McKinney Boyd High School Orchestra
Randy Lyle is thrilled to begin his tenure as Head Orchestra Director at Mckinney Boyd High school. A native of Arlington, Texas, Mr. Lyle holds a degree in Music Education (2007) from Baylor University and a Master of Music Performance (2011) from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Mr. Lyle began his teaching career as a private instructor working with many students from Arlington-area schools, including Arlington High, Gunn Jr. High, and Boles Jr. High. In 2013, he joined an organization called B Sharp Youth Music, an El Sistema-inspired comprehensive music program based in Fort Worth, TX. During his seven years with B Sharp, Mr. Lyle served as head of the string department, worked as an upper-strings Teaching Artist, and created string curriculum covering ages from elementary to high school. In the fall of 2018, he became Music Director of the program, leading the B Sharp Youth Orchestra and the B Sharp Elementary Full Orchestra. He also created and led the Chamber Strings, a small ensemble comprised of advanced elementary students performing contemporary and pop music. Mr. Lyle is a member of the American String Teachers Association, the Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
As a violinist, Mr. Lyle has performed with the Lyric Stage Orchestra, the Lawton Philharmonic, and the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra. When he is not teaching or performing, he enjoys reading (fantasy and science fiction are favorite genres), watching movies, and listening to a wide variety of music.
A seasoned teacher and accomplished viola player, we are thrilled to welcome our new associate director, Sofia Velazquez! Sofia is an accomplished viola player and dedicated music educator with nearly two decades of experience shaping young musicians. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with an emphasis on string pedagogy, from Loyola University in New Orleans in 2004. Sofia has been instrumental in the public school system for 19 years, nurturing musical talent and fostering a love for orchestral performance among middle school students.
For the past seven years, Sofia has served as a middle school orchestra director in Plano ISD, where her ensembles have consistently achieved Superior Ratings at UIL competitions. Before her tenure in Plano, she spent 12 years in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this period, she also conducted the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra String Ensemble and performed in the Henderson Symphony Orchestra viola section. Sofia’s passion for music extends beyond the classroom. She is currently a member of the New Texas Symphony Orchestra, where she continues to hone her craft and collaborate with fellow musicians.
In her free time, Sofia enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her love for adventure and exploration. She is an avid road cyclist, hiker, and camper, and she relishes the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures. Sofia also has a passion for cooking, often experimenting with new recipes and flavors in her kitchen. Her diverse interests and dedication to her craft make her a well-rounded and inspiring figure in the world of music education.
McKinney Boyd HS Orchestra Directors
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