District’s Dr. José Díaz Earns Honors From CMA Foundation, UIL

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Aldine ISD educator and composer, Jose Antonio Díaz, directs the music youth group Caliente, a group that allows students to learn about a range of Latin music. The Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation has revealed that Díaz is one of the 2017 Grammy Music Educator Award finalists. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, in East Aldine. ( Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle )

During his many years of service to MacArthur High band and jazz students, José Díaz has received several accomplishments and recently received two more honors from two recognized organizations.

In March 2020, the Country Music Association Foundation (CMAF), a national education nonprofit, and the country music Association (CMA), named Díaz one of 30 music teachers from across the country as Music Teachers of Excellence. In its fifth year, the annual program was created to recognize educators who greatly impact their students, using music as a vehicle for change. Award recipients were selected based on their dedication to bringing a high-quality music program to their students. The process also looked at the impact they have had on their school community through music.

The CMA Foundation was originally set to hold its annual Music Teachers of Excellence Awards on May 5, 2020, in Nashville. It was moved to October 20, 2020, but was also canceled. Due to the pandemic, the CMA Foundation has decided to postpone its Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony later in 2021.

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has named Díaz a 2020 UIL Sponsor of Excellence. School administrators from across the state nominated teachers, directors, and coaches for this recognition. Díaz was selected because he demonstrates the high level of dedication, care, and achievement the UIL looks for in a Sponsor of Excellence.

In her letter of recommendation, MacArthur High School Principal Heather Peterson said the following about Díaz: “The dedication and passion for music he shares with his band students is unmatched. Jose Diaz provides MacArthur High School students with a comprehensive music program,” Peterson said. “Students gain opportunities to bond with other students sharing the same aspirations and network with professionals to advance in their dreams of becoming successful musicians.”

Dr. Todd Davis, Aldine ISD’s Chief Academic Officer, added: “Our leadership definition in Aldine includes three main tenets – connect, inspire and impact. Mr. Díaz truly embodies each of these tenets. We thank Mr. Díaz for his extraordinary ability to inspire, connect and impact our Aldine students.”

In 2017, Díaz was named a top 10 finalist for the 2017 Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator Award. Additionally, Texas Monthly featured Díaz in their Oct. 2017 issue, making the No. 2 spot on the magazine’s list of the “30 Things You Need to Know about Texas Music Scene in 2017.” Texas Monthly cited Díaz’s passion for music through the success of his former students. A few examples include Grammy-winning sideman Joe González, Robert Martínez, Felix DeLeon, Marcie Chapa, a percussionist who has backed Beyonce Jay-Z, and Kanye West.