Hall of Fame

Class of 2010-2011

Allen Clark

Allen Clark, a native of Dayton, Texas, has participated in the meteoric rise of the Texas band movement as a student, conductor, performer and educator. He currently serves as Director of Instrumental Activities and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and the Rio Bravo Brass Consort; he teaches applied low brass and undergraduate and graduate music courses. He was instrumental in the design of UTB/TSC’s new $26 million Arts Center.

Clark presently serves as a member of the TBA College Advisory Board. He is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu Music fraternity. He is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator and has served in various leadership roles in TMEA Regions 15 and 28, where he is presently the UIL Music Executive Secretary.

Allen Clark served in several fine arts administrative positions for the Brownsville Independent School District from 1990 to 2004. During his tenure in administration the district witnessed tremendous growth in the music programs, including the opening of one high school, three additional middle schools and two elementary schools. Clark came to the Rio Grande Valley in 1975 and began his public school career in the Brownsville ISD band program as an assistant director at Homer Hanna High School. In 1982 he became head band director at BISD’s Gladys Porter High School where his bands won numerous sweepstakes awards, and his 1984 symphonic band placed in the top ten bands in the TMEA state honor band competition.
Many of his students have become musicians in military and professional groups, and music educators in various areas across the United States.

With his colleague Jim Knox, Rio Grande Valley Band Directors Hall of Fame Class of 2006-2007, Clark is co-owner of K.C. Recording Company and his hobbies include hunting and relaxing in the Texas hill country. Blessed in their marriage of 37 years, Allen and Kay’s family includes twin sons, Ryan and his wife, Amie, son Andrew and his wife, Keri; youngest son David and his wife, Amanda, and eldest daughter Lauren, her husband Brad and their daughters Tirzah and Keziah.

Cesar Eduardo Garcia Hernandez

Cesar was born Sept. 2nd. 1948, in the border town of Matamoros, Tamp. Mex. to Miguel Leon Garcia and Maria Petra Hernandez de Garcia. Cesar attended elementary school in Matamoros and attended St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Tx for middle school and high school. While at St. Joseph Academy, he was introduced to the trumpet and joined the band program.

After graduation, he moved to Guadalajara, Mexico and attended the School of Music of the University of Guadalajara. He played with different music groups and through a friend was hired by the Symphony Orchestra of the Universidad Autonoma of Guadalajara.

After two years he decided to come back to the U.S. and transferred to Texas A&I University in Kingsville where he received his Bachelors Degree in music in 1973. While in Kingsville he met Miss Rosa Vela whom he later married in 1976. He began his band directing career at La Grulla Jr. High in Rio Grande City and then later moved to Zapata, TX where he became the High School Band director.

The Zapata High School Band had numerous awards and achievements under his tenure. The marching band would eventually end up going nine times to the State Marching Contest and would advance seven times as an Honor Band Finalist. In 1994 Mr. Garcia united with Alfredo Cortinas, Rudy Barrera and seven other directors to begin the Roma music program that would later become one of the best in the 4A classification. After two years in Roma, he returned to Zapata and retired in 2002.

Cesar currently resides in Zapata with his wife Rosa. Cesar and Rosa have a daughter and two sons who are all educators. Rosalinda Garcia teaches English at Kingsville ISD, Cesar Garcia is a Criminal Justice teacher at PSJA ISD, and Carlos Garcia is a Band Director at Donna ISD.

Harold J. Rademacher

Harold Rademacher’s teaching career began in 1955 as assistant band director to Mr. Roque Guerra, Rio Grande City, who is also a member of the Band Director’s Hall of Fame. Harold was in Rio Grande City from September 1955 to January 1957, at which time was drafted into the United States Army. After completing basic training ,he served in the Fort Chaffee, Fort Polk and Fort Sam Houston army bands. Harold received an honorable discharge from the army in 1959.

Shortly after his discharge, Harold was hired as band director at San Isidro School in San Isidro, Texas and remained there until 1995 when he retired. During his tenure in San Isidro, his bands participated in the following
events: in U.I.L. received 5 Sweepstakes trophies, 7 first divisions, 3 second divisions, and 1 third division.

His bands played for 350 football games, 120 parades, 35 graduations;
were recognized with special plaques at the Mission Citrus Fiesta Parades and Mercedes Livestock Show Parades for having atttended more than 30 years each!

His bands also received awards for Best Band at parades in Mission, Rio Grande City, Laredo and were voted Best in Parade at
Texas A & I Band Day in Kingsville, Texas.

