Jackie Fullerton is in her 21st year of teaching and in her third year as Director of Bands at Cedar Creek Middle School. Mrs. Fullerton teaches the Honors Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band 2 at CCMS. She teaches beginner Double Reeds, Flute and Saxophone at Cedar Creek Intermediate.

Before arriving at CCMS, Mrs. Fullerton spent 18 years at Forbes Middle School in Georgetown ISD, with 16 years as Director of Bands. Under the direction of Jackie Fullerton, The Forbes Middle School Honors Wind Ensemble has earned consistent UIL Sweepstakes Awards and “Best in Class” awards at various music festivals throughout the state of Texas. In 2004 and 2017 the Forbes Middle School Honors Band was named a finalist in the Texas Music Educators Association State Honor Band Competition. In 2009, the Forbes Middle School Honors Band was invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. The Forbes Middle School Band was presented with the prestigious John Philip Sousa Sudler Cup Award in 2010-2011. Mrs. Fullerton was honored as Forbes Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2011.

Mrs. Fullerton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and Oboe Performance from Texas Tech University. While a student at the University, she performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the direction of James Sudduth and Dr. John Cody Birdwell. Mrs. Fullerton also performed with the Symphony Orchestra and studied conducting with the guidance of Gary Lewis.

Mrs. Fullerton’s professional affiliations include: the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu and Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Mrs. Fullerton is an active clinician in the state of Texas.

While not in the band hall, Mrs. Fullerton spends time with her family. Her hobbies include: running, shopping and reading.

Lucielle Lopez is in her third year of teaching at Cedar Creek Intermediate School. She is a euphonium player and graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Music Studies. She teaches low brass beginner classes at Cedar Creek Intermediate, 5th Grade Recorder, and assists at Cedar Creek Middle School.

During her time at Texas State, Miss Lopez performed with the Bobcat Marching Band as Baritone section leader, the Bobcat Basketball Band, the Texas State Concert Bands, and sang with Salsa del Rio. She marched Euphonium at Drum Corps International World Class Finals with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. During her first year at Cedar Creek, she directed the Cedar Creek Middle School Concert Band and achieved First Division Ratings, the first time a CCMS third band achieved this.

In her free time, Miss Lopez likes singing, photography, and fashion. She is currently enrolled in flight school to earn her Private Pilot License. She lives in Austin with her two cats, Baby and Bunny.

Paul Fletes is entering his sixth year of teaching, and is excited to begin his first year at Cedar Creek Middle School!

Mr. Fletes grew up in Pflugerville, TX, and graduated from Sam Houston State University with his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with honors. Mr. Fletes’ collegiate mentors include Dr. Matthew McInturf, Randal Adams, Dr. Brian Gibbs, and Steve Warkentin. Mr. Fletes studied Trumpet with Randal Adams, who performs regularly with the Houston Ballet Orchestra and Houston Grand Opera Orchestra. In the Fall of 2015, Mr. Fletes completed his student teaching at Collins Intermediate School, under the mentorship of Mr. Brian Moran.

During his time at SHSU, Mr. Fletes performed as a trumpeter in the SHSU Symphonic Band, Jazz Lab Band, Marching Band, Brass Choir, The “Angry Orange” Basketball Band, and various chamber ensembles. Mr. Fletes’ professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Association for Music Education.

Outside of the band hall, you can find Mr. Fletes playing (or watching) soccer, reading, or riding his bike.

Since 2019, Ben Russell has served as Assistant Director/Percussion Coordinator for the Cedar Creek High School Band Program. During his time with Cedar Creek, the band programs at CCHS and CCMS have earned consistent Sweepstakes/Superior ratings at UIL (Marching and Concert). The Marching Band has been a regular UIL Area participant for the past 4 seasons. The CCHS Drumline has participated in various competitions and events throughout Central Texas, and was the 2019 TCGC Scholastic AA State Champion during the Winter Drumline Season. Prior to his appointment at CCHS, Mr. Russell served as Percussion Director for the Green Hope High School Band Program in Cary, NC, a BOA Semi-finalist, WGI participant, and continuous local champion throughout NC.

Mr. Russell received his B.A. in Music Education from East Carolina University, followed by a Masters in Percussion Performance from Appalachian State University. He has studied with such teachers as Jon Wacker, Chris Nappi, Rob Falvo, Byron Hedgepath, Scott Meister, and Todd Proctor.

Mr. Russell has shared the stage in performance with many wonderful musicians and teachers such as Mark Ford, Marvin Hamlish, Arthur Lipner, and Kansas. He currently performs with Austin Samba, the largest Samba group in the country, as well as with his local rock band “The Great North Special.”

Outside of band and music, Mr. Russell enjoys road trips, hikes, cooking, and laughing with his beautiful partner, Gia, and their three fur children, Sunny, Buzzy, and Dill.