August Merback

Augie.Merback@hayscisd.net

August Merback is excited to be entering his first year as Head Band Director at Wallace Middle School and his 7th year in music education. Previously, he served as an assistant band director at Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville, TX. While there, he led 2nd Jazz Ensemble, and directed the Sub Non-Varsity concert band, who consistently earned Sweepstakes at UIL. Additionally, was heavily involved with the marching band, and assisted with the other concert groups and ensembles. Most recently, he taught music at Northwest Elementary School in Pflugerville ISD. 

Born and raised in Indiana, Mr. Merback holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. There he studied trombone with M. Dee Stewart and Dr. Denson Paul Pollard, and wind conducting with Dr. Eric Smedley and Dr. Tiffany Galus. He began his career in Bedford, Indiana as the band director at Bedford Middle School, and taught there for a year before moving to Texas. Before his tenure at Hendrickson HS, Mr. Merback was a trombone instructor in Dripping Springs ISD, working with students at both the high school and feeder middle schools. 

As a life-long performer, Mr. Merback’s journey in band began as a member of his high school color guard, and whilst there he discovered his passion for instrumental music; Mr. Merback performed with the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps in 2013, and spent two seasons as the Drum Major for the Indiana University Marching Hundred. In addition, Mr. Merback has recently had the chance to perform with the Austin Symphonic Band.

Outside of teaching, Mr. Merback is an avid runner, and trains for marathons throughout the year. He also enjoys composing and arranging, cooking, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with his partner Addie and their two cats; Doja and Carl. 

Mr. Merback is honored to be a part of the Wallace MS band program, and is excited to share his passion for music with the community and the students. He will be directing the Wind Ensemble, and will be teaching the beginning flute, trumpet, horn, and low brass classes. 

Paul scheffel

Paul.Scheffel@hayscisd.net

Paul Scheffel is entering his 14th year of teaching band in the public schools in Texas. Before coming to Wallace, Mr. Scheffel taught in the Houston and Austin areas.  Bands under Mr. Scheffel’s direction have received numerous Superior ratings at concert and sight-reading contests, and his students have progressed to successful high school and college music careers. Under his direction, Clint Small Middle School in Austin, Texas was the national winner in the category of Middle School Percussion Ensemble from the Foundation for Music Education Mark of Excellence recorded music contest.  

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Scheffel holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Texas at Austin.  While at the University of Texas, Mr. Scheffel studied under the guidance of Robert Carnochan, Bob Duke, Thomas Burritt, and Tony Edwards.  More recently, Mr. Scheffel graduated with a Master’s degree in wind conducting from Louisiana State University under the mentorship of Damon Talley.  Mr. Scheffel was a snare drum section leader in Longhorn Band and also performed in the UT Percussion Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and Wind Ensemble.  Mr. Scheffel holds memberships with Texas Music Educators Association and Percussive Arts Society

In addition to building strong beginner musicians, and strong relationships with the students, Mr. Scheffel is looking forward to continuing the success of the Wind Ensemble at Wallace, as well as teaching clarinet, saxophone, double reeds, and percussion.