Directors
Joseph Dittfurth, ​Director of Bands,
[email protected]
Bio coming soon!
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Haylie Cooperman graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Since then, she has taught in Anahuac ISD, Killeen ISD, and now Willis ISD in both the Middle and High School levels. The programs that she has worked with have received both region and area-level recognition, and have received sweepstakes awards at UIL concert and sight reading contest. She is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the International Double Reed Society. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 dogs! |
Haylie Cooperman, Assistant Band Director, [email protected]
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Jarrett Jones, Assistant Band Director, Director of Percussion, [email protected]
James Jarrett Jones currently serves as an Assistant Band Director and the Director of Percussion at Willis High School since 2023. Mr. Jones oversees the percussion program, conducts the Concert Band, and assists with the other concert ensembles and the marching band. Before coming to Willis High School, he received his Bachelor of Music Education (BME) from Mississippi State University where he studied under Dr. Jason Baker. Mr. Jones has premiered several pieces for solo and ensemble percussion and enjoys performing and programming new music.
In Starkville, Mr. Jones performed with the Starkville Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with a range of other performing ensembles, accompanying the univérsity's choirs, and several different chamber groups. Mr. Jones has a successful teaching record with students in many age groups, leading percussion ensembles and chamber groups, as well as coaching high-achieving drumlines, including his time as Captain of the Mississippi State University Drumline.
Jarrett is incredibly proud to endorse both SABIAN Cymbals and Salyers Percussion. He is also a member of the National Association for Music Educators (NAME), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Percussive Arts Society (PAS), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America.
In Starkville, Mr. Jones performed with the Starkville Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with a range of other performing ensembles, accompanying the univérsity's choirs, and several different chamber groups. Mr. Jones has a successful teaching record with students in many age groups, leading percussion ensembles and chamber groups, as well as coaching high-achieving drumlines, including his time as Captain of the Mississippi State University Drumline.
Jarrett is incredibly proud to endorse both SABIAN Cymbals and Salyers Percussion. He is also a member of the National Association for Music Educators (NAME), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Percussive Arts Society (PAS), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America.
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Celeste Vela brings passion, creativity, and leadership to the color guard program. After joining LCISD in 2023, she is now excited to be part of the Willis High School Band family. With a strong background in performance and instruction, Ms.V recently competed with the Sam Houston State University Independent Guard, earning a national championship title. She is dedicated to helping students grow in both skill and confidence, with a focus on precision, expression, and teamwork to bring visual excellence to every performance. Outside of rehearsal, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. |
Celeste Vela,
Color Guard Director, [email protected]
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Brabham Middle School Band
Lynn Lucas Middle School Band
Calfee Middle School Band
Our preferred method of communication is through email, however you can call the front office to reach our
office phone at (936)856-1250. You can also contact us via email to set-up an in-peron meeting. Our meetings are by appointment only.
office phone at (936)856-1250. You can also contact us via email to set-up an in-peron meeting. Our meetings are by appointment only.
