Aldine ISD, Carver High Mourn the Passing of Beloved Carver Band Patriarch Michael McCullough

Aldine ISD and Carver High School are mourning Michael “Mr. Mac” McCullough, the beloved Carver High band instructor, who passed away unexpectedly during the weekend of Jan. 18.

“Mr. Mac” was a fixture in Aldine ISD performing arts community and devoted 24 years to sharing his love of music with students at Drew Academy, where he taught music for four years, and for the last 20 years at Carver High School.

During his tenure at Carver, he taught guitar, worked with the school’s Chamber Orchestra, the Varsity and Non Varsity Orchestras (which are UIL performing orchestras), and the Carver Jazz Ensemble, which he founded five years ago.

In addition to his duties at Carver, “Mr. Mac” was one of the driving forces that helped establish the district’s first Mariachi Ensemble. That group, in only its second year, will perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March.

“Mr. Mac’s” passing will leave a void in the Carver band program and his smile and kind words will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have known him.

“Just last weekend, “Mr. Mac” and his students spent Saturday performing,” said Refugio Rodriguez, Aldine ISD’s director of music education. “As always, “Mr. Mac” was extremely proud of the work accomplished and the new opportunity for the students to showcase their talents. Michael brought the joy of performing to so many.”

“Mr. Mac’s” students performed across Aldine ISD, the City of Houston, for Mayor Sylvester Turner, in Harris County, and for other dignitaries. They were also a fixture at the Acres Homes Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meetings.

Michael “Mr. Mac” McCullough and members of the Carver Chamber Orchestra were recognized at the October 2019 Board of Trustees meeting. The group performed prior to the start of the Board meeting. “Mr. Mac” unexpectedly passed away over the Jan. 18 weekend.

Rodriguez said Mr. McCullough was extremely proud of helping to develop a Mariachi Ensemble for Aldine.

“I was able to spend time with him this year as we worked with the Mariachi Ensemble,” Rodriguez said. “He was deeply committed to all of the student he worked with.”

Carver High School Principal Pertricia Ross said losing Mr. McCullough was difficult for the Carver family because he was such a loved and respected teacher and individual.

“Losing Mr. McCullough is like losing the sails from our performing arts boat,” she said. “He was such an intricate part of what the performing arts department does. It’s difficult to fathom how to move on or to replace him. There’s so much I could say about Mr. McCullough. Here’s what he said to me when we first met. He said, ‘I could retire anytime I want, but I love my job, my kids and what I do.’”

Rodriguez said “Mr. Mac” had a special admiration for his students and his own children and grandchildren.

“When he spoke of his own children and grandchildren, the gleam in his eye said it all,” Rodriguez said. “”Mr. Mac” reminded me to enjoy our work but to enjoy family even more. His patience and positive outlook has made an impact in my own life.”

Rodriguez said he wanted to thank the district’s string directors who have given of their time to support Carver students during this difficult time. He added string directors from across the district would assist Carver students with their upcoming contests and performances.

Those who had the opportunity to meet “Mr. Mac” are better for it and he is now making beautiful music for eternity.