In 2000 he was asked to return to San Isidro School to teach the San Isidro Junior High Music Program. He did this for the next 5 years then retired once again. During this time, he also taught part time at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in McAllen, a band program of 5th through 8th grade students.

Harold attended the University of Texas in Austin where he was a member of the Symphonic Band, ROTC Band, Jazz Band and a proud member of the Texas Longhorn Band. He received an All Level Music Degree from the University of Pan American in Edinburg.

His pride and joy, besides music, is his family. Harold and his wife Celia have been married for 47 years. They have 3 children: Gary Rademacher from Hurst, Texas; Sheri Coggins from Pharr, Texas; and Cathy Rademacher from Edinburg, Texas. They have 5 grandchildren: Jessica Renee 19, Christyn Leigh 12, David Kyle 12, Kaylee Rebecca 9, and Ryleigh Noelle 10 months old.

“Rads”, as Harold is known, is very well known throughout the valley for his musical talents and showmanship. He has played professionally for 64 years and is still very active. Harold plays at many night spots and for Winter Texan friends.

Class of 2009-2010

David Isadore received a Bachelor of music education degree from the Boston Conservatory of Music and a Masters of Science degree with a woodwind concentrate from the University of New Hampshire. While residing in Massachusetts, Mr. Isadore served as Head Band Director/ Director of Music Education for the Methuen Public Schools. Upon moving to the valley in1984, David served as the Head Band Director and Instrumental supervisor for the Weslaco Independent School District until his retirement in 2003.During his tenure in Weslaco, Mr. Isadore’s bands ea rned consistent top ratings in UIL, including I’s every year in Marching, and two trips to the State marching competition. Currently Mr. Isadore is on the adjunct faculty at the University of Texas, Brownsville where he co conducts the university jazz ensemble, is assistant wind ensemble conductor, as well as supervisor for instrumental student teachers. As a member of TMAA, (Texas Music Adjudicator’s Association) David is a sought -after clinician and judge for Concert, Marching and Jazz band. Other affiliations include membership in TMEA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Beta Mu. David served both as Region 15 President and Band Chair, and in 2001 David was voted TMEA Region XV band director of the year.

As a performer Mr. Isadore has had a long and varied career both as a classical and jazz musician. David appeared as a clarinet soloist with the Boston Pops orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fielder, and also in a duo performance with his son, Michael and the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Isadore, as a woodwind specialist, has performed with Jerry Lewis, Marvin Hamlish, Don Rickles, and Donna Summers, among others. Presently David is Principal oboe with the Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Harlingen Festival Orchestra and Chorale. In addition, he is lead alto with the Dean Canty Orchestra and the Harbor Lights Orchestra in Brownsville.

Nat C. Alewine, 76, died Saturday, October 25, 2003 after a long illness. He was born on December 3, 1926, in Boswell, Oklahoma, to the late Clovis K. and Willie M. Thompson Alewine. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and earned his Master’s degree in Music from the University of Texas. He started out as the band director of the San Benito Junior High School, created the band program at Los Fresnos High School, and came to Cuero High School in 1960 and served as band director until 1977. After retiring as band director, he taught Government and History at Cuero High School and coached the golf team. He was a member of the Outstanding Band Directors of Texas and First United Methodist Church. We believe he is continuing his career directing a heavenly band of angels. Nat is survived by a daughter, Nancy Alexander and husband Rudy of Corpus Christi; grandchildren, Tracie Hastings and husband Joe of Corpus Christi, Cheryl Atkinson and husband Jeff of Portland, Texas, and Richard D. Alexander and wife Patsy of Corpus Christi; mother-in-law, Norma Harrison or Corpus Christi; six great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Hughston of San Antonio; and his loving friend, Joyce Hilbrich. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Harrison A lewine; sister, Evelyn Olive; and brother, C. K. Alewine.

Class of 2008-2009

Ramon Aguilar, III

Rio Grande City, Mercedes, McAllen, and Melhart Music Center

Ramon Aguilar, III was born January 3, 1938 in Laredo, Texas, to Ramon Aguilar, Jr. and Concepcion Fuentes Aguilar. He was born into a musical family. He attended St. Joseph Academy in Laredo for his elementary and junior high years. During this time, he began piano lessons at the age of 9, with his father being his first teacher.

Ramon attended Martin High School from 1952-54 and played in the Tiger Band under the direction of Ed Holt. He learned to play the clarinet as a freshman at Martin High School. He was given a clarinet book and sent to a practice room by Charles Hayes, the assistant band director. In the spring semester, he was moved to the performing band and sat last chair in the clarinet section. By his sophomore year, he was challenging for 1st chair.

