Meet the Band Directors

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 spending time with his family, Cindy, Sonny and Claire. He also 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.

Gerardo Loya

Assistant Band Diirector

gloya@kaufman-isd.net

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!

Nicholas Alberts

Band Director

nalberts@kaufman-isd.net

Originally from Dallas,TX, Mr. Alberts has been playing percussion since he was twelve years old. Mr. Alberts earned his bachelor of arts in music from Angelo State University. He works as the Percussion Director for Kaufman ISD and has worked at other schools in the Dallas area as well. He was the drummer for San Angelo based band Jeska Bailey and the Platform Souls that was voted best live band in San Angelo in 2015 and 2016. They were also picked to open for Los Lonely Boys for their homecoming concert in San Angelo in April of 2015.

Mr. Alberts is also a performer in the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra and Lake Country Symphonic Band. Mr. Alberts is a proud endorser of Mapex/Majestic(KHS America), Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, and Evans drumheads.

Gabriel Schafer

Band Director

gschafer@kaufman-isd.net

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.

Avery Lind

Color Guard Director

alind@kaufman-isd.net

Please welcome our new color guard director Ms. Avery Lind.
Ms.Lind is a graduate from Fossil Ridge high school and has taught in many DFW schools including Castleberry Hs.
She has marched with the following DCI groups and indoor winter guard.
CGT Dallas 2017-2019
Carolina Crown 2017-2018
Boston Crusaders 2019
We are very excited to have her join our team!

William Vaughan

Band Director

wvaughan@kaufman-isd.net

Bio

Danna Vaughan

Assistant Band Director and Color Guard

dvaughan@kaufman-isd.net

Bio