Mr. Benjamin Brown, Head Director
Mr. Brown is in his tenth year of teaching and his fifth at Kennedale Junior High School. He is extremely proud of the KJHS bands. In addition to sweepstakes performances at the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, Kennedale Junior High Honors and Symphonic Bands both advanced to the area and state level competition in the Outstanding Performance Series, a state wide competition. The Honors Band also advanced to the area level for the 2015 Honor Band competition, coming in 3rd, and winning the competition in 2016! Previously, he taught for five years in Crowley ISD as assistant director at Summer Creek Middle School with Mrs. Faith Massey and Crowley High School with Mr. Rudy Salazar. His ensembles have consistently scored superior ratings at contest each of those five years. Mr. Brown graduated high school in Wylie where he was a section leader for That Wylie Band and a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. Upon graduation, Mr. Brown attended Stephen F. Austin State University and obtained his bachelor degree in music education. During his tenure as an undergrad, Mr. Brown consistently appeared on the Dean’s List, was principle horn of the Wind Ensemble, a member of the Orchestra of the Pines, section leader and Drill Intern for the Lumberjack Marching Band, and the 2005-2006 Orchestra of the Pines Concerto Competition Winner. Mr. Brown has obtained his masters degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and a proud life member of the Gamma Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Mrs. Eleanor Macias, Associate Director The 2017-18 school year will be Mrs. Macias' eighth year teaching in Kennedale. During her time in Kennedale, she has taught junior high choir as well as Beginner, Concerts and Symphonic Bands. Under her direction the Kennedale Junior High Symphonic Band has received Superior Sweepstakes Ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading contest. Last year, the Symphonic Band advanced to the area AND state level competition for the Outstanding Performance Series, a state wide competition. The Symphonic Band was the state winner of this competition in 2015. Prior to teaching in Kennedale, Mrs. Macias taught in Idaho Springs, Evergreen, and McClave, Colorado. Mrs. Macias received her Bachelor of Music Education from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, and her Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. When not teaching, Mrs. Macias is hanging out with her husband, Paul, and their dogs, Molly and Winston. Mr. Erol Oktay, Director of Bands, Kennedale High School 2017-18 is Mr. Oktay's 17th year as Director of Bands for KHS. Prior to Kennedale, he has taught in Arlington ISD at Sam Houston HS and also at Burkburnett JH in Burkburnett, TX. The Wildcat Band has placed in the top 3A and 4A bands of the state during Mr. Oktay's tenure. The Wildcat Symphonic Band was named the 2008 State 3A Runner-up and The 2009 and 2012 State 3A WINNER of the ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series Competition. The Wildcat Marching Band has been a Texas State Marching Band Championships Qualifier in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. In 2010 and 2012 they ranked 12th, 2014 they ranked 5th and 2016 came in at 8th. The band was a TMEA Honor Band State Qualifier in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Kennedale Symphonic Band was an Honor Band State Finalist in 2012 ranking 7th and a State Finalist in 2014 ranking 6th. The Wildcat Band has won the UIL Sweepstakes Award 12 of the last 13 years. Mr. Oktay holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas with a concentration in trumpet. Mr. Oktay, his wife Cherie, and their two sons, Jordan and Ryan, reside in Arlington with their dog, Shelbie. When not at the band hall or with his family, Mr. Oktay can be found in the woods, either fishing or hunting. Mrs. Josie Inman, Associate Director, Kennedale High School Information Coming soon! Mr. Chris Koenig, Associate Director, Kennedale High School Information Coming soon! |