Rich Armstrong-Director of Bands        

Rich Armstrong is a highly accomplished educator and the Director of Bands at Waxahachie High School in Waxahachie, TX, with a remarkable career spanning over thirty years. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the Waxahachie High School Band Program as an exemplar of excellence.

Under Mr. Armstrong's guidance, the bands at Waxahachie High School have achieved remarkable success. The program has received numerous accolades, including UIL Sweepstakes Awards and "Best in Class" recognitions. The bands have been recognized as five-time National Winners of the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Contest and have excelled as Bands of America Regional Finalists. Notably, the program was honored with the prestigious Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction by the international band fraternity, Phi Beta Mu.

In 2019, the Waxahachie High School Jazz Orchestra, under Mr. Armstrong's direction, had the distinct honor of being selected as the invited HS Jazz Band at the TMEA event and performing at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. These prestigious invitations are a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication fostered within the program.

Additionally, Mr. Armstrong's leadership and expertise have garnered recognition from the Texas Bandmasters Association. The Waxahachie Band Program, under his direction, has been designated as a TBA Exemplary Band Program, highlighting their outstanding achievements and commitment to musical excellence.

Mr. Armstrong's contributions to the field of music education extend beyond his role at Waxahachie High School. He has served on the brass and visual staffs of renowned drum and bugle corps, including the Cadets, Blue Devils, Carolina Crown, and Dutch Boy Drum and Bugle Corps, earning numerous accolades, including multiple high brass, general effect, and high visual awards. He was also part of the 1983, 1984, and 1985 DCI World Championship-winning groups.

Mr. Armstrong's dedication to his craft is further evidenced by his involvement in professional associations, including the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu Honorary Music Fraternity, and the Texas Jazz Educators Association. He has held leadership positions, such as the Region 20 Texas Bandmasters Association representative and the Region 20 Jazz Coordinator, demonstrating his commitment to promoting music education at a regional level.

JUSTIN BELL is in his tenth year as assistant director of bands at Waxahachie High School. His teaching responsibilities include direction of the Symphonic Band and assisting with the Spirit of Waxahachie Indian Band, the Wind Ensemble, and the Concert Band.

Mr. Bell attended Southern Methodist University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, with honors, with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. As a bassoonist, he remained in constant rotation for the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble all four years while also performing in several chamber ensembles, the chamber orchestra, and the opera orchestra.

He is in his sixteenth year as a Texas music educator, with previous teaching positions being held at Finley Junior High in Waxahachie and Canyon Ridge Middle School in Leander ISD. Under his direction, the Waxahachie Symphonic Band has received exclusively superior ratings and has been recognized by the Foundation for Music Education's Citation of Excellence program. During his tenure as an assistant in Waxahachie, the marching band has been recognized as a UIL State Finalist six times, including a bronze medal finish in 2017, and the Wind Ensemble has been recognized as a TMEA Honor Band twice.

Justin lives in Midlothian with his wife, Heather, who is an elementary music teacher, their two spirited huskies, and a cranky orange tabby. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association.

Reggie Cook-Assistant Band Director

REGGIE COOK is an assistant band director at Waxahachie High School and is in his thirteenth year with WISD. His teaching responsibilities include direction of the Concert Band Green and Jazz Band 2, as well as assisting with the marching band, Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Cook graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, where he participated in many ensembles, including Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. He performed under the direction of Greg Clemons, Robert Foster Jr., Curt Wilson, and German Gutierrez. His primary instruments were bass and percussion, for which he was a student of Dr. Michael Kingan and Dr. Nick Petrella.

Mr. Cook is in his twenty-second year as a Texas music educator, with previous positions being held in Castleberry ISD, where the marching band placed third at the State Marching Contest, and the middle school band placed second in the Outstanding Performance Series; Venus ISD, where his middle school band earned sweepstakes and the marching band advanced to Area for the first time; and at Howard Junior High in Waxahachie, as well as a previous position at Waxahachie High School.

His bands in Waxahachie have earned numerous Sweepstakes awards, the Howard band was recognized as a TMEA Honor Band state finalist, and the high school ensembles have been recognized as a 5A and 6A UIL State Marching finalist and a TMEA Honor Band.

