Staff

Ms. Liz Shine is excited to be starting her 11th year of teaching as the Director of Bands at Vanston Middle School. Ms. Shine has both a bachelor’s and master’s in Music Education from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘Em Tech!). Prior to coming to Vanston, Ms. Shine was the Director of Bands at William B. Travis Middle School in Irving. She also spent 7 years as a high school assistant band director, teaching at both Irving MacArthur HS, and Midland Sr. HS.

Ms. Shine grew up in the DFW area. She is a graduate of Denton Ryan High School, where she was an all-state clarinetist, all-area water polo player, and varsity swimmer.

In her free time, Ms. Shine enjoys taking tennis classes, reading, and walking outdoors. Ms. Shine lives in Fate, TX with her 1 fur-baby, a miniature dachshund named Ginger.

Mr. Kris Still will begin his eleventh year of teaching as the Assistant Band Director at Vanston Middle School in Mesquite, TX. His responsibilities include direction of the 7th and 8th Grade Symphonic Band, and the Beginning Brass Classes. Prior to his teaching appointment at Vanston MS, Mr. Still has served as the Head Junior High Band Director at Canton Junior High in Canton,TX, Head Middle School Band Director at Tahlequah Middle School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Assistant Band Director in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Mr. Still's students have maintained a high level of commitment to making music and Bands under his leadership have received Division 1, Superior Ratings, since he began teaching in 2011.

Mr. Still attended the University of Arkansas where he earned Bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Trumpet Performance. While at the University of Arkansas, he studied trumpet with Dr. Richard Rulli. Mr. Still had the privilege of performing for the 2008 International Trumpet Guild in Banff, Canada as a part of the University of Arkansas Trumpet Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Richard Rulli. Mr. Still performed Trumpet with the Wind Symphony under the direction of Professor Dale Warren. Mr. Still also performed in the University Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Robert Mueller was also a member of the Award Winning University of Arkansas Razorback Marching Band.

Mr. Still is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association and is an active performer and clinician. Mr. Still lives in Forney, TX with his wife Megan, four children Aurorah, J.C., Andrew and Aubry, and their three dogs, Eliza, Penny and Luna.

Reagan Hall grew up in Granbury, Texas and graduated from Texas Christian University in May of 2020 with her Bachelors of Music Education. During her time at TCU she was a part of the TCU marching band, wind ensembles, basketball band, steel band, and the award-winning Percussion Orchestra.

Upon graduating, Ms. Hall served one year as the Director of Percussion for Kaufman High School. Ms. Hall has also taught in many districts as a private lesson teacher and marching tech. These district include: Castleberry ISD, Mansfield ISD, HEB ISD, Mesquite ISD, and Granbury ISD. Ms. Hall is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.

Ms. Hall is excited to join the Big Blue Band team!