Directors

David Hinojosa has been teaching at Kealing Middle School since 2012 and has served as Director of Bands since 2017. Mr. Hinojosa is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Music Studies. During his tenure at Kealing, the band program has consistently earned Sweepstakes at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations and performance and top honors at festival across the state. The band program has also grown under his leadership and continues to be a safe space for all students.

Mr. Hinojosa currently teaches beginner low brass and trumpet, and conducts the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. During his spare time, Mr. Hinojosa enjoys working on cars, spending time outdoors camping/overlanding, playing floorball and disc golf, and spending time with his cat, Winston.

Mr. Hinojosa's professional affiliations include the Texas Bandmasters Association and Texas Music Educators Association.

Sam Hightower graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. While at UNT, he performed with the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band as a saxophonist and served as a section leader in the Green Brigade Marching Band.

Sam completed his student teaching at Lake Dallas High School and Lake Dallas Middle School, where he taught beginner woodwind and brass classes, led sectionals, conducted the concert bands, and co-directed the high school jazz ensemble.

Most recently, Sam served as Associate Director of Bands at Lamar Middle School, where he directed the Symphonic Winds and taught beginner flute, double reeds, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, euphonium, and tuba classes. He also assisted with the Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Factory. Before Lamar, Sam spent two years as a traveling band director across four campuses in Austin ISD, teaching beginner students on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone and organizing concerts at each school in the fall and spring. He has also taught private saxophone lessons in both Denton and Austin.

Born and raised in Austin, Sam attended O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School in Austin ISD! Outside of music, he enjoys aviation, traveling, video games, and sports. 

Sam is thrilled to join the Kealing family and can't wait to get started!