Since 2020, Julia Donnel has served the students and families of Claudia Taylor Johnson High School as an Assistant Band Director. Ms. Donnel is the primary woodwind instructor for the program. She works with the marching band and the varsity and non-varsity concert bands. A product of the North East Independent School District, Ms. Donnel was thrilled to return to her roots and give back to the district that inspired her to pursue music education.

From 2017 to 2020, Ms. Donnel worked with the award-winning Del Rio High School band, helping to build a culture of woodwind excellence in their program. An accomplished clarinetist, Ms. Donnel received her bachelor’s degree in music studies from Texas State University in 2017. In May of 2023, she earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Women in Leadership, from Texas Woman’s University. 

While attending Texas State University, she studied with internationally acclaimed clarinetist Dr. Vanguel Tangarov and performed in the Texas State Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Caroline Beatty. In addition, she also performed as the principal clarinetist of the Texas State Opera and the Texas State University Symphony Orchestra in their performance of Mozart’s Requiem. She was invited to participate in “Balabanov’s House Music Days,” an international music festival in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. 

During her time at Del Rio, Ms. Donnel was responsible for directing the Sub Non-Varsity Concert Band and leading the woodwind program for the marching band. She also directed a non-varsity mariachi group. The Del Rio program is exceptionally well-rounded, achieving excellence in the concert, jazz, marching, and mariachi arenas. In 2020, Del Rio earned a position at the UIL 6A State Marching Contest. The Del Rio and Johnson Band programs enjoy a strong bond and friendship.

During her spare time, she enjoys visiting the coast, exploring wildlife reserves, and spending time with her friends and family. Ms. Donnel also spends a lot of time at Starbucks.

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