Reggie resides in Alvarado with his wife Traci and their two children, Ryan and Katy.

Alex Descoteaux-Assistant Band Director and WISD Percussion Director

ALEX DESCOTEAUX --bio coming soon.

Mr. Descoteaux is originally from Mansfield, Texas and is excited to enter the 2023-2024 school year as his first with the Spirit of Waxahachie!

Mr. Descoteaux earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied under Dr. Michael Varner and Dr. Jim Yakas.  He performed with groups including the Maverick Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, and the World Music Ensemble.  He has also competed in the solo and ensemble portion of the Percussive Arts Society Convention where he took top 5 finishes in snare and tenor solos, as well as a first-place award with the UTA Tenor Ensemble in 2008.  

In 2009, Mr. Descoteaux performed with the Academy Drum & Bugle Corps from Tempe, Arizona, and also spent 2010 and 2011 with the Tyler Junior College Indoor Drumline.  During this time, he performed at the WGI World Class Championships, as well as overseas in Europe.  Mr. Descoteaux was fortunate to help conduct the UTA Percussion Ensemble, World Ensemble, and perform with the Wind Symphony at the annual Texas Music Educators Association convention in 2012.

Mr. Descoteaux spent two years as the Associate Director for Venus ISD where he taught all beginners, two middle school ensembles, and assisted with percussion duties at Venus High School.  He then spent 8 years at North Crowley High School where he was the Director of Percussion, conducted the Freshman Band, as well as the Honors Band earning superior ratings in 2021 and 2022.  North Crowley also won the Concert A Class gold medal in 2022 on the NTCA circuit, and earned a top 5 finish in their first year marching in 2023. 

Throughout the year Mr. Descoteaux also performs with the Mansfield Wind Symphony.  He currently lives in Mansfield with his wife Lauren, oldest son James, and they recently welcomed their second child Benjamin to the world!

Armando Vera-Director of Bands at Coleman Junior High

Mr. Vera is currently the assistant band director at Coleman Junior High School in Waxahachie, TX.  There he teaches the Concert Band, beginner woodwinds, and assists with the Symphonic Band.  While assisting with the Symphonic Band, the Coleman JH Symphonic Band was named a Texas Honor Band finalist in 2019.

Mr. Vera began teaching in Waxahachie ISD in the fall of 2018.  Prior to his appointment at Coleman JH he taught seven years in Fort Worth ISD with six of those years being at Southwest HS.  At Southwest HS Mr. Vera taught alongside other fantastic teachers such as Stacey Dunn, Jeff DeMaagd, Michael Garcia, and Manny Flores.  While at Southwest Mr. Vera directed the Concert Band (3rd Band) and led them to several 1st divisions at UIL with their first sweepstakes in 2016.

  As part of the marching band he helped to lead them to the UIL Texas State Marching Contest in 2013, and 2015; being named finalists both of those years.  In assisting the Wind Symphony (1st Band) they were named Texas honor Band finalists in 2013, and 2015.  The Southwest Wind Symphony was invited to perform at the 69th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL where Mr. Vera was able to premier “Heavenwards” by William Owens.

Mr. Vera received his Bachelor of Music Education from The University of Texas at Brownsville, in 2009 where he studied under Terry Tomlin, Allen Clark, and David Isadore.  He then went on to study Saxophone with David Dees at Texas Tech University where he received his Masters in Music Performance in 2011.  While at Texas Tech he was a part of the award winning Amizade Saxophone Quartet.

Mr. Vera currently resides in Waxahachie, TX with his wife Emily and their three children.

Allyson Whitsit-

Mrs. Allyson Whitsitt is beginning her first year as Director of Bands at Finley Junior High in Waxahachie ISD. Previously, she completed three year as Director of Bands at Forest Meadow Junior High in Richardson ISD. Under her direction the band earned sweepstakes at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest and the program has grown immensely. 

Before teaching at Forest Meadow, Allyson was a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Sam Houston State University where she earned her Masters in Instrumental Conducting. While at SHSU, she conducted pieces with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and assisted with the Bearkat Marching Band. She also performed with the wind ensemble at TMEA and was a member of the CBDNA Intercollegiate band.

