Level Music Education from Texas State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University in Austin. She has also earned certifications in Instructional Leadership Development and Professional Development and Support.

Beyond public schools, Cathy served as Director of Student Life at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee, creating supportive experiences for participants, collaborating with renowned conductors and faculty from top orchestras and conservatories, delivering lectures on music education, leading sectionals, and coaching chamber ensembles.

Cathy is actively engaged in the arts community through memberships in organizations such as Texas Fine Arts Administrators, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Educational Theatre Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Art Education Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and the National Association for Music Education.