The Score

By Eric Jimenez & Justin McLean

An Urban Music Education Podcast hosted by Eric and Justin. They provide tips and strategies through honest discussions about their experience teaching music in an Urban setting. The goal is to provid... more

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FAQs about The Score:

How many episodes does The Score have?

The podcast currently has 118 episodes available.

The Score episodes:

August 25, 2025 Ep. 117- Classroom Culture and Discipline- Without Killing the Joy
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This week on The Score, Eric and Justin dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in music education: creating strong classroom culture and managing discipline—without losing the spark that makes music joyful.
🔥 From setting expectations on Day 1 to navigating those inevitable tough moments, Eric and Justin share real stories, lessons learned, and strategies that keep students accountable and inspired.
💡 Whether you’re a new teacher building your first program or a veteran director rethinking your approach, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections you can take straight to your classroom.
▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

🎧 Hit play. Get inspired. Share with your people.
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
43min
August 11, 2025 Ep. 116: Back to School in Music Ed – Lessons from the Podium and the Classroom
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The Score is kicking off the school year with fresh energy and new perspectives! Eric and Justin are back to talk about what it really takes to start strong—whether you’re leading a high school ensemble, shaping young minds in elementary, or finding your rhythm as a new teacher.
🎯 In this episode, Justin shares his journey transitioning from secondary to elementary music teaching—what’s surprised him, what’s challenged him, and the lessons he’s already learned. Eric brings insights from the field, highlighting trends, strategies, and the mindset shifts music educators need to thrive in 2025.
💬 From setting up classrooms to setting the tone for a new year, we’re getting honest about the preparation, flexibility, and creativity it takes to make back-to-school season successful and joyful.
💡 If you’re looking for practical tips, fresh inspiration, and a few laughs to start your school year, this episode is for you. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! 🌟
▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast
🎧 Start your school year with purpose, community, and a little bit of fire.
—
📢 Spread the Word:
Tag a friend, colleague, or someone who’s ready to make a difference in the music classroom this year.
📱 Stay Connected: Follow us @podthescore for updates, future episodes, and more.
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
42min
July 28, 2025 Ep. 115- We’re Back: Music Ed, Leadership, and What’s Next
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After a brief break, The Score is back in full effect! Eric and Justin reunite at the mics to reflect, recharge, and refocus on what matters most: music education, leadership, and building spaces where all students thrive.
🎯 In this episode, we unpack where we’ve been, what’s changed in the world of education, and why this next chapter feels more urgent—and more exciting—than ever.
💬 From burnout to breakthroughs, we’re getting real about the challenges educators face and the responsibility we all carry to keep pushing forward.
💡 If you’ve ever needed a reset or a reminder that your work matters—this episode is for you. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!! 🌟
▶️ LISTEN NOW: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast
🎧 Start your school year with purpose, community, and a little bit of fire.
—
📢 Spread the Word:
Tag a friend, colleague, or someone who’s ready to make a difference in the music classroom this year.
📱 Stay Connected: Follow us @podthescore for updates, future episodes, and more.
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
49min
October 30, 2024 Ep. 114- Relative Pitch x The Score Podcast Collab: Don't Talk About It, Be About It
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Our first collab with The Relative Pitch Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
1h 14min
September 30, 2024 Ep. 113- Dr. Ruben James Alcala- NOT QUITE: The Quest for Identity in Music Education
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In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get to interview Dr. Ruben James Alcala. Dr. Alcala serves as the Vocal and Elementary Music Coordinator for Fort Worth ISD. Listen in as we journey through a decorated career and the genesis story of how music changed his career trajectory. This conversation paints a beautiful picture of Dr. Alcala’s journey that fuels his convictions and has made his quest more impactful for the students he serves. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!

In Rotation:
Eric- "Lucid Dreams" Leon Thomas feat. Masego
Justin- "My Last Two Dollars" Johnny Taylor
Ruben- T-Pain
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
56min
September 23, 2024 Ep. 112- Caring for Students Post-High School: Shining a Light on Authentic Relationships
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In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a conversation about the longevity of relationships built with students that extend beyond the band hall. We, as music educators, have a great opportunity to invest in our kids for now and for years down the road. Both Eric and Justin recall moments that have afforded them a place to still have the space to continue to pour and mentor. This episode is to inspire and help all of our listeners see the opportunity we have to continue being an oasis of help for young minds. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!