She taught the Non-Varsity and Sub Non-Varsity bands at Byrd Middle School in Duncanville ISD, as well as beginner woodwind classes at Brandenburg and Daniel Intermediate Schools. Mrs. Whitsitt was also the Middle School Coordinator for TMEA Region 20 from 2016—2018.

Mrs. Whitsitt earned her Bachelors degree in Music Education degree at Sam Houston State University. While earning her Bachelors, she performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and was a Drum Major for the Bearkat Marching Band. Mrs. Whitsitt is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity as well as Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.

Mrs. Whitsitt is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and Women Band Directors International. Mrs. Whitsitt resides in Waxahachie with her husband, Michael, and their son, Lucas. They have two dachshunds, Lola and Moose.

Matthew Hiller

Matthew Hiller will start his 23rd year in education as the Director of Bands at Howard Junior High School in Waxahachie ISD. At Howard, Mr. Hiller leads the Symphonic Band and beginning woodwind classes and assists with the Concert Band. 

Mr. Hiller has previously taught bands in Plano, Mabank, and Dallas ISDs. Prior to coming to Howard, he was the Director of Bands at Smith MS in Cleburne ISD for 16 years. While at Smith, the Wind Ensemble earned 15 UIL Sweepstakes Awards in Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation. In 2020, the Smith MS Wind Ensemble was named a "Commended Winner" in the National Wind Band Honors "Mark of Excellence" project. Mr. Hiller conducted the Smith Bands in performances across the state including UNT, TCU, TSU, TLU, the Texas State Capitol and on the grounds of The Alamo. The Jazz Ensemble was a featured performer at the ASCD Conference in Houston in October 2022.
 

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Hiller graduated from Overton HS for the Creative and Performing Arts. He received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 2001 where he was a bassoonist with nearly every performing ensemble including the world-renowned North Texas Wind Symphony.

In 2009, Mr. Hiller was the recipient of Score a Goal in the Classroom’s, Bayard H. Friedman “HERO” Award as the most outstanding instrumental music educator in north Texas. He is a founding member (bassoon) of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra, a professional wind ensemble performing in the DFW area. 

He is professionally affiliated with Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association. For 13 years, he served as the TMEA Region Middle School Band Coordinator, first in Region 7 and then in Region 30.  Mr. Hiller serves as a frequent clinician and judge across the state of Texas. 

 He lives with Charlie (dog) and Fergus (cat). He enjoys playing various versions of the board game Ticket to Ride with friends as well as baking new treats to share with friends and coworkers. 

Corbin Sullivan-Assistant Director of Bands at Coleman Junior High

Corbin Sullivan is the assistant band director at Coleman Junior High School in Waxahachie, TX. His responsibilities include directing the Concert Band, teaching beginning brass classes, and assisting with the Symphonic Band.

Mr. Sullivan graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. While at TAMUC, Mr. Sullivan performed with all three concert ensembles, both jazz bands, and served as a trumpet section leader for the Pride Marching Band.

Mr. Sullivan was a founding member of the TAMUC chapter of the International Trumpet Guild and served two years as president. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the International Trumpet Guild.

Mr. Sullivan currently resides in Cleburne with his two bloodhounds and one cat.

Felipe Hernandez-Assistant Director of Bands at Finley Junior High

FELIPE HERNANDEZ is in his second year as the assistant band director at Finley Junior High. His teaching responsibilities include directing the Concert Band, directing the Jazz Band, teaching beginner classes, and assisting with the Symphonic Band. He also actively assists with the Waxahachie High School marching band.

 Mr. Hernandez graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Primarily a trombone player, he was a member of the TAMUC Wind Ensemble, TAMUC Jazz Bands, trombone section leader in the Pride Marching Band, and many other ensembles. He is an alumnus of the Zeta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kapla Psi. In 2019, he toured with the World Class Drum Corps, Carolina Crown, as a euphonium player.

 Mr. Hernandez is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association.

