Lyles Band
Expectation of Excellence Everyday by Everyone
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Lumberjack Band Staff
Lumberjack Band Staff
Shaun M. Gray, Director of Bands
Shaun M. Gray, Director of Bands
Mr. Gray is in his 18th year as a music educator; 6th year in Garland ISD, and 5th year as Head Director of the Lumberjack Band.
Mr. Gray's primary teaching responsibilities include Beginning Woodwinds, Beginning Percussion, and the Honors Band (Varsity). His assistant teaching roles are with the Symphonic Band (Non-Varsity) and Jazz Band.
In the 2023-2024 school year, Mr. Gray helped lead the Lyles Band to its most successful year in recent program history! There were record number of students in GISD All-District and Region 3 All-Region Band (with multiple students in the Top 10 on their instrument; featuring the #1 horn player in GISD), doubling the number of students in GISD Beginner All-Star Band (with a few students in the Top 10 of their instrument; featuring the #3 Oboe in GISD), largest number of 1st division ratings at Solo & Ensemble Festival for both Beginning Band and Advanced Band students (with 3 Outstanding Soloist Awards). The Symphonic Band (Non-Varsity) also made SCHOOL HISTORY by earning a UIL Sweepstakes Award under the direction of former Associate Director Seth Champion. Honors Band (Varsity) also earned a UIL Sweepstakes Award on the SAME DAY! All Bands finished the year with Superior Rating trophies from multiple Spring Festivals.
Mr. Gray is a native of Houston, attending magnet schools in elementary, middle, and high school. He graduated from renown The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). He earned a Bachelors degree from The University of North Texas (UNT) in 2003. During his time at UNT, Mr. Gray played clarinet and bass clarinet in concert bands, alto saxophone in the 'Green Brigade' Marching Band and Basketball Band. Mr. Gray then became Drum Major of the Green Brigade Marching Band in his final year.
Mr. Gray expanded his musical knowledge by taking conducting lessons from Dr. Andrew Trachsel (UNT) and Doctor Angela Schroeder (University of Alberta, Canada) and was Music Director of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia - Gamma Theta Chapter. He has also served as Guest Director of the UNT Basketball Band on multiple occasions.
Prior to Lyles Collegiate, Mr. Gray taught at Staley Middle School in Frisco ISD for 11 years, where he was the Assistant Director. Mr. Gray taught Beginning Woodwinds, led the Non-Varsity Band, Sub Non-Varsity Band, Beginning Jazz Band, and Advanced Jazz Band during his tenure.
Mr. Gray has also performed as a pit musician for musicals and is a former member of the Frisco Community Band and Dallas Civic Wind Ensemble. He holds memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) and is an Alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America.
David Castillo, Associate Director of Bands
David Castillo, Associate Director of Bands
David Castillo is the new Associate Band Director at Lyles Collegiate Middle School in Garland, Texas.
His teaching responsibilites include Beginning Brass, Symphonic Band (Non-Varsity), and Jazz Band. He assists with the Honors Band (Varsity).
With a deep passion for music education and extensive experience, Mr. Castillo is excited to become a part of the Lumberjack Band program. Originally from Frisco, Texas, David earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2017.
His career is marked by significant achievements, including leading the International Leadership of Texas (ILT) in Garland, where he guided both K-8 and high school bands to UIL success and notably expanded the program's reach and impact in its community.
David is actively involved in the music education community through his affiliations with the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America.
His professional experience extends to the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps of Colorado, where he has served as both a member and staff. Additionally, David's musical depth is highlighted by his participation in the UNT Chinese Ensemble, Mariachi Aguilas, UNT 7 o’clock Lab Band, and the UNT Steel Drum Band.
Outside of his professional life, David enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and his dog. He is passionate about traveling and immersing himself in diverse musical cultures.
Josh Gonzalez, Percussion Director (LCHS Cluster)
Josh Gonzalez, Percussion Director (LCHS Cluster)
Mr. Gonzalez is now in his 8th year teaching with Lakeview Centennial High School.
Mr. Gonzalez grew up in El Paso, TX and and moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to attend the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Music. During his time there, he studied under the direction of Dr. Michael Varner, Dr. James Yakas, and Dr. Andrew Eldridge. He was also involved with many ensembles at the university and served as the Principal Percussionist of the UTA Wind Symphony, Principal Timpanist of the UTA Symphony Orchestra, Drumline Section Leader of the UTA Maverick Marching Band, Member of the UTA Percussion Ensemble, and Elder Member of the UTA World Ensemble. In addition, he also marched with Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps.
Since coming to the Metroplex, Mr. Gonzalez has taught and assisted many great percussion programs in the H.E.B., Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Cedar Hill Independent School Districts. His professional affiliations include being a member of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) as well as the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). In his spare time, he enjoys photography, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and playing with his dog, Zeke.
Director Contact Information
Director Contact Information
E-mail: Mr. Gray SGray@garlandisd.net E-mail: Mr. Castillo DACastillo@garlandisd.net
Charles R. Lyles Collegiate Middle School
Charles R. Lyles Collegiate Middle School
4655 South Country Club Road Garland, TX 75043
School Website (click on LINK)
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