STAFF

Jose Cruz is the Symphonic band director/tuba-euphonium director at Port Isabel. He has been working in Port Isabel for four years. During those years, his groups and students have earned numerous accolades and superior ratings (such as All-state placements in ATSSB 4A and TMEA 6A ensembles, UIL Sweepstakes and UIL State Solo and Ensemble participants). In addition to the HS, Mr. Cruz also teaches at the Junior High, where he teaches French Horn and Tuba. 

Mr. Cruz graduated from the University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley in 2022, earning his bachelor's in music education (under tutelage of Dr. William Haugeberg). Mr. Cruz currently resides in Brownsville with his extremely supportive wife, Bianay, and one year-old, Alaia. During his free time, Mr. Cruz enjoys spending time with his family and watching sports.

University of Illinois- D.M.A.-  Performance and Literature 2020 

Eastern Illinois University- M.M.- Music Performance 2013 

Texas State University- B.A.- Music Education 2010 

Dr. de la Rosa is entering his 2nd year as the Assistant Band Director for the Port ISabel Bands. He is the high brass specialist teaching. He teaches beginner trumpets, facilitates the bands within the program, and teaches a Dual-enrollment Music Appreciation class (in collaboration with Texas Southmost College, TSC). Before working at Port Isabel, Dr. de la Rosa taught within Dallas, Tyler, and previously Point Isabel ISD. Prior to his public-school teaching, he taught private trumpet lessons and masterclasses to Wylie High School’s That Wylie Band (along with their feeding pattern).  

During his performance tenure, Dr. de la Rosa was fortunate to have been a semi-finalist at the National Trumpet Competition and the Young Texas Artists Competitions. While at Eastern Illinois University, he won the university’s Concerto Competition performing the Tomasi Trumpet Concerto. Prior performance experiences also include playing trumpet for the Blue Suede Crew, University of Illinois Graduate Brass Quintet, and being principal trumpet for the Urbana Pops Orchestra.  

Dr. de la Rosa is a native of Harlingen, Tx. He attended Harlingen High School- South, where he was guided to be awarded the Outstanding Soloist Award by Wiff Rudd (Baylor University). Dr. de la Rosa has one energetic son, Theo, a future drummer. His loving wife, Jenny, also played clarinet. The family is complete with 1 dogs, May and 2 cats, Cheddar and Baby Jack. 

With a decade of experience shaping young musicians, Ms. Pena serves as a dedicated conductor and educator committed to musical excellence. Currently the Assistant Band director at Port Isabel Jr High, Ms. Pena combines a high-energy conducting style with a deep pedagogical foundation in woodwind performance.

Technical Expertise

While comfortable leading every section of the ensemble, Ms. Pena is a recognized specialist in:

• The Saxophone Family: Focusing on tonal development, modern technique, and jazz/classical versatility.

• Double Reeds (Oboe & Bassoon): Providing expert guidance on reed adjustment, intricate fingerings, and the unique embouchure requirements that often challenge developing players.

Teaching Philosophy & Experience

Over the past 10 years, Ms. Peña has cultivated a reputation for building programs that prioritize both technical precision and emotional expression. 

She has led the sub non-varsity bands to achieve a 1 on stage each time she took them to UIL Contest.

Education & Professional Affiliations

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from University of Texas - Pan American

"Music education is not just about the notes on the page; it’s about fostering the discipline, collaboration, and passion that students carry with them long after they leave the band room."

Mrs. Veronica Salinas serves as the Assistant Band Director at Port Isabel Junior High. She teaches junior high and high school clarinet and oboe students, assists with the Junior High Symphonic Band, and directs the Silver Line Color Guard. Mrs. Salinas earned her Bachelor of Music from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where she performed as principal oboe in both the Wind Ensemble and the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra. She also performed with Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps and ATX Winterguard as a flagline member.

Mrs. Salinas began her teaching career in Northeast Texas before moving to the Rio Grande Valley. She previously served as Assistant Band Director and Color Guard Director in Edinburg CISD, where she helped lead the Edinburg North High School Marching Band back to the 6A State Marching Competition in 2021. Under her leadership, the Edinburg North Color Guard qualified for the TCGC State Winter Guard Competition twice. She later taught at MacArthur High School in San Antonio, where she conducted the Non-Varsity Band and served as color guard liaison.

Mrs. Salinas has extensive experience in the marching arts and served on the visual and color guard staff for Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps from 2017–2023, working with visual training and choreography. She continues to write band and color guard choreography for programs across Texas.

Mrs. Salinas is passionate about helping students grow both musically and personally and believes that every student can find their place in band or color guard. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son and trying new foods.