Macey Lee-

MACEY LEE is currently the assistant band director at Robbie E. Howard Junior High is Waxahachie, Texas where she directs the Howard Concert Band and all of the beginning brass classes. Prior to her position at Howard, Ms. Lee was an assistant band director in Waco ISD and student taught at Apollo Junior High in Richardson, Texas.

Ms. Lee graduated from Texas A&M Commerce University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. While at TAMUC she was a horn player in the University ensembles, mellophone section leader in the Pride Marching Band,   a member of the Pride of the Court Basketball Band, and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi. In her time there, Ms. Lee performed in many small ensembles, such as horn quartets and brass quintets.

Ms. Lee has continued the joy of playing and is currently a member of the Mansfield Wind Symphony and the Southwestern Assemblies of God community band. Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi.

Ms. Lee is very grateful to be surrounded by mentors that continue to help guide her on her journey towards being the band director she aspires to be and for the friends and family that have always supported her a long the way. Ms. Lee currently resides in Waxahachie with her two dogs and three cats.

Denise Armstrong, a dedicated educator, is currently in her tenth year as a seventh-grade Gifted and Talented/Honors English teacher at Finley Junior High in Waxahachie. Prior to this role, she spent eleven years as a fourth-grade teacher in Duncanville ISD. Mrs. Armstrong's passion for teaching and nurturing young minds has been evident throughout her career.

Mrs. Armstrong is an alumna of South Grand Prairie High School, and she pursued her academic journey at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. Her education provided her with a solid foundation in the arts, which she has utilized to inspire creativity and critical thinking in her students.

 In addition to her academic pursuits, Mrs. Armstrong has an impressive background in performance arts. From 1983 to 1985, she was a member of the renowned Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps. During the same period, she also showcased her talent as a member of the World Champion Odyssey Winter Guard, a prestigious accomplishment. Over the course of thirty-six years, Mrs. Armstrong has shared her expertise as a color guard instructor, working with various high schools across Texas, including Waxahachie, Plano West, Shepton, DeSoto, Burleson, Boswell, Bowie, and South Grand Prairie. Her dedication to the art form has been evident as she directed the UTA color guard and made a positive impact on countless students.

Mrs. Armstrong's contributions extend beyond her teaching and performance background. She has been an active member of the Texas Color Guard Judges Association, where she served as a winter guard adjudicator for many years. Her passion for excellence and keen eye for talent led her to the role of chief judge for two years, overseeing the evaluation of numerous performances. Currently, she serves as the director of the Waxahachie color guard, utilizing her expertise to shape and guide the team towards success.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Mrs. Armstrong finds joy in her personal life. She has been happily married to her husband, Rich, for twenty-seven years, and together they have made their home in Waxahachie, Texas. Their shared commitment to their community and Mrs. Armstrong's passion for education have made her a beloved figure both inside and outside the classroom.

Roman Montoya-Colorguard Designer and Choreographer

ROMAN MONTOYA is the Associate Director of Bands at Donna Shepard Intermediate School in the Mansfield Independent School District in Mansfield, Texas. This is his thirteenth year with the district. Prior to teaching in MISD, Mr. Montoya served for three years as the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Color Guard at North Crowley High School in Fort Worth. Mr. Montoya taught with Moore Public Schools in Moore, Oklahoma for ten years before moving to Texas. He was the Assistant Director at Moore High School, Director at Highland West Junior High, and the Director of Color Guard.

This is Mr. Montoya’s ninth year with The Spirit of Waxahachie. He is a choreographer and designer for the fall color guard as well as the winter guard. He is also a movement specialist and choreographer for the winds and percussion.

In addition to teaching public school, Mr. Montoya has served most recently as the movement/ dance specialist and choreographer for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps of Atlanta, Georgia. He has also worked with Santa Clara Vanguard, the Glassmen, and the Bluecoats as a movement specialist and/or color guard instructor. Mr. Montoya is also the director of the Black Gold and the White Gold Independent Guards from Dallas, Texas, and has been part of the teaching staff for eighteen seasons. He is also a choreographer/clinician/consultant for many color guards in Texas.

Mr. Montoya received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and the Texas Music Educators Association.