Jesus Perez has loved music since he was a small child. He was raised in a musically inclined family so music surrounded him as far back as he can remember. While growing up, his father played and sang in a gospel band. His brother. Luis, plays bass, sax and guitar. He has a one year old nephew that has already shown signs of becoming a drummer one day much to his delight.

Jesus realized at an early age the universal appeal of music. “Music is so easy to understand,” he said. “It is a language within itself. Words are not necessary to communicate with people of other cultures if there is music. It is universal – someone from China can feel what someone from American or India can feel when music is played.”

This is the third year Perez has been the band director and music teacher for Italy ISD. After graduating from Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie with a degree in Music Education, he taught at Axtell for two years. Because he has strong ties with his family in Irving, he wanted to move closer to them. When the opportunity to teach in Italy was offered, he knew it was the right thing to do and he has not regretted that decision.

“I love my students here,” Perez stated. “They are doing an amazing job. I am very proud of their accomplishments. I want to challenge them to be the best they can be. The more they can do, the less I need to do. My students are the focus.”

One of Perez’s goals is to get more recognition for his students on local and state levels including scholarships. He wants his students to know they can be a part of something special. He has succeeded at this because of the awards they receive at competitions.

“I see a lot of myself in kids today, especially the ESL (English as a Second Language) students. I want them to understand they need an education to be successful. They need to know that they can successful if they try.”

In addition to teaching in Italy, Perez is a adjunct faculty member at SAGU. He is also a Christian music minister in Hillsboro. He writes music and performs keyboard, drums, bass and vocals at church. He has also arranged different music for the percussion section of the IHS Regiment Band.

“I have heard good sound and bad sound in my lifetime,” Perez explained. “I want my students to know the difference. They have the ability to make good sounds that people will enjoy, that they can enjoy.”

The students at Italy ISD are very glad Mr. Perez is here. In the three years he has been at Italy, he has earned the respect of his students.

“He is awesome,” said senior Trevor Davis. “He is a great teacher that makes us work hard. He challenges us to be the best we can be. He relates to us in a way we can understand. We know he truly cares about us and our education.”

Italy is very fortunate to have a teacher like Jesus Perez. He is not just here to collect a paycheck. He is a true educator that loves his job and takes that job very seriously. Jesus knows his students can learn more than musical notes from him and goes the extra step needed for them to learn more than music. He is the type of role model we need for our children. We all know that someone of his caliber will probably decide to move on one day, but until that time we will appreciate what he is doing for our youth, our school, our community and our world. He is building our future one note and one person at a time.