Directors
Karlos Elizondo
Director of Bands
Karlos Angel Elizondo, with two decades of teaching experience, has been a dedicated educator at Bradley Middle School in North East ISD since 2018. Prior to his tenure here, Mr. Elizondo served at Kirby Middle School and as the Grammar Hall Band Director at Regents School of Austin, where he focused on 5th and 6th grade bands. His extensive expertise also encompasses roles as a High School Band Director, including positions at Tom C Clark High School (Northside ISD), McCollum High School (Harlandale ISD), and Burbank High School (San Antonio ISD).
In 2005, Mr. Elizondo earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, under the mentorship of distinguished educators like Dr. Keith Winking, James Hudson, Freddie Mendoza, Jack Laumer, and John Lopez. During his collegiate years, he actively contributed to the Texas State University performing wind bands and showcased his musical prowess as the lead trumpet in various ensembles.
At Bradley Middle School, Mr. Elizondo oversees the Honor Band and the Jazz Ensemble, providing valuable assistance to the Symphonic Band, and instructing beginner brass classes. His bands consistently excel, earning UIL Sweepstakes ratings, unanimous first division ratings, Best In Class, and Overall Outstanding Band honors at festivals throughout the state.
In 2019, the Bradley Jazz Band 1 received the honor of performing at both the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. The Bradley Jazz Program has flourished, boasting a membership of over 75 students and featuring three full jazz big bands, a jazz combo, and a beginner jazz band (6th grade). Under Mr. Elizondo's guidance, his jazz bands have consistently secured first place recognition at various prestigious festivals, including those at Texas State University, St. Mary’s University, and Palo Alto College.
Beyond his teaching role, Mr. Elizondo actively contributes to the field as a clinician and adjudicator, holding memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Texas Jazz Educators Association. What sets him apart is his dual role as an active, sought-after musician in and around the state of Texas. As a distinguished "first call" Lead Trumpet player, Mr. Elizondo has graced the stage with illustrious ensembles such as The San Antonio Symphony, The Austin Symphony Big Band, The GAP Band, The Temptations, Mannheim Steamroller, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, The Latin Breed, and The United States Air Force Band of the West, among others. Frequent performances with the Doc Watkins Big Band at the San Antonio Pearl further showcase his musical prowess.
While at home, Mr. Elizondo cherishes moments with his wife Madeline and their two children, Amelie and Karlitos. During his leisure time, he enjoys both staying active and unwinding. Their household is also graced by the presence of an English Bulldog named Roscoe and a tabby cat named Laney.
Miguel Vilas
Associate Director of Bands
Miguel Vilas is a Cuban-American born in Miami, Florida. A graduate of the University of Miami where he would focus on Studio Music and Jazz Improvisation. His years at UM were filled with performances alongside Jazz Artists such as Will Lee, Paquito D' Rivera, and Wynton Marsalis. In 1998, Miguel Vilas was honored with Downbeat Magazine’s Outstanding Soloist Award.
Mr. Vilas spent many years performing, arranging, recording, and touring with artists such as Willy Chirino, Alejandra Guzman, The OJ's, The Temptations, Reba McEntire, and Kid Rock. As an educator, he ran a private studio that would average about 20 students per year with a waiting list to enter.
From 2010 to 2013, Miguel Vilas helped build band, orchestra, and choir programs for the Miami-Dade Public School System. In 2013, he moved to San Antonio, where he became the Orchestra Director at Krueger Middle School. Mr. Vilas and his students hosted the Orchestra UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest where each of his orchestras received Superior Ratings (Sweepstakes) every year. His orchestras were awarded various Best in Class and Best Overall Awards from various competitions throughout Texas.
In 2020, Mr. Vilas was contracted to create a music program at the City of Hialeah Educational Academy (Hialeah, FL). The program now includes a flourishing band, choir, and orchestra.
Miguel Vilas returned “Home” in the Fall of 2022 to the North East Independent School District to lead the Bradley Orchestra to as Head Orchestra Director where all groups continued their winning tradition in both Region and UIL Contests. Mr. Vilas is now the associate Band Director at Bradley Middle School where he will continue to develop young musicians and help elevate this program to new heights.