Jackie Turner is in the middle of her fourth year with Eastside Early College High School, where she directs the Eastside choir, guitar, and orchestra. She previously taught for 6 years in the Grand Prairie and Dallas Independent School Districts. In addition to her choir, guitar, and orchestra, Jackie has experience teaching mariachi.

Austin Soundwaves has partnered with Eastside High School since the first year of the pandemic. Our work primarily focuses on supporting the orchestra director by providing in-class ensemble support, group lessons, sectionals, as well as collaborating on curriculum development.Soundwaves orchestra education manager, Dana Wygmans, has worked with Jackie closely throughout the year, as well as our school programs manager, Dr. Frank Jenkins. Our violin, viola, and cello teaching artists work weekly with Eastside students in person both in orchestra and in sectionals.

“What I’ve enjoyed is seeing how this partnership is motivating my students in a way that I don’t think I would have been able to do on my own. It lights a fire under them, they are getting personalized attention, and it allows for more challenges and more remediation if necessary.” We are grateful to be able to work with teachers like Jackie - her passion and skill make this a fruitful collaboration as we all strive for an equitable learning experience for all our students.

Austin Soundwaves is participating in Amplify Austin March 2-3! Amplify Austin is a local day of giving focused on connecting individuals, families, businesses, and foundations with the causes that they are most passionate about. Early giving is open now!

Partnership spotlight: Eastside Early College High School