Jaime Malagon became a member of the music department at Kerr in 2009; he came at the request of Patti Drachenberg, who asked him if he was interested in being an assistant choir director.

However, Malagon is leaving this year to return to work for the Houston Ballet. Although he enjoys teaching, he is most passionate about doing his old job.

“I feel really bad, but I feel I’m teaching so much, I’m not able to play as much as I’d like to,” Malegon said. “So I decided to go back to playing for the Houston Ballet.”

After four years of teaching at Kerr, Malagon has  made many memorable friendships with students and staff.

“I’ve been able to learn from such a variety of students — the different ethnicities, and the different perspectives about life,” he said. “It’s enriched me because I’ve been able to be more compassionate, more empathetic, and more understanding of all the issues everybody is going through from ninth to 12th grade.”

Even though Malagon will be leaving, he will still keep in touch with the campus and music department.

“I believe that I will still be helping out with UIL, solo and ensemble, all the competitions, and departments in music,” Malagon said. “I will be working with you guys still as an accompanist.”