Inspiring the Future: A band director’s mission to elevate music education

MISSION, TEXAS– For Gabriel Molina, Head Band Director and teacher of the year for Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS), music is more than just an art form—it’s a vehicle for shaping young minds, instilling discipline, and fostering lifelong skills. As Mission CISD celebrates Music in Schools Month, Molina highlights the transformative power of music education.

Music as a Foundation for Discipline and Lifelong Skills

“Music is such an important part of our kids’ lives, whether they play an instrument or not. Music is everywhere, and we encourage our students to explore their creativity and passions through it,” Molina said.

Having taught for nearly a decade, Molina has seen firsthand how music education goes beyond notes and rhythms—it instills discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.

“Making music is a structured activity,” he said. “That discipline translates to other areas of their lives, including academics, sports, and future careers.”

Mission CISD offers students opportunities to explore a variety of musical genres, from band to mariachi, fostering creativity and discipline at all levels.

 “It all starts at the elementary level,” Molina noted. “That’s where students first discover music and learn that it’s more than just a class—it’s a way to express themselves.”

Rachel Walzer, a music teacher at Midkiff Elementary, has worked alongside Molina to help foster a love for music in students from a young age.

“It is always heartwarming to see students light up when they realize they get to play an instrument, engage in a musical game, or perform in a concert,” Walzer said. “Music helps children express themselves and builds confidence.”

One of those students is Ayden Moreno, a fourth grader at Midkiff Elementary. Moreno, who has been involved in music since second grade, admires classical composers like Vivaldi and Bach and hopes to join the orchestra in middle school to learn the violin.

 “I really like how the melodies sound on the violin, and Vivaldi has really good pieces,” Moreno said.

Music Education Builds Character and Social Connections

As students progress into middle and high school, music education continues to provide them with structure and a sense of belonging. Molina noted that by the time students reach high school, they have already built a strong foundation of discipline and responsibility.

 “The culture of music-making is special, and it helps students build character,” he said. “They learn to set goals, manage their time efficiently, and work as a team to create something greater than themselves.”

David Leal, a senior at VMHS and band student, exemplifies how music education prepares students for life beyond high school.

 “Being in band has taught me time management, multitasking, and balancing my responsibilities. It has helped me with discipline and teamwork, which I believe will help me in college and beyond,” Leal said.

Leal noted that music education strengthens social connections, teaching students’ skills valuable beyond high school.

“Being part of a music program exposes you to different people, both in school and beyond,” Leal said. “It’s not just about music—it’s about learning how to work with others, how to communicate, and how to grow as a person.”

Advocating for Music Education and the Future of Mission CISD’s Programs

Molina credits Mission CISD’s strong fine arts program to district leadership, including Fine Arts Director Carlos Garcia, for ensuring that students and teachers have the resources they need to thrive.

“Our number one goal as a department is to allow our students to develop lifelong skills,” Garcia said. “We know that dedication, discipline, teamwork, and commitment are lessons that extend beyond the classroom and into life itself.”

For Molina, seeing students grow through music is the most rewarding part of his career.

 “Music has the power to inspire, and we hope every student carries that inspiration for life.”

“Watching students evolve musically and personally and then seeing them take those skills into the world, is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Music has the power to inspire, and we hope that every student who participates in our programs carries that inspiration with them for life.”

As Mission CISD celebrates Music in Schools Month, the district reaffirms its dedication to supporting arts education and recognizing the profound impact it has on students’ lives.

 Mission CISD remains committed to fostering lifelong learning and self-expression through its fine arts programs.