Edward Lopez, known to most as “Eddie,” is the owner of Perform America–TX, LLC a nationally recognized travel company for student groups, founder of Global Initiative for Talented Students (GIFTS); a non-profit that focuses on assisting students in Academia, Athletics, and the Arts and an owner of Ultimate Drill Book , which creates educational tools for marching ensembles. Since its founding in 2010, UDB’s products have been used by more than 100,000 students and educators in schools, colleges and drum corps in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Eddie brings a wealth of experience through all sides of travel from working for over 10 years in the travel industry too traveling with his own ensembles, orchestras, choirs, dance teams, and many more organizations both domestically and internationally. Additionally in 2021, Mr. Lopez and Perform America received the Music Industry Award from the Texas Bandmasters Association Board of Directors for the long history of supporting music education and the association.

Mr. Lopez is the former Associate Director of Bands at Hendrickson High School. His duties included overseeing the Hendrickson Hawk Marching Band, woodwind studios and directing the Symphonic Winds. The marching band earned the right to perform in the 4A, 5A and 6A UIL State Marching Contests and was a consistent Bands of America Finalist and Class Champion at many local festivals. The Symphonic Winds received continuous superior ratings at UIL and in 2015 his ensemble received the Citation of Excellence National Winner Award from the Foundation of Music Education. That same year Mr. Lopez and his Saxophone Ensemble at Hendrickson were invited to perform at the 69th Annual International Midwest Clinic.

Mr. Lopez received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The University of Texas at Austin in 2008. While at The University of Texas at Austin, Eddie received the outstanding New Man Award in the Longhorn Band, was named a Cactus Good Fellow and was a finalist in the Most Outstanding Student Award. In 2013, he was the youngest ever named President of the Longhorn Alumni Band during it’s 50th Annual Reunion and was also the youngest ever named President of the Texas Cowboy Alumni Association, the oldest men’s honor/service organization at The University of Texas at Austin in which he currently serves as its Executive Director.

Mr. Lopez has donated much time and funding to the The Arc of Austin, Special Olympics, and many University of Texas at Austin organizations. He also has established a scholarship through the Butler School of Music at UT Austin and the Longhorn Alumni Band for students pursuing music. He holds affiliations with Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tejas Club Foundation, Texas Cowboys Alumni Association and is a Life Member of the Texas Exes.