Angelica Barrientes

Director of Bands

Born and raised in Midland, Texas, Mrs. Barrientes grew up attending San Jacinto JHS, where she learned her main instrument, the French Horn, under the leadership of Carissa Hamilton and Janet Doherty. During her high school career, she was an active member of the Midland High Bulldog Marching Band, Honor Band, Full Symphony, National Honor Society and served as President to the Spanish National Society her senior year. Mrs. Barrientes graduated from MHS in 2010.

After high school graduation, Mrs. Barrientes began attending Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts School of Music in Tempe, Arizona. She became actively involved with the PAC 12 Sun Devil Marching Band, Kappa Kappa Psi, taught with the Phoenix Youth Symphony and performed professionally with the Greasepaint Youtheatre. Mrs. Barrientes graduated Cum Laude, December of 2014.

Starting off her passion of teaching, in 2016, Mrs. Barrientes officially began her career as the Associate Director of Bands at San Jacinto (her Alma Mater), eventually ranking up to Head Director of Bands in 2019. She conducts both the Honor Band and Jazz Band and additionally teaches all beginner brass classes.

Mrs. Barrientes has received 3 UIL Concert & Sightreading Sweepstakes during her time as Head Director thus far. She has also walked away with over 20+ trophies and awards at Spring Competition Festivals such as the Irons Invitational held in Lubbock and Six Flags Over Texas’ Music Showcase held in Arlington.

Mrs. Barrientes currently serves as a board member of the West Texas Jazz Society as the Midland ISD Liaison.

Aside from teaching, Mrs. Barrientes (formerly known as Ms. Monclova) is now married to Mr. Brian Barrientes, a fellow Band Director at Ector County ISD.

Alta Striggles-Lee

Associate Director of Bands

Mrs. Striggles-Lee is starting her 19th year in education. She was born and raised in Midland, TX, where she attended Alamo Junior High and graduated from Lee High School in 2001. At age 5, she began playing the piano and learned the clarinet in Junior High School. In high school, she was a 3-year Texas All-State Band Musician and earned 4 gold medals at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest. She was also a 4 year letterman in academics and band, and a 3 year letterman in orchestra. Mrs. Striggles-Lee was involved in the Lee High School Marching Band, Honor Band, and Lee High School Symphony Orchestra. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Texas Scholars, and the Spanish Honor Society.

She had the opportunity to march in the Inaugural Parades for George W. Bush during his 2nd term as Governor of Texas and when he became President of the United States. After high school, her love for woodwinds led her to West Texas A&M University, where she was part of the WTAMU Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Flute Studio, Double Reed Studio, Clarinet Studio, and Saxophone Studio. Mrs. Striggles-Lee was involved in the band service sorority Tau Beta Sigma, and was inducted into Alpha Chi Academic Honor Society and Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society.

Mrs. Striggles-Lee earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2005, and a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in Conducting and Woodwind Pedagogy graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2010 from West Texas A&M University. She has taught in Iraan-Sheffield ISD, Plainview ISD, Brownfield ISD, and Ector County ISD. In 2016, she was named Newcomer Teacher of the Year for Brownfield ISD. In 2017 and 2018, she received the Apple Award from graduating seniors for her significant impact on their lives.

Her bands have consistently earned numerous UIL Sweepstakes awards, Superior ratings at the Greater Southwest Music Festival, Superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble Contests, and have been named Outstanding Band Overall at several competitions. Several of her private lesson students have become Texas All-State Band Musicians, have performed at Carnegie Hall, and are currently Music Educators. Mrs. Striggles-Lee is also the music director and pianist for St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Midland.

In her spare time, she loves to sleep, cook, read, play piano, and spend time with family and friends. She currently resides in Midland with her husband, Dawn Lee, their rambunctious 3-year-old son, Malachi, and their dog, Rascal.