Band Directors

Aya Fuller is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with 18 years of experience, specializing in band direction and music instruction. She began her collegiate journey at Grambling State University, where she attended on a music scholarship. During her time there, she marched in the renowned "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band with the trumpet as her primary instrument. These formative experiences deepened her love for music and solidified her commitment to a career in music education. Aya later earned a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Her career began in the DeSoto Independent School District, where she served as an elementary music teacher, choir director and an assistant band director.

In 2015, Ms. Fuller transitioned to the Dallas Independent School District, where she spent eight years as the head band director at E.B. Comstock Middle School. Following a year-long tenure at T.J. Rusk Middle School, she is now excited to join A.W. Spence Middle School TAG Academy. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for music education and youth development.

Ms. Fuller is not only committed to her professional work but also to her community and personal interests. She is a proud member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, both of which reflect her dedication to service and excellence. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Fuller uses her talents to mentor young people through leadership groups and step-team.

In her personal life, she cherishes time spent with family and friends, and she is the devoted owner of two male Sphynx named Peanut and Almond. Ms. Fuller’s career is marked by a profound commitment to music education, student mentorship, and community engagement.

Matthew Sheppard, an experienced music educator in his 13th year of teaching, has recently joined the Spence Middle School and TAG Academy family. With a strong background in clarinet and bass clarinet, Mr. Sheppard holds an Associate of Music from Blinn College and a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Texas in Denton. During his time at Blinn College, he was a member of the esteemed Band Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi. Before beginning his professional teaching career, Mr. Sheppard gained valuable experience through student teaching with Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sheppard has held various teaching positions, including K-12 Music teacher and Band Director in Round Top-Carmine ISD. At these schools, he worked diligently to enhance musicianship across Elementary, Beginning Band, High School Choir, and Bands. Mr. Sheppard later spent two years teaching in Grandview ISD, where he helped the marching band, concert band, and middle school bands achieve Superior ratings at UIL contests. Under his leadership as an assistant band director, the school advanced to the Area Marching contest for the first time in its history.

From 2015 to 2024, Mr. Sheppard served as Head Director at Spruce High School in Dallas ISD. During his tenure, the marching band received Excellent ratings at UIL Marching Contests and achieved four Superior Ratings at UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contests – a remarkable accomplishment and a first in the school's history. His nine years at Spruce High School saw the cultivation of a thriving tradition of excellence, a family atmosphere and superior musicianship.

Beyond his teaching career, Mr. Sheppard values spending time with his wife and son, two cats, and dog. When not at school or in rehearsal, he enjoys playing various fps games, playing board games and D&D with his family, and socializing with friends. Mr. Sheppard is also an active member of his church, regularly playing the Cajon during worship services and doing all that he can to share the gift of music.