Anthony Gibson has a long tenure of arts education in Texas. Following retirement as Director of Fine Arts for the Allen Independent School District, he serves as a music consultant throughout the county. While teaching in both small school and large school programs, he placed high priority on student, parent, and community participation. As Director of Bands and Performing Arts for Allen ISD, he was instrumental in the growth of the largest band and orchestra programs in the country.

Besides Allen, Mr. Gibson has taught at Cooper High School in Abilene, TX; Coronado High School in Lubbock, TX; and Muleshoe High School in Muleshoe, TX. High School band s under Mr. Gibson's direction earned UIL Sweepstakes awards 24 consecutive years. 

Mr. Gibson stays active as an adjudicator, clinician and conductor. However, he considers his greatest accomplishments to be his wife, Carren, of 40 years and his children and grandchildren.

Brian Hecimovich (known as "Mr. H" by his students) has served as the Head Band Director for Fredericksburg ISD since Fall 2021. Prior to joining Fredericksburg ISD, Brian led band programs at Hondo, Blanco, and Spur High Schools, where he cultivated excellence in music education. His bands have earned numerous UIL Sweepstakes Awards, produced All-State musicians, qualified for State Solo and Ensemble competitions, achieved OPS State Finalist placements, and advanced to the UIL State Marching Contest with both Hondo and Fredericksburg High Schools.

A proud West Texas native from Slaton, Texas, Brian graduated with honors from McMurry University in Abilene after attending South Plains College. He resides in Kerrville with his wife Dorothy and their dog Cleo. Brian is passionate about inspiring students through music education and looks forward to continuing his work with Fredericksburg ISD’s fine arts programs

James Cross has taught music education across the state of Texas for 20 plus years. Mr. Cross is currently the Director at Hamlin High School in Hamlin, Texas.

 Jay Lester is currently serving as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. A product of the Abilene public schools, he retired from the Abilene ISD as Executive Director of Fine Arts in December 2023. He also serves as the UIL Music Region 6 Executive Secretary for Region 6 and as a VIP for Conn-Selmer. 

Jett Lowrance has been teaching middle school band for fifteen years and currently serves as the Assistant Band Director for Clack Middle School in Abilene ISD. Mr. Lowrance previously served as the Middle School Director for Jim Ned, Eastland, and Merkel ISD. He has directed a wide range of ensembles including beginner, varsity and non- varsity middle school, non- varsity and varstiy high school, middle and high school jazz, band camp, and Honor/ All Region band ensembles.

While teaching in “small schools” his varsity middle school bands consistently placed top ten on the OPS (Outstanding Performance Series) state finals list including three 1st place finishes.

Mr. Lowrance earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Hardin-Simmons University and is a proud “World Famous Cowboy Band” Alumnus.

He enjoys fishing, grilling, karaoke, and hanging with his talented wife of 17 years, Ashley, and their brilliant son, Kael. 

Lynsey Gold has forged a reputation as a program builder. She has taken programs that were struggling and created a gold medal winning UIL State Marching Champions! Her bands consistently make superior ratings and she is a no doubt up and comer in the ranks of Texas Band Directors. Gold has taught in Ozona, Menard, Redwater, and is currently in Junction, Texas. 

Michael Watts was a band director at Permian High School in Odessa, Texas for a total of 27 years, 17 as the head director. With experience in several states, as well at middle school and high school before retirement, Mr. Watts is a great conversation! Whether it's retirement, pedagogy, or just life, Mr. Watts has experience to share!

Rusty Gray has recently retired after 31 years as a music educator. He started his teaching career in 1987 at Bonham Junior High School in Odessa, TX. Over the years, he has taught at Greenwood High School, DeSoto MS East, and Highland Park Middle School, spending 19 years in Coppell ISD. As head director at these schools, Mr. Gray has received numerous accolades, including the National Winner title from the Foundation for Music Education. 

Mr. Gray obtained his Bachelor of Music Education degree from West Texas A&M University in 1987. He studied trumpet under the guidance of Ray Crisara at the University of Texas, Dave Ritter at West Texas A&M, Britt Theuerer, and his first instructor, Dick Clardy. 

Rusty Gray resides in Waynesville, North Carolina, with his wife, Linda. He now enjoys his time as a music director at his church, performing in a local blues band, and spending time with his wonderful family! 

Stephen T. Cox is the Director of Music Education for the Willis Wonderland Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization founded in memory of legendary songwriter Allee Willis.  Mr. Cox develops programs and curriculum around music education and songwriting for the foundation..  He is also a sought after speaker and clinician for jazz bands, concert bands, and modern band programs and leads workshops in creative music making across the United States.

Core to his teaching philosophy, Mr. Cox believes that fine arts programs should be integral to their communities, that students should have as much control as possible, and that our ultimate goal is to give students the skills they need to chart their own path in life.

Mr. Cox is married to Stephanie Cox, visual art teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, TX.  They have three amazing children, Aubree, Chuck, and Caesar.

Tommy Perkins has created a successful career in music education covering almost three decades. Mr. Perkins is currently the Head Director of Bands in Bangs, TX.