Jesse Ramirez is in his 6th year at Garland High School. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Music performance at Texas Tech and his Master’s at UNT with performance, including studies in Ethnomusicology. Jesse is part of 4 studio albums including two with the Irish traditional group, String Theory. He regularly performs in music theatre pits along with corporate functions and house concerts around DFW. In addition to guitar, Jesse teaches IB Music and Theory of Knowledge at GHS, and serves as an AFA Co-coordinator. 

In his spare time, Mr. Ramirez enjoys mountain biking locally and across the country, as well as kayaking, camping, and backpacking. He’s a lifelong Dallas Stars fan and enjoys time outside, whether it’s on an adventure or at a local lake.

Steve Howell holds degrees from the University of North Texas-College of Music and the University of Texas at Dallas. He has served on the faculty of Collin College and currently serves as director for the Classical Guitar Program at Garland High School, an Arts Magnet.  Mr. Howell is an accomplished performer, conductor, author, composer, and audio engineer. He is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Audio Engineering Society, and he has cultivated a strong studio of students who have followed in his footsteps as scholarship and award recipients.

This is one of the first-year music ensemble courses offering a fine arts credit required for graduation.

 [Magnet course at GHS only] The student will gain basic guitar skills, musical notation and guitar chords. Musical elements such as rhythm, melody and harmony will be emphasized.