Meet the Band Directors
Mario Morales
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 band earned sweepstakes every year.
Mr. Morales has over ten 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 the 2012-2013 school year, a freshman from his studio placed first chair euphonium in the All-state 4A symphonic band. Morales taught privately throughout the DFW area, which includes Aledo, Ft. Worth, Waxahachie, Ennis, Arlington, Desoto, and 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 a Master’s degree in Music Education from William Carey University.
When not in a classroom, Mr. Morales spends time with his wife, Chrissy and son, Sonny. He also enjoys traveling, reading, arranging music and is a barbecue aficionado.
Mr. Morales is a member of Texas Music Educator Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi and International tuba/euphonium association.
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!
Jose Hernandez
Jose Hernandez, originally from Brownwood, Texas, is in his first year at Kaufman High School as the Director of Percussion. His duties include instructing the KHS Drumline and percussion ensembles, Indoor percussion, teaching beginning percussionists, and assisting with all wind band percussive needs. Mr. Hernandez received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Howard Payne University and Masters in Music Performance at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Mr. Hernandez has performed in many capacities and various ensemble settings. Starting in high school, continuing at Howard Payne, and just recently at UTSA. He has performed in marching bands, jazz ensembles, wind ensembles, ska bands, jazz combos, rocks bands and percussion ensembles.
Mr. Hernandez was a member of Drum Corps and independent indoor percussion groups. He has also performed at TMEA and at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.
Mr. Hernandez has taught at many public school programs from 1A to 6A level as a private lesson teacher, percussion tech, percussion director and most recently at the collegiate level as a Teaching assistant fellow for the UTSA percussion and undergraduate programs.
During his down time, he loves to learn new languages, go running, and travel! He is excited to be joining the Kaufman staff. Go Lions!
Gabriel Schafer
John Macoy is beginning his teaching career as the Assistant Director at Norman Junior High. Mr. Macoy grew up in Canton, TX and attended Tyler Junior College. He recently received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University - Commerce. During his time at TAMUC, he played saxophone in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble 1, Saxophone Quartet and Choir, and the “Pride” Marching Band. Some notable performances include: exhibition band at BOA Grand Nationals, Saxophone Quartet TMEA Showcase, and the American premiere of the opera “The Path to Heaven”.
Mr. Macoy also worked as a repair assistant at Tatum Music Company in Tyler, TX, as well as a private lesson instructor in Commerce ISD. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.
When he’s not teaching, Mr. Macoy enjoys Marvel movies and building computers. He is delighted to be joining the Kaufman staff. Go Lions!