LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Joe Barrios

Position: Music Teacher
School: Marcia R. Garza Elementary
School District: Pharr San Juan Alamo ISD
City, State: Pharr, TX

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Joe Barrios was nominated by Amy Marquez, his colleague and the parent of a student.

Mr. Barrios is a dynamic music teacher who provides many opportunities for the students of Marcia R. Garza Elementary.  He brings a love and appreciation of music to all the students at Garza Elementary. He brings in his own instruments from home and gives students the chance to try them out and see themselves as musicians. Mr. Barrios teaches students about composers, genres of music, and reading music, and he also has music programming during and after school.

Students are excited and eager to go to music class.  Garza Elementary is located in a high poverty area where these students might not otherwise have the opportunity to delve into learning about the fine arts.

Mr. Barrios consistently prepares students to act in his school plays, which have ranged from The Little Mermaid, Jr. to Stone Soup. Students who have been a part of his theatrical productions go through the entire process just like a high school theater arts student would. This is an area he truly excels in; his final productions have been a work of art and outstanding in every way.  He always takes the initiative to go above and beyond, writing grants to get the materials his students need. His commitment and nurturing nature helps Garza students feel comfortable trying something out of their comfort zone.  

"As a parent, my own daughter fell in love with music under the direction of Mr. Barrios," said Marquez. "She joined his choir and participated in school concerts, parades, and competitions.  She joined his drama club and got to be an actress in his play, assisting later as a member of the stage crew. He inspired her to join his folklorico club, where she was able to learn about her Hispanic heritage."

"This year, my daughter moved on to middle school and is still involved in the music program at her new campus.  She asks almost daily about a chance to visit Mr. Barrios and let him know the impact he had on her life," Marquez continued. "He truly deserves to be recognized for the impact he makes each day on the lives of his students.  As a parent, colleague and friend, I want to thank Mr. Barrios for all he does! 

Comments (34)

Janelle Posted over a year ago

Congratulations, joe! Well deserved nomination!

Marisa Santoy Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!!! Thank you Mr. Barrios for instilling the love of music to our students! From theatre to guitar lessons you truly go above and beyond!! Well deserved recognition!

Yvette Umaña Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Mr. Barrios! Thank you for opening up the world of arts to our students!

Beatriz Meza Posted over a year ago

Well deserved nomination! Thank you, for all you do for our students.

Claudia Garcia Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Mr. Barrios. You truly make a difference with all the clubs you sponsor.

Lisa Hernandez Posted over a year ago

Congratulations, Mr. Barrios! :)

Jon Taylor Posted over a year ago

Joe Barrios is an outstanding teacher and musician. As his high school band director I saw firsthand the passion and drive that led him to be recognized as a Texas All State Band member and a UIL State Champion musician. It is very rewarding for me to see Joe pass along his passion for music to his young students as they form a love and appreciation for music that will have an impact on them that will last a lifetime.

Herrera Posted over a year ago

Excelente Maestro, Y una bendición en Marcia Garza, mi hija apenas este año empezó y está muy feliz, muchas felicidades y gracias a sr.Barrio por su dedicación, excelente trabajo.100%

Abram Estrada Posted over a year ago

Mr. Barrios is a great music teacher. He inspires students through fine arts. Students at Marcia R. Garza look forward to being part of his clubs. Great job!

Sabrina Aleman Posted over a year ago

I completely agree with Amy Marquez. Mr. Barrios has also been a great inspiration to my son who has also moved on to middle school but is continuing his love for music by joining the orchestra. He is a true inspiration to students, staff, and parents. Congratulations on your nomination Mr. Barrios! Well deserved!

Lydia Flores Posted over a year ago

Well deserved Mr. Joe Barrios. I hope you win!

Brenda p Madrigal Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Joe! You deserve it!

Samuel Obregon Posted over a year ago

I know Mr. Barrios for over 15yrs. I've have worked with him on several occasions. He is a very talented individual with a passionate heart for quality music. I'm sure Mr. Barrios will equipped his students proudly for feature music teachers to come. Well done Mr. Barrios.

Janie Bolanos Posted over a year ago

Awesome music teacher!

Benjamin Garcia Posted over a year ago

Excellent Music Teacher and Role Model to his students and Peers.

Angelica Cruz Posted over a year ago

Amazing music teacher!

Homer King Posted over a year ago

Thank you for always willing to share your wisdom with me! I wish you much success. Blessings!

Donny Villarreal Posted over a year ago

Way to go Joe!

Claudia Garcia Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Mr. Barrios, I’m happy to hear that there are others leaning about you true dedication for our students. The passion and knowledge you bring to our students is being noticed by others. You deserve this recognition and more.

Terry Garcia Posted over a year ago

Great job always giving his best!!!

Eddie Salinas Posted over a year ago

Joe Barrios is an amazing person! He's always looking to be a helping hand for those in need! He has a true heart of a servant! He loves his family & God with all his heart! He also loves his career, & enjoys sharing with others the gift that he was gifted with! ???

Ruth Trevino Posted over a year ago

Super proud of Mr. Joe Barrios, being once a music teacher in Elementary I aspired to be as ispiring, motivating, and creative as Mr. Barrios. Thanks for being an inspiration.

Amy Benitez Posted over a year ago

Mr. Barrios is a great music teacher who instills a love for music in his students. My daughter, who's in first grade enjoys going to his class and always talk about the fun she had.

Marisa Santoy Posted over a year ago

Mr.Barrios is an excellent music teacher. He goes above and beyond for our students, from teaching them how to read music, guitar lessons to a full blown theatre production.

Norma Ramirez Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!!! Mr. Barrios!! Your dedication shines through the awesome productions in your school! The students are lucky to have such a wonderful and dedicated teacher for them and the arts!!! Thank you for all that you do!! Again, congrats and good luck on your nomination!!!

Claudia Gonzalez Posted over a year ago

Mr. Barrios is such a blessing to our campus. He makes every student that enters his class fall in love with music. Whether it’s playing/working with instruments, singing, florkloric, or performomg in a full blown play, students love to be part of the fine arts in our campus that is led by Mr. Barrios. As the principal of our school, I can truly say that he is the best music teacher that Marcia R. Garza has ever had. Thank you for your dedication to our students!!! Congratulations!!!????????????????????

Jennifer Cameron Posted over a year ago

Go Mr. Barrios! You go above and beyond for your students!!

Melissa Guerra Posted over a year ago

By far the BEST music teacher I know. So dedicated and committed to his job. All for the love of music and his students! Way to go Joe!!!!!!

Dora Salazar Posted over a year ago

Congrats ??

Brenda Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!! Proud of you. Love you

Wenndy M. Pray Posted over a year ago

I've known Mr. Barrios for almost 25 years. His dedication and love for his craft is palpable. I'm proud to know him and am delighted that he's still blessing lives to this day. Congratulations on your nomination, Joe!

Belinda Wacamilla Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Joe.... well deserved nomination. Your love and passion for music is evident in all of the work you do.

Narda Lugo Posted over a year ago

He definitely made a difference in my daughters life as well! We were lucky to have an awesome extraordinary music teacher! Way to go Mr. Barrios!

Amy Marquez Posted over a year ago

I’m so happy you were my child’s teacher. Thank you for all you do!