ARMINDA VELASQUEZ, TMC CHAIR
Arminda Velasquez is the Director of Bands at Cedar Ridge High School and conducts the Wind Ensemble and directs the Flute and Saxophone Choirs. Ms. Velasquez graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies and Music Performance with Flute Emphasis.
After graduation, Ms. Velasquez was an Assistant Band Director at Cedar Ridge HS from 2015-2023. Ms. Velasquez has directed the Wind Symphony and the Flute and Saxophone Choirs at Cedar Ridge. During her tenure, her groups have gone on to receive local, national, and international acknowledgements including consecutive sweepstakes and a performance at the 2021 Midwest Clinic.
Velasquez has attended and performed at the National Flute Association Conventions in 2012 and 2013, as well as the 2013 UT Conducting Symposium, 2014 Baylor Conducting Workshop, 2014 CU Boulder Panoramic Flute Workshop, 2015 CU Boulder Conducting Symposium, 2016 Baylor Conducting Symposium, 2017 Illinois Band Conducting Symposium, and attended the 2023 Kansas City Conducting Symposium this past summer.
In her free time, she enjoys board games, reading, and traveling.
JOHN PETERSON, TMC COORDINATOR
John Peterson is in his fourth year as organizer of the Texas Marching Classic.
Mr. Peterson taught high school band in the DFW area for eight years, two years as an assistant band director at Round Rock High School and three years as head director at Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock ISD before retiring from his teaching career to be more available to family.
He remains active as a clinician and adjudicator helping band programs reach their fullest potential across the State of Texas.
