Dr. Jose Flores was the director of the Corpus Christi Area youth Orchestra and was recently hired to build ACC’s Orchestral and Strings program. Dr. Flores is a remarkable musician and has been an advocate for orchestral music for as long as he can remember. In addition to leading the youth program, he was the Director of Orchestral Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and has been a professor of violin and viola since 2006, among many other astounding accomplishments.

We spoke with Dr. Flores to learn more about his goals for the ACC program, the value of music education and more.

BC: What are your hopes and goals for the new ACC Orchestral Program?

JF: I am thrilled to announce my upcoming tenure at Austin Community College in the Music Department for the next academic year. My primary goal is to cultivate the string area, transforming ACC into a central resource hub for our community’s string education initiatives. I extend an open invitation to all school districts in the area to reach out should they require assistance with their string programs or if you identify students that are eager to join the music profession.

BC: What is your favorite part of working with the younger generation?

JF: The trust students deposit in the instruction I provide is something I treasure and enjoy. I know for a fact the work I do shapes lives and I feel good that I am feeding them with my best knowledge. Students know the importance of what we (educators) do. I have a big responsibility; however, I am not afraid but delighted to provide a high-level musical education to the members of the ACC Music Department.

BC: What do you hope the musicians in the orchestra take away from their time playing with you?

JF: Love for music and citizenship. They may not know about the citizenship part, but a person that holds himself or herself accountable for the benefit of a common goal will be an exemplary citizen in their adult life.

BC: What are things you look for in great orchestral musicians when you’re conducting?

JF: Commitment to the task. I can do the teaching, but if there is no commitment, I can’t do anything for the student. My best players are not always the most talented but the most committed.

BC: How can the community help to support or get involved with the ACC Orchestra?

JF: I extend an open invitation to all school districts in the area to reach out should they require assistance with their string programs or if you identify students that are eager to join the music profession. I also encourage you and your family to attend our concerts.

BC: Going into the 2024-2025 season, what are you most looking forward to?

JF: The upcoming year promises to be both musically and personally fulfilling. I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in the vibrant artistic scene that Austin offers and the prospect of forging new connections with neighbors, students, friends, and colleagues. I am genuinely excited to embark on this new chapter of my life in Austin and to collaborate with the esteemed faculty of the ACC Music Department, as well as with all members of our dynamic music community.