In 1954 his family moved to Brownsville. His father became the band director at St. Joseph Academy. Ramon went to Brownsville High School and became a member of the Golden Eagle Band under the direction of James Murphy. Sectionals were held every day before band, and band rehearsal would last long after the student body had gone home. Roy Norton was the assistant band director. The two years that he was in the BHS Golden Eagle band were a great musical experience. Ramon graduated from high school in 1956.

Upon graduation from high school, he received a scholarship to the University of Texas and was a member of the Longhorn Band, the “Showband of the Southwest” as well as the University’s Symphonic Band. Joe Frank Elsas was the director of the Symphonic Band and Vincernt R. DiNino was the director of the Longhorn Band. In January of 1961, Ramon marched with the Longhorn Band in John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade in Washington, D. C. While in the Longhorn Band, he went to all the football games and bowls that UT participated in.

In 1961-63, he got his first teaching job in Rio Grande City, Texas. Roque Guerra was the head band director then. Marion Busby had recommended Ramon for the job. Also teaching there was Victor Lozano, a high school friend from Laredo and a graduate of the University of Texas.

Ramon taught in Mercedes with Avie Teltschik from 1963-68, as an assistant band director in high school and director of the junior high school band. From 1968-76 he was the high school band director. His bands earned several Sweepstakes during his stay in Mercedes.

He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Texas in 1965. In 1967, he went to North Texas State University in Denton, Texas and earned his Masters of Music Education Degree in 1971.

In 1976 Ramon was hired by Gary Zook, then director of the McAllen High School Band, to be the director of the Lincoln Junior High School Band. While at Lincoln, his bands received several Sweepstakes. Also, two of his bands were selected Best in Class AA, at the McAllen City of Palms Band Festival. In the 1983-84 school year, the top band advanced to the Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band contest as a Finalist, and earned fourth place in the state.

In 1980 he married Marcy Landez, and they had a son, Ramon Aguilar IV. In 1985 Ramon moved to Morris Junior High, which later became Morris Middle School and worked there for the next ten years. Under his direction the Morris Symphonic Band earned nine Sweepstakes. In June 1986 his wife, Marcy, passed away. Ramon retired from teaching band in June 1995, after an enjoyable 34 year career.

From 1996 to 1998 Ramon tutored clarinets at Edinburg North HS, Memorial MS, and South MS. During the 1997-98 school year, he and Art Ratley started a beginner band at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in McAllen, teaching there for a year and a half. To stay active in his music career, he started teaching private lessons on flute, clarinet and saxophone at Melhart Music Center, which he is still doing today.

Ramon is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, the University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band, Texas Bandmasters Association and Texas Music Educators Association.

Al Cortinas

Alfredo “Al” Cortinas

Corpus Christi, Crystal City, Rio Grande City, Roma, La Joya

Alfredo Cortinas is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Selso and Beatriz Cortinas from Taft, Texas. He comes from a family of 4 Sisters and 2 Brothers. Al was educated in the town’s school system where he graduated from Taft High School. Mr. Cortinas received his Bachelor of Music and Masters in Music Degrees from Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas.

Mr. Cortinas’ band directing career began in 1970 when he was first employed at Sterling B. Martin Junior High, in Corpus Christi Texas. In 1972, he went on to be Assistant Band Director for Crystal City ISD which was then under the direction of Mr. Roberto Botello. Al moved to Rio Grande City in 1973 and became the band director at Ft. Ringgold Middle School for three (3) years. In 1976, Mr. Cortinas became the High School Band Director of Rio Grande City High School and remained until 1994. Former Superintendent, Walter Watson, hired Mr. Cortinas in 1994 to serve as Director of Bands for the Roma ISD and retired in June of 2000. Upon “retirement” he worked for the La Joya ISD and Mr. Ruben Adame for three years where he taught the Concert Band for one year and assisted the middle schools of the district. Mr. Cortinas returned to Roma ISD in 2004 as an Assistant Band Director, with Mr. Rudy Barrera, teaching Euphonium for three (3) years. Al returned to Rio Grande City and works with Mr. Roger Olivarez teaching flute and directs the Rio Grande City Symphonic Band at Rio Grande City High School.

With 38 years of teaching experience, Mr. Cortinas is a well respected Band Director in the profession. He is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity, and is a founding member of the Rio Grande Valley Band Director Hall of Fame. He has also served on the Board of Phi Beta Mu and is a current member of the Texas Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame Committee. Mr. Cortinas has been an Adjudicator and Clinician in various parts of the State. Al has resided in Rio Grande City, Texas for the past 35 years where he has been very active within his community. He presently serves both Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception Catholic School as a Eucharistic Minister and head of the school council.