In Rotation:
Eric- De Parranda & Tobe Nswige, PJ Morton - "We Need Angels"
Justin- Frankie Beverly "We Are One"
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
41min
September 09, 2024 Ep. 111: Dr. A. Jan Taylor- Mentorship in the 21st Century: Guiding Music Educators in a Digital World
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In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a beautiful conversation with a world-class educator who invested in the lives of both Eric and Justin. This episode features the well-decorated Dr. A. Jan Taylor. Dr. Taylor has taught at every level and achieved great success. And was the former Choral Director and music professor at Prairie View A&M University. Since her retirement in 2020, she has still been in heavy demand as a clinician, mentor, and sage of wisdom for upcoming educators in the choral arena. Listen in, as we discussed with Dr Taylor, to the need for real authentic mentorship with those who have come before us to better launch new educators forward towards musical excellence for their programs. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!

In Rotation:
Eric- My Divo Podcast
Justin- Kenyan Dixon "Can I have this Groove"
Dr. Taylor- Elevate Vocal Arts
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
55min
July 29, 2024 Ep. 110: Adam Chitta- Deaf Students CAN be succesful in music!
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In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into a beautiful conversation meeting the needs of every student. Specifically, our deaf students make up our various musical ensembles. To help us fully grasp this nuance, we had the pleasure of engaging with Mr. Adam Chitta. Mr. Chitta is the founder and owner of The Chitta Sound and an accomplished band director at North East ISD in San Antonio. In this dialogue, Adam raises awareness and gives proper tools as a deaf band director to reach out and provide a great experience for those and others alike. This is yet another enriching conversation for educators as a whole to continue being bridge builders for all students, no matter the learning nuance. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!

In Rotation:
Eric- De Parranda "El A-RA-B"
Justin- Aarik Duncan- "Chasing Cars"
Adam- Composer Tyler Mazone

Connect with Adam: http://www.thechittasound.com
[email protected]
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
51min
July 15, 2024 Ep. 109- Authenticity is the NAME of the Game: Developing a Strong Care for the Names of the Kids We Teach
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In this week's episode, Eric and Justin dive into the beauty of a name. Not just any name but specifically the students' names in our programs. There is something to be said about getting a child's name right. Listen in as both Eric and Justin discuss how we can make something so significant seem insignificant. There is confidence, care, and authenticity when we, as educators, aim to get our students' names correct. It's a great reminder that another school year is ramping up. It's a conversation that will help invigorate the director and create a community. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!

In Rotation:

Eric- Lake Street Dive "Dance With a Stranger" & One Song Podcast
Justin- PJ Morton "Cape Town to Cairo"
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
52min
April 15, 2024 Ep. 108- Sean Rodriguez- This and That: A Mariachi Directing Choir
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In this week's episode, Eric and Justin get the great opportunity to connect with Mr. Sean Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez is the choir director at Southwest Legacy High School in San Antonio. Sean has such an interesting story of his journey into music, which continues to shape his purpose as a director. Listen in as both Eric and Justin pull back the layers of how Sean has made sure not to ignore his mariachi love and ability to be absent from his role in developing his choral kids. Sean lays out his convictions on how the art of music is neither tainted nor lost, yet it brings the this to get to the that. It's a conversation that will help invigorate the director and grow the ensemble. Please check out this week's episode to be encouraged and inspired. Enjoy and share!!!

In Rotation:
Eric- "God is Good" Forest Frank, Caleb Gordon
Justin- Brandon P "Trap Worship Vol. 1"
Sean- "Steak Night at the Prairie Rose" Silverada
Support the show
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @podthescore
Email: [email protected] | The Score Podcast Website

Support The Score on Patreon or Paypal

Music Credits:
Intro: Justin McLean
In Rotation & Outro: Ben Bohorquez - @jamin_music
...more
55min

FAQs about The Score:

How many episodes does The Score have?

The podcast currently has 118 episodes available.

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