Mr. Coffield
Jonathan Coffield is excited to start his thirteenth year at Austin Academy, and his sixth year as Head Choir Director. He has been teaching choir for thirteen years in both the Garland and Carrollton-Farmers Branch school districts. Choirs under his direction have received Sweepstakes and First Division ratings at UIL Contests and Hawaiian Falls Festivals, respectively. A graduate of Baylor University in Choral Music Education, he has participated in various choirs, musical groups, and stage productions, directed various vocal ensembles, and, under vocal professor Dr. Randall Umstead, performed solo recitals. Mr. Coffield’s musical accomplishments and appointments span at the local, state, and national levels. He served as a Conducting Intern for the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas under Cynthia Nott and Linda Harley. A native of Garland, TX, and Full International Baccalaureate Diploma graduate of Garland HS, he has represented locally in the civic production of The Wiz (Tin Man), the state level as a member of the Texas All-State Choir (2004, 2006), and nationally as a classical voice competitor in the NAACP ACT-SO Competition in Washington, D.C. He is a member of ACDA, TMEA, TCDA, TMAA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He enjoys discovering exotic foods, spending time with his family, and hiking to his new adventure.
Mrs. Askins
Jazmine Askins is thrilled to begin her fourth year of teaching at Austin Academy as the Assistant Choir Director. Mrs. Askins has enjoyed starting her teaching career here in Garland ISD. Students under her direction have received Sweepstakes and First Division ratings at UIL Contests. Mrs. Askins graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Choral Music Education from Texas A&M University - Commerce. During her collegiate career, she was involved in various choirs, operas, musical productions, solo recitals, and performances nationally and internationally. In 2019, she had the honor of performing under the direction of Dr. Randall Hooper with the Texas A&M University - Commerce Chorale at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference. Mrs. Askins grew up right down the street in Mesquite, TX. She is a member of TMEA, TCDA, and Alpha Phi.