Leadership
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JAMES WHITIS
Founder, Musical Director and Conductor
Mr. Whitis taught 26 years as a public-school band director and another 13 as Professor of Music at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where he taught music education courses, low brass pedagogy, and observed student teachers in their final year before graduation. He retired from UMHB in the spring of 2020 after 39 years of teaching. He is married to Jessye Whitis, retired UMHB Professor of Piano. He maintains a studio of low brass students and is a member of the Chisholm Brass Quintet.
Mr. Whitis is a native of Belton, Texas.
CHARLA KELLEY
Founder, Musical Director and Conductor
Mrs. Kelley taught 29 years in public education. During the 29 years she taught 5th & 7th grade science, coached cheerleading and taught both MS and HS band. She retired in 2022 after her 29 years in education. She is married to Jeff Kelley owner/operator of Salado Plumbing and lives in Salado TX.
Currently she works part time for Salado ISD as Athletic Dept. Secretary.
Frank Coachman
Founder
Musical Director and Conductor