Meet the Band Directors

Gerardo Loya 

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 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!

Ashley Cox
Band Director at O.P. Norman Junior High

Ashley Cox currently serves as the Head Band Director at O.P. Norman Junior High in Kaufman ISD. 

Mrs. Cox grew up in Mesquite, Texas where she discovered her love of music and playing the tenor trombone. Ashley attended Mesquite High School where she was elected Band Sweetheart and served as Drum Major for the Mighty Maroon Band. She was a TMEA Texas All-State Band member and was awarded the TMEA Texas Merit Music Scholarship in 2002. Ashley graduated with honors in 2003 and went on to study Trombone Performance with John Kitzman at Southern Methodist University, but did not finish her degree at this time. During her fourteen-year break from school, she had a successful career in management, got married, had two children, and became a stay-at-home mom. 

In 2017, Mrs. Cox decided to return to school to finish her degree. She began studying Music Education at Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas. During her time at Eastfield, Ashley had the privilege of studying trombone with Keith Meek and performed with multiple ensembles including the Texas A&M University-Commerce Trombone Choir, Eastfield Jazz Ensemble, the Forney Community Band, and the University of Texas at Dallas Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and University Orchestra. She also achieved the high distinction of being on the Eastfield College President’s Honor Roll and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. 

In 2019, Mrs. Cox transferred to Texas A&M University-Commerce to continue her studies in Music Education. During her time at Commerce, she had the privilege of studying trombone with Jimmy Clark, former principal trombone of the Dallas Winds and Dallas Opera Orchestra. She performed in the Wind Ensemble, Trombone Choir, and The Pride Marching Band. She was voted “Most Outstanding Band Member” and “Band Mom” by her peers in The Pride Marching Band. She has also been named a President’s Scholar by the University. 

Mrs. Cox graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She currently resides in Forney, Texas and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She is honored and excited to be joining the Lion Band family!