Joseph N. Flores

Joseph Flores serves as the Director of Fine Arts for the Teaching & Learning Division of Las Cruces Public Schools. A graduate of New Mexico State University, he holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting. He began his career in 1997, teaching middle and high school band programs in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas before transitioning to administration in 2019. His ensembles earned multiple state championships, selection as New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA) Honor Ensembles, finalist placements at Bands of America and Winter Guard International regional events, and departmental recognition as a Grammy Foundation Signature School.

His honors include the NMMEA Music Educator of the Year (2017), Rollie Heltman Distinguished Service Award (2019), Doña Ana Arts Council Papen Family Award (2023), and induction into the NMMEA Hall of Fame (2024).

In his current role, Mr. Flores has significantly expanded district fine arts programs, increased staffing and funding, and launched major districtwide initiatives including ArtSmart, the LCPS Youth Orchestra Collective, and Bellas Artes, a Latin American Arts magnet program. These initiatives were intentionally designed to broaden participation and ensure that high-quality arts education is accessible to students across the district. Under his leadership, Las Cruces Public Schools has earned national recognition as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. He is the Southwestern Division President-Elect for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and continues to serve as a guest conductor, speaker, and advocate for excellence and access in arts education.