Directors
Our Head Director is Mr. Keavon Runnels, a native of Houston, TX. Mr. Runnels has a Masters Degree in Music Education from Kent State University and a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Prairie View A&M University. He is currently in his 21st year in Music Education, also year 16 at Austin High School. Mr. Runnels often says "Make examples, not excuses" and believes in achieving success through hard work and perseverence.
Mr. Runnels' accolades include: *Selected to represent Texas in the 2021 Tournament of Roses Parade in a performance "Tribute to America's Band Directors" *Grammy Educator of the Year Quarterfinalist *Campus Teacher of the Year and runner up for HISD T.O.Y. *Award of Congressional Recognition *MLK Parade Grand Marshal *CIO/AFL Everyday Hero Award *Lead arranger for first ever East End collaboration with Austin, Milby and University of Houston *Professional music presentations at Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University |
Our Assistant Band Director is Mr. Larrion Trice. A native of Missouri City, Mr. Trice is a graduate of Thurgood Marshall High School. He received a Bachelors of Music from Prairie View A&M University and a Masters of Music from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Mr. Trice's primary instrument is percussion where he has performed with numerous ensembles including the Houston Rockets Sonic Boom drumline, DCI and other professional organizations. Mr. Trice also has his own brand-Trice Percussion |
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Our Assistant Director of Auxiliaries is Ms. Valencea Vigee, a native of New Orleans. Ms. Vigee has a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Prairie View A&M University, where she was co-captain of the Black Foxes Dance Troupe. Vigee often uses the quote "Perfection is an illusion", meaning there is always purpose in hard work and room for growth.