Jose “J.T.” Aguilar III is currently a band director at Mercedes ISD where he teaches percussion. As an educator, he
has coached students in various solos and ensembles at regional and state levels, some of which have received state
recognition and accolades. Other roles of his career include teaching marching band and concert bands.
J.T. began playing drumset at the age of 13 where his parents gifted him an electronic kit for Christmas. After years
of lessons and playing in his church, he decided that music was something he wanted to make a career of. Shortly
after graduating high school, J.T. attended college at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where he studied
Music Education. In college, he performed with various ensembles and local bands across the Rio Grande Valley. In
2015, he performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and received Second Place in the (Solo
Artist Competition.) (what was the name of this?)
When he isn’t teaching, J.T. is a family man and enjoys spending time with his wife, Dailly, and his 2 (soon to be
three) children, Lily and Trini. He enjoys gaming in his free time being drawn mainly to single player RPGs or
religiously-practicing rudiments on a drum pad.
J.T. is proudly endorsed by Soultone Cymbals.