Mr. Cortinas’ biggest pride and joy is his family. He is married to Sonja M. Smith-Cortinas and they have two daughters, Abbygail Nicole (10), a 5th grade student at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and Ella Renee (1).

“Being selected to be a part of the class of 2009 is indeed a humbling honor for me. I have truly been blessed, by God, for all he has allowed me to have; this is indeed one of those great gifts. I thank the committee for having selected me, and I also thank the countless people who have had a part in making my career possible. I fear that if I start naming people I will leave someone out, but there have been many who have impacted my life and many that still continue to do so. I truly do need to Honor my Mother and Father for having provided me with the guidance and encouragement to always work hard, respect others, be happy, and above all to be kind but firm.”

Gary Zook

Albany, Olney, Canyon, McAllen

Gary Zook was born April 4, 1933, on a small farm in Wilson County, Texas, five miles south of Floresville. He attended Floresville public schools and played in the band under the direction of “Uncle” Fritz Teltschik. After graduation from Floresville High School in 1950, Gary enrolled at McMurry College in Abilene, Texas, as a Music Education major under the guidance of Dr. Raymond T. “Prof’ Bynum. He received his B.S. in Music Education from McMurry in 1954. Later he returned to McMurry and completed his M.Ed. in secondary administration in 1959.

In 1954, the Korean conflict and the specter of the military draft seemed to stand in the way of a permanent teaching position, so Gary auditioned for and was accepted into the Fourth Army Band at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. After completion of Army basic training at beautiful Ft. Bliss, and a six-month assignment at the U.S. Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C., Gary returned to Ft. Sam Houston, and served the remainder of his military service playing saxophone and flute with the Fourth Army Band. It was during this time that he met and married his life¬long partner, Virginia, who, among other things, ensured that he would never want for a great oboe player in his bands by providing him with two All-Staters, son, Keith, and daughter, Jan.

Gary’s teaching career finally began in 1957, as band director in Albany, Texas. In 1958, he moved to Olney, Texas, as band and choir director at Olney High School. In 1964, he left Olney to accept a position as director of bands in Canyon, Texas. One of the highlights in his band directing career came in 1969, when his Canyon High School Band was selected TMEA Honor Band. In 1970, Gary accepted a position with the McAllen Independent School District as Director of Bands.

One the most important events for the McAllen High School Band was the International Spring Fiesta Concert. Appearing with the band were guest conductors, which included the late Col. Harold Bachman, and CDR. Donald W. Stauffer, director of the U.S. Navy Band, as well as numerous soloists such as Alfred Gallodoro, Don Jacoby, Bobby Herriot, and Harvey Pittel. Gary also was instrumental in establishing the City of Palms Band Festival, which was held in conjunction with the International Spring Fiesta. The McAllen High School Band was honored in 1973, with an invitation to perform at halftime at Texas Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles game.

Gary left band directing in 1978, but during his twenty-one year career his bands received more than fifty Superior ratings in UIL competition including fourteen Sweepstakes awards, as well as First Division ratings at Buccaneer Days, Six Flags Over Texas, and Six Flags Over Georgia band festivals. He served as adjudicator in UIL and other band competitions throughout Texas and Oklahoma and taught summer band camps at McMurry, West Texas State, Midwestern University, and TCU.

Gary became assistant principal or as Dr. Gary Garner put it, “went over to the enemy” at McAllen High School in 1978 and remained in that position for three years. In 1981, he was promoted to principal at McAllen High School and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1989. He and Virginia moved back to the farm in Floresville where their lives are controlled by cows instead of kids.

Paul Brazaukas

Henry Rodriguez

Nancy Shepard

Avie Teltschik

The Hall of Fame Committee would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Richard Floyd for speaking at the banquet. A special thanks goes out to all the band directors in attendance for making this such a special event. The Committee would also like to express its sincere appreciation to the banquet sponsors, Melhart Music Center and Texas Music Festivals.

Would you like to nominate someone for the 2009-2010 Class? Click here. (The form is now online and easy to fill out)

Criteria for nomination: Nominee must have been retired for 3 years plus be at least 60 years of age.

Nomination Statement
Nomination Form
Minutes of committee meeting

TMEA Region 15 Has Contest results for the bands from Region 28 from 1996 to 2006.

On line Rio Grande Valley Band Archive.