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Gerardo L GonzalezMr. Gonzalez is in his sixteenth year of teaching in Texas public schools, and currently serves as Head Band Director at Westside High School. His responsibilities include directing the Wolf Band (marching), Wind Ensemble (concert), Concert Band, as well as assisting with Jazz Combo/Jazz Band, AP Music Theory, and the Grizzly Band at West Briar MS. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Conducting, both from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Tx. While at SFASU, he performed in various ensembles including the Lumberjack Marching Band, the Wind Ensemble, and the Swingin' Axes Jazz Band where he shared a stage world-class performers like Mike Vax (Stan Kenton Orchestra), Mike Williams (Count Basie Orchestra), and Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band). His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Lambda, and the International Trumpet Guild. He and his wife Jacqueline welcomed their first child, Gabriel, into their lives in May 2020 and life has been incredible ever since!
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Savanna SturmMs. Sturm is going into her third year of teaching at Westside High School. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music. Ms. Sturm has a woodwind background, with her primary instrument being clarinet. During her time at SFA, Ms. Sturm was a member of many ensembles, including the Wind Symphony and the Lumberjack Marching Band. While in the Lumberjack Marching Band, she was able to march at the 2018 UIL State Marching Competition as a member of the exhibition ensemble. Ms. Sturm studied primarily under Dr. Tamey Anglley, Dr. Chris Kaatz, and Dr. Christopher Ayer. She also performed at the Yamaha Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana as a member of the Cypress Ranch High School Wind Ensemble. Ms. Sturm is very excited for the upcoming school year and cannot wait to make music with the Westside High School Band!
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Juwan BlantonJuwan Blanton is very excited to joining the Westside High School band staff as the Percussion Director. Mr. Blanton is a graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University where he received his Undergraduate degree in Music. While at SFA, Mr. Blanton would perform with the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, SFA Lumberjack Marching Band, Orchestra of the Pines, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, Swignin’ Axes and SFA Pep Band.
Mr. Blanton would continue his studies receiving a Masters degree in Percussion Performance at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. While at UH, Mr. Blanton was rewarded a Graduate Assistantship with the percussion studio. He would perform with the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble 1, AURA Contemporary Ensemble and the Moores School of Music Orchestra. Mr. Blanton had previously taught in various places in Texas including Clear Creek High School as the Assistant Percussion Director, Gus Garcia University School as the Head Band Director, Percussion Director at Spring Hill ISD and a private lessons teacher for Pearland ISD. Mr. Blanton is passionate about music and having fun while playing your instrument. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society and the Texas Music Educators Association |
