Upon completing his academic pursuits, Ted Vives stepped into a prominent role as the Musical and Artistic director of the Los Alamos Community Winds. Under his leadership, the ensemble gained significant recognition, consistently earning accolades in the American Prize, Community Wind Ensemble Division, including a first runner-up position in 2012. His compositions, too, received global acclaim, evidenced by awards like the North Cheshire 2003 Composition Competition.
His role as a composer was further celebrated when he was named the Commissioned Composer for the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico in 2003 and 2010. His talent in composition was recognized with the prestigious 2011 American Prize in Composition (Choral Division) and a third-place finish in the 2015 American Prize in Conducting. These achievements are a testament to his influence and excellence in music.