New Band Director Hired for PCPS

D.J. Carter-Rodriguez has been named the 2022-2023 band director for Ponca City Public Schools. His contract was approved May 9th by the Ponca City Board of Education.

He is a native of Midwest City, with his family immigrating from the Dominican Republic in the late 60s. He graduated from Carl B. Albert High School in 2007. He’s a five-time CODA Honor Band Member and a five-time OSSAA State Solo and Ensemble Superior Rating recipient.

He received his Bachelor of Education from Oklahoma City University in 2012 and his Master of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2018.

While at Oklahoma City University, he was a part of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and the Percussion Chamber Ensemble. He’s been teaching for six years with his last four years at Putnam City Original High School as the Director of Percussion and Assistant Director of Bands. He has an extensive background in marching and concert percussion, with a minor in Brass and Double Reeds.

He was also a part of the Oklahoma City University Track and Field team. He’s also competed in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon twice (2016, 2018), finishing in the top 300 hundred both times.

In 2021 he was nominated and elected as the Percussion Chairperson for the Central Oklahoma Band Directors Association Region Honor Band for grades 9-12. This month he’s been offered a position with the Cadets (of DCI) for the summer.

“We are all so excited to have D.J. as a new member of Team PCPS,” said PCPS Superintendent Shelley Arrott. “His energy and excitement are super contagious, and he is a natural at building positive relationships with anyone he meets. Our students will love him and our band program will excel under his leadership! I cannot wait for our students, parents, staff and patrons to meet him and give him a warm welcome to our wonderful community.”

In his “free” time, he enjoys composing and arranging music, spending time with his family and friends, going to the gym, cooking, watching the NBA and college football. He also enjoys anything that involves band. “I cannot express how honored and excited I am to be a part of the Wildcat family!” he said.