testimonials

Comment from UIL Chamber judge, March 2024:

"Wow!  It is so inspiring to hear the strength of your orchestra!  You all perform with such wonderful energy and intensity!  Lovely!  So impressed by the awesome orchestra you are a part of.  Keep up the amazing work at Grand Oaks!  Congrats!!!"

Colin Catoe

Comment from UIL Chamber judges, March 2024:

 "This exceptional performance serves as a validation of the consistent dedication to effective teaching and the diligent efforts of the students.  So much attention to detail!  You did a fantastic job with the style and the dynamic contrast was superb.  I heard a story unfold as you gave the piece life and character.  Bravo!!"

Brian Coatney 

"This was a very musical performance!  A nicely varied program that is beautifully performed.  I am so impressed with your amazing work, and I am very proud of all of you!  Bravo!"

Keith Markuson

"Lea (Cini) has invited me to be a guest clinician on many occasions at her Grand Oaks HS program.  On all my encounters Lea displays characteristics that define a great orchestra director, educator, and human being. She is always ready to learn to improve her program by being a constant learner, continues to develop a rich culture with an atmosphere of positivity within all orchestras, and more importantly it is evident that Lea cares for every individual in the her program.  The Grizzly faculty, staff, and students are lucky to have Lea leading this great orchestra program."

Nicholas Leh Baker

Music Director | The Sounds of One Chamber Orchestra

Festival Director | Young Person’s Music Festival

"Just wanted to send a note to tell you how much our family thoroughly enjoyed last night's concert!  ALL of the orchestras were a delight to listen to.  We loved the interesting music selection and the kids all look like they were enjoying themselves on stage.  I certainly did NOT expect to hear such amazingly challenging music at a Christmas concert.  It was a treat to my ears, and ignited the spirit of the holiday season!  Kudos and THANKS to you both and to all of the students that performed last night.  The team effort is very apparent.  Y'all have quite an amazing Orchestra program at Grand Oaks!"
Happy Holidays!

Our best,
The Tolles family & grandparents

"Thank you for being a great Orchestra Director!  Ariel is so happy, and Orchestra is the best part of her day at GOHS.  I appreciate all you do and can never thank you enough."

Olivia H.

Hi Ms. Cini,

"Thank you so much for directing your students to participate in the Gala this year.  Your effort and time are very much appreciated.  Can't wait to see the performance.  Thank you again!"

Z L Pack

"My family and I are very grateful and happy for the positive impact of Mrs. Cini in Samuel's life.  In my opinion, she represents very well what I like for a high school orchestra teacher.  Thank you very much for placing these interesting challenges.  I just want to thank you!"

Clarimar Lopez

"I really appreciate how Ms. Cini and Mr. Casagrande handled the situation yesterday and wanted to take the time to write a TAE.  They provided a safe and secure location for the kids to be and also stayed in contact with us parents as we were trying to decide what was best for our children.  The kids had Orchestra UIL and we were trying to balance them being safe with them getting to go to their event.  They were open, flexible, communicative, and provided a time in which they could return to make the bus if need be.  I am so impressed and thankful for how they handled an unprecedented, extremely challenging situation. Thank you to both of you!"

Jennie Zimmerman

"Thank you so much for being Landon's teacher this year!  Landon has grown in his viola abilities this year!  We are grateful for all that you do for your students!"

Julia Chandler

"Thank you for helping with the orchestra concert last night!  I really appreciate it.  It was really nice to see my old students that came to help out."

Lashannon Martin

Orchestra Director

Cox Intermediate School

"Mrs. Cini,

Thank you for all your help with Amandas schedule change as well as the entire year.  Amanda has learned so much from your class and is looking forward to next year!"

Laura Rodriguez

"Hi Mrs. Cini,

We couldn't let Teacher Appreciation Week go by without saying thank you for a great school year!  We know that your job requires that you go above and beyond, so we really do appreciate all you do for the kids.  I know it's probably difficult to come into the role of Orchestra Director in an existing program, especially with seniors like mine who are set in their ways and reluctant to deal with changes. :-)  Just know that you are appreciated and Riley really has enjoyed her senior year in Orchestra.  We hope you have a wonderful and relaxing summer!

Thank you,"

Christy & Joseph Gonzales