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Rogerio Olivarez Jr. retired in June 2020 from Rio Grande City CISD where he worked for 40 years-20 years as an Assistant Band Director, 10 years as Head Band Director at Rio Grande City High School, and 10 years as the District%u2019s Fine Arts Director. %u201cRoger%u201d as he is more commonly known, served Region 15 as TMEA Band Division Chairman as well as TMEA President. While serving as Head Band Director at Rio Grande City High School, his bands achieved numerous accolades and honors at both UIL competitions and music festivals throughout the state. Roger has always credited the positive results that were earned to teamwork. His philosophy is that if directors, students, parents, administration, and community are united in purpose, the results always take care of themselves.Many of his former students pursued music as a career and a large number are currently band directors in the Rio Grande Valley and across the state. Roger%u2019s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas B a n d m a s t e r s Association, Texas Music Adjudicator%u2019s Association, and Phi Beta Mu Alpha Chapter. He has judged both UIL Concert and Marching Contests throughout the state and has also served as an All-Region Band clinician on several occasions. He is also a former Youth Minister for Immaculate Conception Church as well as a former Parish Council member. Roger is the current Musical Director for The McAllen Wind Ensemble, a position that he has held since 2014. The 2023-2024 Season marked the group%u2019s 50th year of providing quality entertainment to the Rio Grande Valley. He enjoys the challenge of preparing 5 concerts per year with only one rehearsal per week and has grown very fond of the band members who represent all ages and a variety of occupations. With retirement, Roger has ventured into the political arena and is currently Chairman for the Starr County Appraisal District Board of Directors. He was also elected to a four-year term as City Commissioner for Rio Grande City in May of 2022, a position that he was previously appointed to in November of 2021. He is very excited about these responsibilities and loves serving the people from Starr County and Rio Grande City in these roles.Roger was married to Mitzie Olivarez for 38 years. Sadly, she lost her long cancer battle in March of 2023. She was always very supportive of all his endeavors and Roger continues to feel the love, support, and encouragement that she always provided. They have one daughter, Monique Rene, who is in her 15th year as an Assistant Band Director at Grulla High School and Grulla Middle School. Roger%u2019s hobbies include collecting arrowheads, coins, and vintage sports cards along with a multitude of other collectibles.RGV HALL OF FAME INDUCTEERogerioOlivarez, Jr.