Paul Flinchbaugh

Class of 2025

Digital Scrapbook Paul Flinchbaugh was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1959 to James and Jean Flinchbaugh. His musical journey began in the Belmont Elementary School Orchestra, where he played the clarinet under the direction of Carl Forbriger. In middle school, he transitioned to the tenor saxophone and later became a member of the Miamisburg High School jazz Band.

During his formative years, Paul was deeply influenced by his band director, Mr. Bill Theis, a graduate of VanderCook College of Music. Mr. Theis frequently spoke about the renowned band programs in Brownsville, Texas, which were staffed primarily by VanderCook alumni. Inspired by these stories, Paul set a goal in eighth grade to become a band director and attend VanderCook College of Music in Chicago - ultimately aspiring to teach in Brownsville, Texas.

That dream became a reality during his senior year at VanderCook when he was offered a position by Mr. Bob Vezzetti, Brownsville Independent School District’s Administrator of Fine Arts, at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. In 1981, Paul began his 35-year career in music education as an assistant band director under Mr. Charles Foster at Oliveira Middle School. In his second year of teaching he was selected as the head director at Oliveira.

Paul dedicated 14 years to Oliveira Middle School, followed by three years as an assistant director at Pace High School under Joe Harness. Paul then spent eight years as the director of bands at Hanna High School before serving as Brownsville Independent School District’s Supervisor of Instrumental Music for ten years until his retirement from public schools in 2016.

Under his direction, his bands consistently earned UIL sweepstakes awards, advanced to area and state marching competitions, and were finalists in the state honor band competition. In 1985, the Oliveira Middle School band, under Paul’s direction alongside assistant director Stacey Dunn, was named the CC Texas state honor band.

Paul holds both a bachelor's and master’s degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music and East Texas State University respectively. He was honored with the Phi Beta Mu “Young Bandmaster of the Year” award in 1989 and remains an active member of TBA, TMEA, TMAA, TMAC, Phi Beta Mu, and Kappa Kappa Psi. He was also awarded the Vandercook College of Music distinguished alumni award in 2010.

Throughout his career, he served as a UIL and festival adjudicator, a TMEA region band clinician, and a presenter at TBA and TMEA conventions, as well as numerous in-service workshops. Within TMEA Region XXVII, he held various leadership roles, including region band vice chair, band chair, vice president, and president. He also played a crucial role in organizing region band auditions, UIL events, and supporting region XXVIII at TMEA and TBA conventions.

Following his retirement, Paul joined TMF Enterprises under the leadership of Wilberto Perez, serving as Vice President. In this role, he oversaw operations, day festivals, marching band sales, and coordinated travel groups.

Paul is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, Angela. Together, they have enjoyed traveling as tour group hosts.

In 2020, Paul was diagnosed with a medical issue and was advised to reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue - an immense challenge for a lifelong band director. This ultimately led to his relocation in April 2024 to Needville, Texas, a small town of 2,800 people, where he, Angela, and their dog, Ginger, enjoy a peaceful life near their daughter, Ashley, son-in-law, Clayton, and their beloved grandson, Otto, who will turn two in November 2025.

Paul considers himself incredibly fortunate to have fulfilled his dream of being part of the Brownsville Independent School District band staff and the exceptional band programs of the Rio Grande Valley. He is profoundly grateful for the remarkable individuals he has had the privilege to work with and remains humbled by the experiences that have shaped his career. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of musicians and educators.

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