CHS Choral Department Staff Members
Eric Cooley, Director
Eric Cooley is in his 16th year as a music educator and 10th year as the Director of Choirs at Centennial High School in Burleson ISD. Mr. Cooley holds a Bachelor of Music Education, magna cum laude, from Baylor University and a Master’s in Choral Music Education at Florida State University.
Choirs under his direction at Centennial are consistent "Sweepstakes" recipients at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest and are frequently named "Best-In-Class" at local, regional festivals. Most recently, the CHS Chamber Singers were honored with as a “Performance of Distinction” at the American Classics’ Madrigal Festival in San Antonio, TX. Prior to his arrival at Centennial, Mr. Cooley served as the assistant director of choirs at LD Bell High School and as the director of the HEB ISD Elementary Honor Choir. Professionally, Mr. Cooley serves as the district lead teacher for Choir, Dance, and Theatre and maintains active membership in the Texas Music Educator's Association, the American Choral Director’s Association, and the Texas Choral Director's Association. Most recently, Mr. Cooley has had the honor of serving as the Vocal Chair for TMEA Region 30 and as the organizer for the 2018 and 2019 All-State Tenor Bass Choirs. |
2022-2023 Teaching ScheduleEMAIL ADDRESS: ECOOLEY@BISDMAIL.NET
CHOIR OFFICE EXTENSION: 817-245-0370 
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Jennifer Kubenka, COLLABORATIVE PIANIST
Jennifer Kubenka holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance, summa cum laude, from Houston Baptist University. While pursuing her Masters in Library Science at Texas Woman's University, she was an adjunct professor in Opera at University of North Texas.
Jennifer has been accompanying at local churches, middle schools, high schools, and universities for nearly 40 years. In addition to her duties at Centennial HS, Jennifer also regularly accompanies student solo and ensemble contest performances in Arlington, Grapevine-Colleyville, and HEB ISD. She also collaborates with several students at UTA and as well, with Colleen Mallette Hughes at TCU.
Jennifer is an alumnus of Sigma Alpha Iota, and when time permits, she participates in the Fort Worth SAI Alumni chapter events.
Jennifer has been accompanying at local churches, middle schools, high schools, and universities for nearly 40 years. In addition to her duties at Centennial HS, Jennifer also regularly accompanies student solo and ensemble contest performances in Arlington, Grapevine-Colleyville, and HEB ISD. She also collaborates with several students at UTA and as well, with Colleen Mallette Hughes at TCU.
Jennifer is an alumnus of Sigma Alpha Iota, and when time permits, she participates in the Fort Worth SAI Alumni chapter events.
Tamara Garrett, CMEP VOICE TEACHER
Tamara Garrett received her Master’s of Music Education from Southern Methodist University after completing her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Hardin-Simmons University. After teaching choral music in the Texas public school system for eight years, she currently teaches privately in Burleson ISD and maintains an active voice studio from her home in Forth Worth.
As a classically trained soprano, musical theatre performer, music educator, and former 3-year member of the Texas All-State Choir, Tamara particularly enjoys helping students prepare for solo, choral, and musical theatre auditions of all kinds. She is well acquainted with the stage and the rigorous expectations set on young singers in their musical pursuits.
Under her coaching, students have gained admission to music programs and universities across the country, TMEA Region and All-State Choirs, and have won honors, including Most Outstanding Performer, at UIL State Solo & Ensemble. She is an active member of the Texas Music Educator’s Association and maintains teaching certification in K-12 Choral Music.
As a classically trained soprano, musical theatre performer, music educator, and former 3-year member of the Texas All-State Choir, Tamara particularly enjoys helping students prepare for solo, choral, and musical theatre auditions of all kinds. She is well acquainted with the stage and the rigorous expectations set on young singers in their musical pursuits.
Under her coaching, students have gained admission to music programs and universities across the country, TMEA Region and All-State Choirs, and have won honors, including Most Outstanding Performer, at UIL State Solo & Ensemble. She is an active member of the Texas Music Educator’s Association and maintains teaching certification in K-12 Choral Music.
Jonny Espinoza, CMEP VOICE TEACHER
Jonny Espinoza is a bass-baritone from Burleson, TX who is experienced in Jazz, Opera, and Musical Theater. He holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Music Performance degree from the University of Northern Colorado. While studying at the University of Northern Colorado, he was a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Instructor of Record for undergraduate voice majors and non-majors.
Jonny has performed in several operas during his time at university, mostly in comic roles, such as The Pirate King in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and most recently Bonafede in Haydn’s Il mondo della luna. During his time in San Antonio, Jonny performed as a chorus member with Opera San Antonio. In addition to these roles, Jonny was also a member of the Opera-on-the-run children’s opera program, performing small operas with local elementary schools.
Aside from performing, Jonny enjoys writing music and has begun to take an interest in opera and stage directing. In his free time, Jonny enjoys reading, cycling, hiking, and playing tabletop role-playing games. He is excited to be teaching voice at Centennial High School this year and looks forward to working with the wonderful students and his former choir director.
Jonny has performed in several operas during his time at university, mostly in comic roles, such as The Pirate King in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and most recently Bonafede in Haydn’s Il mondo della luna. During his time in San Antonio, Jonny performed as a chorus member with Opera San Antonio. In addition to these roles, Jonny was also a member of the Opera-on-the-run children’s opera program, performing small operas with local elementary schools.
Aside from performing, Jonny enjoys writing music and has begun to take an interest in opera and stage directing. In his free time, Jonny enjoys reading, cycling, hiking, and playing tabletop role-playing games. He is excited to be teaching voice at Centennial High School this year and looks forward to working with the wonderful students and his former choir director.
