Eli Zaragoza
Oklahoma City,OK
Summary
- Introduced Steel Drums with OUPS at Edmond Santa Fe, 2023
- Taught at OU Percussion Camp as an Instructor/ RA, 2023
- Educated Marching Percussion at Durant HS Band Camp, 2023
- Instructed at the Texoma Marching Arts Leadership Academy as a Percussion Intern, 2023, 2024, and 2026 (upcoming)
- Trained front ensemble at the Altus Band Camp, 2024
- Coached marching percussion at the Elk City Band Camp 2024, and 2026 (upcoming)
- Tutored students in private lessons via Zoom, 2024-Present
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Teacher
Mustang Public Schools
Mustang, OK
01.2026 - Current
- Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Assisted in classroom management, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with mentor teachers to assess student progress and adapt teaching methods accordingly.
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Southmoore High School
Moore, OK
10.2025 - Current
- Conducted individual and group practice sessions to improve performance techniques and musical understanding.
- Collaborated with music department staff to coordinate ensemble rehearsals and performances.
- Assisted in preparing students for competitions, ensuring readiness through targeted practice strategies.
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Washington High School
Washington, OK
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Instructed percussion students in music theory and performance techniques.
- Developed individualized practice plans to enhance student skills and confidence.
- Coordinated rehearsals, ensuring adherence to schedules and improving group cohesion.
- Assisted in the arrangement of musical pieces for marching band performances.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education: Instrumental
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK05-2026
Accomplishments
- 10 Solo/ Ensemble Performance Medals, Owasso Bands: 2016-2022
- 2nd Chair Percussion, NCDA High School Honor Band, 2022
- 1A State Marching Band Champions (Washington HS), 2022
- 1A Outstanding Percussion (Washington HS), 2022
- Rodney Goodhart Memorial DCI Scholarship, Carolina Crown: 2025
Leadership Positions
- Pride of Oklahoma Percussion Section Leader, 2025-2026
- OU Percussion Society Secretary Chair, 2024-2026
- OU BCM Worship Leader, 2023-2026
- Taco Bell Manager/ Team Leader, 2021-2023
- Pride of Owasso Bass Drum Section Leader, 2021-2022
Affiliations
- OkMEA Member, 2022-Present
- TMEA Member, 2026-Present
- Performed with OUPO at OkPAS Conference, 2022-2025
- Attended OkMEA Conference with OU, 2022, 2023
- Performed at OkMEA Conference, 2024
- Competed with OUPO at PASIC, 2025
- Demonstrated Marching Bass Drum with Pearl at PASIC, 2025
- Attended TMEA Conference with OU, 2026
Performance Experience
- NCDA High School Honor Band, 2022
- Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, 2022
- Pride of Oklahoma Snare Drum, 2022-2025
- OU Young Artists Competition Finalist (7th Place Overall), 2023
- OU Steel Bands: 2023
- Mass Marimba Ensemble: OkPAS 2024
- OU Percussion Orchestra: 2024-2025
- OU Wind Symphony: 2023, 2025
- OU Symphony Orchestra: 2024-2025
- Percussionist in "L'Heure Espagnole" Opera, 2024
- Timpanist in "The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny" Opera, 2025
- Carolina Crown, 2025
PASIC Collegiate Chamber Competition, 2025
Timeline
Student Teacher
Mustang Public Schools
01.2026 - Current
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Southmoore High School
10.2025 - Current
Marching Band Percussion Instructor
Washington High School
08.2022 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education: Instrumental
University of Oklahoma