Director Information

Keith Marshall is very excited to begin his 19th year of teaching  and 6th year as Director of Bands at Blalack Middle School in Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD.   Under his direction the Blalack Band has consistently earned "Sweepstakes" awards at UIL Contest, has been named a Commended Winner in the Mark of Excellence Contest and has reached the area level of the Texas Honor Band Process.   Mr. Marshall's students also grow as individual musicians each year achieving success in the District and Region Band audition process.  Before coming to Blalack, Mr. Marshall worked at Ted Polk Middle School for 8 years and Blalack Middle School  for 5 years as an Associate Director.  During his first tenure at Blalack, Mr. Marshall's Concert Band became the first Middle School Sub-Non Varsity Band (3rd Band) in CFBISD history to be awarded a Sweepstake Trophy at UIL Contest.  

In addition to his work at Blalack, Mr. Marshall is the Middle School Region Jazz Chair for Region 31.  He organizes the CFBISD Sandy Lake Memorial Beginner Band Contest and the CFBISD Non-Varsity Band Contest each spring.   He is also an active clinician, mentoring other teachers across the DFW metroplex and has presented clinics at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio and several school districts across Texas.

Mr. Marshall earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas.  As a trombonist during college, Mr. Marshall performed in the 2002 International Trombone Festival in Denton, TX with the UNT Trombone Choir and in the 2003 International Trombone Festival in Helsinki, Finland as a finalist in the ITA Quartet Competition.  He also performed with the UNT Symphonic Band, UNT Lab Bands, Basketball Band and the Green Brigade Marching Band, where he was awarded the 2004 Outstanding Leadership Award.

Mr. Marshall currently resides in Carrollton with his wife, Jeanette, a Speech Therapist in CFBISD, and his two children Dylan and Keira.  He is a huge sports fan and can be found most free weekends playing outdoor soccer on his "old man" soccer team or watching his favorite soccer team, Tottenham Hotspur.

Mr. Marshall conducts the Honor Winds, assists with the Symphonic Band and Concert Band and teaches Beginning Trumpet, French Horn, and Trombone Classes.

Hannah Thiessen is in her 6th year of teaching as Assistant Director of Bands at Blalack Middle School! Ms. Thiessen graduated from the University of North Texas with her Bachelor's in Music Education.

Ms. Thiessen loves playing her clarinet, and enjoyed her time with the UNT Green Brigade Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and performing with her brothers and sisters of Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity. She was honored to play with the San Antonio Wind Symphony in her hometown as well as with the Carrollton Wind Symphony.

Ms. Thiessen lives in Lake Dallas with her bunny Santi. Some of her favorite things are the color turquoise, superheroes, and most importantly Star Wars.

Ms. Thiessen conducts the Symphonic Band, assists with the Honor Winds and Concert Band, and teaches Beginner Clarinet and Saxophone Classes.

Abigail Robinson is in her 4th year as Assistant Director of Bands at Blalack Middle School! Mrs. Robinson graduated from Kansas State University with her Bachelor's in Music Education.

Mrs. Robinson is originally from the prairie state of Kansas, where she attended KSU and participated in the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Woodwind Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, University Band, Cat Band, and Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band! She loves playing her flute, and was selected to perform in the Collegiate Flute Choir at the National Flute Association conference in 2018.

Mrs. Robinson lives in Lewisville with her husband. She loves being outside, hiking, rock climbing, and playing board games. 

Mrs. Robinson conducts the Concert Band, assists with the Honor Winds and Symphonic Band, and teaches the Beginner Flute, Oboe/Bassoon and Low Brass Classes.