151. Excellence Through Community, Leadership, and Music with Sixto Elizondo IV

Episode 151:  Excellence Through Community, Leadership, and Music with Sixto Elizondo IV

In Episode 151 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Sixto Elizondo IV, Head Orchestra Director at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas. Under Sixto’s leadership, the Reagan Orchestra program has earned national recognition through performances at The Midwest Clinic, invitations to the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, appearances as a TMEA String Honor Orchestra Finalist, and numerous UIL Sweepstakes awards.

Rather than focusing solely on rehearsals and repertoire, Sixto shares the philosophy that has shaped his program for more than two decades: building outstanding people first and outstanding musicians second.

During this inspiring conversation, you’ll discover:

• How leadership retreats and a 24-member student leadership team create ownership throughout the orchestra program

• Why community service and social engagement are essential ingredients for musical excellence

• The daily singing routine that has transformed student intonation and musicianship

• Strategies for developing student buy-in and creating a culture where students genuinely care about one another

• How Reagan High School built one of the country’s most unique public school harp programs

• Tips for organizing successful domestic and international orchestra tours

• Thoughts on selecting high-quality repertoire for every ensemble level

• Why orchestra should remain an important part of students’ lives in an increasingly competitive academic environment

• The value of continuing to perform professionally while teaching full-time

Sixto also reflects on balancing excellence with joy, fostering lifelong musicians, and creating an orchestra program that students remember long after graduation.

Whether you’re a new teacher looking to establish program traditions or a veteran director searching for fresh ideas, this episode is filled with practical strategies that can help strengthen both your classroom culture and your orchestra program.

— About Our Guest — 

Sixto Elizondo IV is the Head Orchestra Director at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he is celebrating his 26th year of teaching. His ensembles have earned numerous state and national honors, including performances at The Midwest Clinic (2019 and 2025), the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and recognition as finalists in the TMEA String Honor Orchestra Competition. An active conductor, clinician, adjudicator, freelance violinist, and vocalist, Sixto has also served in numerous leadership roles within the Texas orchestra community, including Past President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association.

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