Meet the Band Directors

Mario Morales

Mario Morales 

 Director of Bands
 
Mario Morales, originally from Temple, Texas, is in his first year at Kaufman High School as Director of Bands. Prior to Kaufman he was the director of bands at Castleberry high school. While at Castleberry, the Castleberry band had great success at the local and state level. The marching band was very competitive making appearances at the Texas State Marching Contest 2 consecutive times. (2016, 2018) The Wind ensemble was awarded consistent Sweepstakes every year under his direction.  
 
Prior to his appointment at Castleberry high school, Mr. Morales was the Associate director of bands at 6A Hastings High school (Alief ISD) in southwest Houston area. He conducted the non-varsity and sub non varsity concert bands, assisted with the top band and co-taught the marching band. While at Hastings, under his direction the Hastings symphonic non varsity band earn sweepstakes every year.
 
Mr. Morales has over 8 years of experience as a private low brass music instructor. He has had numerous students make the All -region and Texas All-State Bands. In 2012-2013 school year, a freshman from his studio placed first chair euphonium in the All-state 4A symphonic band. Mr. Morales taught privately throughout the DFW area which includes Aledo, Ft. Worth, Waxahachie, Ennis, Arlington, Desoto, Forney ISD. He is also in demand as a low brass clinician/ master class teacher and solo/ensemble adjudicator.
 
Mr. Morales is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Bachelor’s of music with emphasis in music education and will be starting his Master degree in Administration through Lamar University.
In his spare time, Mr. Morales enjoys reading, arranging music and is a barbecue aficionado.
 
Mr. Morales is a member of: Texas Music educator Association, Texas Bandmaster’s Association, Kappa Kappa Psi and International tuba/euphonium association.

 

 

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Gerardo Loya 

 Assistant Band Diirector
 

Hello! My name is Gerardo Loya. I grew up in Muleshoe, TX, and graduated high school in 1998. I attended Angelo State University and graduated with my Bachelor of Music degree. Upon graduation from ASU I took a teaching position in Monahans, TX where I spent 11 years. I learned a lot, but eventually found myself teaching in Ferris, TX. In 2017 I was selected Teacher of the Year for Ferris ISD. I'm new to Kaufman this year, and am currently working on my Masters in Administration through Lamar University. I love music and band, but most importantly, I love kids and people in general. I'm excited to be a part of Kaufman! Go Lions!

 

 

Gabriel Schafer

Gabriel Schafer

Band Director
 

Mr. Schafer is excited to be making music in Kaufman this year! He conducts the high school Symphonic Band, assists with the Kaufman Lion Marching Band, middle school ensembles, and teaches two sections of beginners. He is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma where he studied music education and played trumpet in a variety of college ensembles. Mr. Schafer was heavily involved in the Pride of Oklahoma as both a member and leader, and taught at high school bands across central Oklahoma as a brass technician and private teacher. Mr. Schafer is happiest outdoors and lives in Richardson with his fiancée, Alyssa, and dog, Kota. 

 

 

Reagan Hall

Reagan Hall

 Director of Percussion
 
Reagan Hall grew up in Granbury, Texas and is a recent graduate from Texas Christian University where she attained her Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education. While at TCU she was a part of many performing ensembles including: the TCU Marching Band, Wind Ensembles, Steel Band, and award winning Percussion Orchestra. 
 
Outside of TCU, Ms. Hall was a member of the award-winning Cutting Edge Haunted House Drumline and performed with many groups including: the Texas Boys Choir, Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, and Fort Worth Junior Youth Orchestra.
 
Ms. Hall was previously a private lesson teacher for Castleberry and Granbury ISD. She also assisted with the marching bands at Lake Ridge High School, Trinity High School, and John Horn High School. She is currently an active member of Texas Music Educators Association, the Percussive Arts Society, and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity. 
 
Along with playing music, Ms. Hall loves to travel and play with her cat, Ruca. She is super excited to be joining the Kaufman team! Go lions!

 

 

Jesse Rajabi

Jesse Rajabi

Junior High Band Director
 

Jesse Rajabi is thrilled to join the Kaufman ISD band staff! He most recently served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Brown Middle School in Forney ISD. Prior to teaching in Forney, Mr. Rajabi completed his Master of Music Education degree at TCU, studying with Dr. Sheri Neill, Dr. Laura Singletary, and the TCU Band faculty. He also served as a member of the Horned Frog Band staff. During his graduate studies at TCU, he served as a guest conductor for the TCU Symphonic Band and the TCU Trumpet Studio, with whom he performed at the International Trumpet Guild conference in the summer of 2018. Prior to beginning his graduate assistantship at TCU, he served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Reagan Middle School in Grand Prairie ISD.

Mr. Rajabi graduated with his Bachelor of Music Education degree from TCU. As an undergraduate student, Mr. Rajabi studied trumpet with Dr. Jon Burgess. He has performed with both Mr. Joey Carter’s and Mr. Joe Eckert’s jazz ensembles, Mr. Brian Youngblood’s and Mr. Bobby Francis’s wind bands, and the TCU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Germán Gutiérrez. Additionally, he has performed at the Texas Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Association, and International Trumpet Guild conferences. Mr. Rajabi served as the conductor of the Dallas Brass Band for the 2018-2019 performance season.