Half of Emmanuel Espiritu’s high school schedule was music classes. He was previously interested in technology work; but, after looking at his schedule, Espiritu realized that music was his true passion.
Espiritu was raised in Mesquite, Texas. He was immediately introduced to music by his high school teachers, who were as passionate about music as he is now.
“I thought to myself, ‘I love music, I love doing music and [I love] teaching others,’” Espiritu said. “I should maybe think about doing this forever.”
After studying at the University of North Texas and receiving a bachelor’s degree in musical education, Espiritu attended the Boston Conservatory where he graduated with a masters in choral production.
Espiritu began his teaching career in Mesquite and then at St. Monica Catholic Church in Dallas as a choir and contemporary band teacher for young children. He then worked as the Head Choir Director at John Paul II High School in Plano for four years.
After frequently driving past Greenhill and meeting faculty members, Espiritu realized that it could be his new home. He completely resonated with the school’s mission, vision and ideas.
Greenhill stood out to him as a place for him to make an impact in the choir department by making it grow and thrive, Espiritu says.
When applying to Greenhill, Espiritu expressed that everyone was loving, nice and extremely welcoming. Faculty seemed determined to give students the best education possible.
Middle School Fine Arts Department Chair Brian Donnell says Espiritu’s love and passion for teaching was immediately clear when interviewing him. As an experienced teacher, Espiritu would be an important part of building the choir department for the future, according to Donnell.
Donnell says Espiritu excelled at determining where the student level was compared to a musician and building excitement for skills.
“I think he’s really fun to be around, and I hope his students feel the same way,” Donnell said.
Students seem to agree with Donnell’s perceptions of Espiritu.
Tallis Fletcher, a seventh grade choir student, says he is laid back and calm while always truly teaching and enforcing rules.
“I finally learned how to find notes based on key signatures,” Fletcher said. “I’m so grateful that he taught me.”
Every class is productive, with vocal warmups, music theory, note name memorization and singing, according to Fletcher.
Seventh grade musical theater student Sammar Agha expresses similar views. She says that in rehearsals, they work on songs and break down parts of their play. During the whole practice, Espiritu gives helpful, specific advice.
“You can tell he relates to you, but you can also tell he’s trying to help you into becoming a better musical theater student,” Agha said.
As a Middle and Upper School Choir and Musical Theater teacher, Espiritu says he feels that he has found a new home at Greenhill.
“I loved the message of inclusivity and being open to new ideas,” Espiritu said. “I always knew Greenhill was a great school and I wanted to be a part of a community like that.”
