What began in 1989 as a job just out of college, turned into 36 years of leading musicians to excel for Seminole ISD choirs.
Choir Director Eric came to Seminole in 1989 as the junior high director and first assistant director in SISD history before he moved up to high school director a few years later
“I’ve taught for 32 years in high school,” Hindman said. “For one year which was 1993-1994, I taught all grades from junior high to high school. If I add all of my junior high years it would be about 36 years teaching choir.”
A Cappella senior Lliani Lopez said she has mixed emotions about Hindman leaving her senior year.
“I’m excited, but sad I’m leaving with him,” Lopez said. “I am friends with the underclassmen, and they all say they will miss him a lot.”
Hindman is passing the torch to his daughter, Assistant Director Arin Hindman. Eric said when Arin was in high school she told him, “I’m going to get your job.”
“I am excited to take over my dad’s job but also a little nervous,” Arin said. “He’s leaving behind some big shoes to fill.”
Eric led hundreds of vocalists through the all-region, all-area and all-state process and took hundreds more to state in solo and ensemble competition. His full choirs took 100 sweepstakes trophies in concert and sight-reading contests which means they took the highest rating Division I. He reached that number on March 13 with his last concert and sight-reading competition.
“He is one of the most award-winning choir directors in Texas,” Arin said. “Many directors have had tons of sweepstakes and recognitions but very few have had that success with one single school. His loyalty to Seminole speaks for itself.”
A Cappella sophomore Timothy Holt said Eric is a very good teacher.
“I’ve learned practically everything from Mr. Hindman,” Holt said. “I’ve learned to sight read, take notes and adjust my pitches. I will continue to use all of that my next years in high school.”
A Cappella junior Ivy Flores said she learned how to be confident in music and in everything else from Eric.
“I learned how to be more confident in myself because of Mr. Hindman,” Flores said. “I will definitely be something I will use in the future. He’s always told me I’m strong, powerful–to take the lead, to not be afraid and to stand out.”
A Cappella senior Myka Hernandez has been in the choir program for seven years.
“Something I will remember from him is, he saw more in me than I saw in myself,” Hernandez said. “He also taught me to not be afraid of using my voice.”
Since Arin grew up in the SHS program, the change will have continuity..
“For the most part things will be the same,” Arin said. “A few changes will be made, but even those changes were his ideas in the first place. He and I recognize this transition as an opportunity to improve a few things, and he has given me a list of suggested changes to make.”
Arin said she thinks his dedication is what makes her father so successful.
“The number of students he has had over the course of his 36 years as a choir director who are still involved in music is astronomical,” Arin said. “Music is a universal language that everyone can learn and enjoy. Being able to teach that to hundreds of students is the legacy he leaves behind for me to pick up and continue.”
Eric said he will miss the connection to his students above all.
“Over a long period of time you get to know the students and that’s the main thing,” Eric said. “I will miss the music, but I will miss the opportunity to work with the students most.”
