Music is in the DNA of Jacqueline Gonzalez Parsons.

First there is the onerous musical burden of being born Cuban; hailing from the island labeled as the place where the African rhythm meets European melody. Cuba was unique in that it was the first to cogently blend African and European musical traditions into complex new sounds creating a unique musical art form. Cuban music tremendously influenced American Jazz which influenced all the derivative popular musical styles of the 20th century: Swing, Big Band, Boogie Woogie, Rock & Roll, & Rap. Cuban by birth means music runs through your veins and your very essence.

Jackie started her formal music lessons at age 5 when she entered the piano guild. By age 12 she was an accomplished pianist. In Middle School she started to play the tenor saxophone. She also learned to play numerous musical instruments at an advanced level. She went to Coral Gables High School and played in the Band of Distinction. Jackie attended the University of Miami on a music scholarship. She received a bachelors and masters degrees from UM in music education and was on the Deans honor roll.

She played tenor saxophone for the University of Miami Band of the Hour and attended 3 national championship games with her much loved Canes. Jackie did her student teaching in Salt Lake City, Utah which was an experience she will treasure forever.

Jackie was hired at Olympic Heights High School in 2007 and since then the marching band placed 2nd in the state, won 1st place at many local competitions, Grand Champions at Crown Jewel Festival, doubled the size of the band, started an award winning jazz program that has received straight superior ratings in both district and state competitions and brought back the band -school spirit connection. Pep rallies are once again fun. The band not only does highly competitive shows but also entertains the crowd.