Juan Mendoza

McMurry University

Dr. Juan (Johnny) Mendoza is currently Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. As a member of Sympatico Percussion Group, Johnny regularly tours the United States, including performances at the University of South Carolina’s Southern Exposure New Music Series, the Logan Chamber Music Series in Utah, and PASIC 2021. A champion of contemporary percussion and chamber music repertoire, Johnny has worked with such composers as John Fitz Rogers, David Lang, Russell Hartenberger, and Mark Duggan. Some of his recent concert engagements include performing with MAD, his trumpet and percussion duo with Dr. David Amlung, for the McMurry New Music Project and the Heavenly Rest Chamber Music Series. Johnny has appeared as a soloist with the McMurry University Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall in 2018, and has performed on series concerts when needed with the Abilene Philharmonic, Newark-Granville Symphony, Mid-Texas Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, and others.

A highly in demand clinician, Johnny has presented at universities and high schools on a variety of topics, including commissioning new music, implementing musicianship, multi-disciplinary collaborations, effective practice techniques, and community engagement through music. Johnny has presented clinics at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, and in 2018 selected the Texas All-State Percussion contest repertoire. He frequently adjudicates Solo/Ensemble contests and marching festivals in Texas, and often works with various high school groups in preparation for their contest seasons. Johnny’s research interests include muscle memory consolidation for percussionists, as well as the music of composer Daniel Levitan, the subject of his DMA document, “Daniel Levitan: An Examination of Select Unpitched Percussion Chamber Works.”

Johnny received his Bachelor of Music Degree in percussion performance from the University of Texas – San Antonio, a Master of Music Degree from Belmont University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from The Ohio State University. His primary teachers include Susan Powell, Joseph Krygier, Christopher Norton, and Sherry Rubins. Prior to his appointment at McMurry University, Johnny served on the faculties of Ohio Wesleyan University and Ohio Christian University, respectively. Additionally, he is also currently on faculty at both Hardin-Simmons University and Howard Payne University. Johnny is a proud endorser of Malletech mallets and instruments.