Today we’d like to introduce you to Noe Marmolejo.
Hi Noe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born in a small south Texas town called Alice. Luckily for me, the school district had an excellent band program that was led by one of Texas’ iconic band directors, Bryce Taylor. I auditioned and was selected to perform at the annual Texas Music Educators Convention twice and won, in my senior year the first chair position in the Symphonic Band (1970). After graduation, I attended Del Mar College, Southern Methodist University (BM Music Ed.), the Cincinnati College-Conservatory (Performers Certificate/MM in trumpet performance), and an additional MM in Conducting (Eddie Green) from the University of Houston. I began my teaching career at Westchester High School, where I taught Orchestra, Music Theory, and Jazz Ensemble. In 1985 I began teaching at the University of Houston School of Music, which is now named the Moores School of Music. I am currently a Professor of Music and the Director of Jazz Studies. I am an active adjudicator, lecturer, consultant, and professional trumpet player.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I truly believe that I was meant to be what I am today, and I have been very fortunate to work with great mentors and wonderful students. It is, indeed, a blessing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always wanted to be involved in the arts. I was completely taken in from the very beginning and have not strayed from that course. To lead a life of performing and teaching is the greatest gift, and I continue to celebrate that to this day. At a time where many of my peers are retiring, I am still feeling invigorated by the possibility of performance and teaching another generation of young musicians.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a bit of a nerd. Both my parents were respected educators, and they encouraged both myself and my brother to be open to all possibilities. I owe a huge debt to them and to my younger brother, an accomplished musician himself.
