Music

Hi, I am Sandra Hernandez. I worked at Thomas Elementary as the K-5 music specialist from 2021 to 2025, and I am excited to return for the 2026-2027 school year!

I grew up in Mexico and then later lived my teenage years and early adulthood in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. I graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education (concentration in voice), and earned a PK-12th music educator certification. I am passionate about music and music education and continuing to grow as a professional. Recently, I received my Kodaly music methodology certification from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Other places I have worked in besides Plano ISD include Lovejoy ISD, where I served as a K-4 music teacher and secondary choir director, and Preston Park Montessori Academy where I taught early childhood music.

My teaching is inspired by the Kodaly method which means singing is the primary instrument of all my students. We learn music literacy through games, folk singing in multiple languages, songs from various cultures, and movement. We also incorporate both pitched and unpitched percussion instruments and folk dances in our learning as well.

My goal is for every child at the end of 5th grade to be able to sight-sing melodies and rhythms and identify the notes on the staff. These skills will help them make an informed decision of the ensemble they will be joining in 6th grade if they chose to continue their music-learning journey. Most importantly, I want all my students to leave the elementary music room with a passion, appreciation, and love for music.

In my spare time, I like to hang out with my husband and my friends, travel, hike, go to live music shows and concerts, draw, and sing.