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Abel Ocañas
Abel Ocañas is the Head Band Director of the Vanguard Beethoven Gladiator Band. His musical journey began in the 6th grade with the euphonium, following a rich family tradition of music. Abel's father was a member of a conjunto band in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), where Abel first played the congas and drum set.
Abel has an impressive performance history, including playing with the RGV Tuba Euphonium Quartet and advancing to the Semi-Finals of the International Tuba Euphonium Conference Ensemble Competition. He has showcased his talents at both regional and international ITEC Conferences across the United States and Europe. Abel was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi Intercollegiate Band and studied under Dr. Brian Bowman at the Raphael Mendez Brass Institute. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Texas - Pan American in 2012.
With 12 years of teaching experience, Abel began his career at Fossum Middle School in 2012, then moved to Nikki Rowe High School in 2014, spending nine years in McAllen ISD. Since 2021, he has been an integral part of the Gladiator Band, where he co-directs the Beginner Band, Directs the Symphonic Band, Honor Band, Wind Ensemble, and teaches brass and percussion to students from 5th to 12th grade.
Under Mr. Ocañas' leadership, his bands have consistently earned Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluations. His students have achieved Superior Awards in UIL Solo and Ensemble, State Solo and Ensemble, and some have been recognized as Outstanding Soloists at the state level. Many of his students have advanced to TMEA Region Bands, with several reaching Pre-Area, Area, and even the prestigious All-State Band. His students have also had the opportunity to perform across the United States and internationally.
Abel is married to Emma Ocañas, and together they have a son, Abel Mackson Ocañas, who they hope will become a future All-State Band member. The family is actively involved in their home church's music ministries.
aocanas@vanguardac.net
Garrick Pitts
Garrick Pitts is the assistant band director of The Vanguard Academy Beethoven Gladiator band. As a native to Fort Worth, TX, Mr. Pitts joined his 6th grade band class on the clarinet. Throughout his time in grade school, he had the pleasure of being a part of an award-winning high school program that allowed for him to participate in honor band competitions, Area marching band competitions, local All Region bands ,All-Region jazz bands, All Region Orchestras, and the opportunity to participate as the 3rd chair in the Texas All-State band with guest composer John Mackey. Mr. Pitts obtained his Bachelor of Music Performance with an emphasis in Clarinet and Jazz Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi.
He has had the privilege of performing as a guest soloist for local and international festivals, being featured on classical, jazz, and gospel recording records.
Through his six years of teaching music including elementary, choir, mariachi and band, Mr. Pitts is thankful to be part of a young budding band program that is setting the standard for excellence in charter school music education, making history for district recognition through student achievement, and providing inspiration and encouragement for all students aspiring to enter the music profession and community.
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