Band Directors

Director of Bands - M. David Zahrndt

Mr. Zahrndt begins his second year as the Director of Bands at RLT, having just completed an inaugural year highlighted by a return to UIL Sweepstakes for the Lion Band program.  Prior to RLT, Mr. Zahrndt served as the Associate Director of Bands at Newman Smith High School from 2002 to 2008. Under his direction, the NSHS Symphonic Band received First Division ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, and his Jazz Ensemble II has won or placed in its class at the UTA, TCU, and CCCC Jazz Festivals.  As the lead teacher for the Trojan Marching Band, the group received numerous accolades, including selection as Alternate for UIL State Marching Contest in 2006.     

Mr. Zahrndt holds a Master's Degree in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Louisville, in Louisville, KY.

Mr. Zahrndt currently serves at the TMEA Region 24 Jazz Chair, and holds membership in the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmaster's Association, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association.

 

David Zahrndt, office 972/968-5512

 

Director of Percussion - Paul Ailey

Mr. Ailey returns for his sixth year as Director of Percussion/Associate Director at RLT.  Mr. Ailey supervises all aspects of the percussion program for the Turner Band Cluster, as well as sharing conducting duties with the concert band.  Mr. Ailey brings 15 years of teaching experience to the Turner staff, having been a member of several highly successful band programs throughout the DFW Metroplex.

Mr. Ailey received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1991 and spent 2 years teaching in Oklahoma, then continued his studies at Oklahoma State University.

Mr. Ailey holds professional memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi Music Fraternity.

Paul Ailey, office 972/968-5514

Associate Director of Bands - Jesse Showalter

Jesse Showalter begins his third year as the Associate Director of Bands for R. L. Turner High School.  Mr. Showalter serves as the primary director of the RLT Symphonic Band, as well as assisting with all aspects of the RLT Band Program. 

Mr. Showalter attended high school in Midland, TX at Robert E. Lee High School.  While at Lee, he was a member of the Honor Band under the direction of Mr. Randy Storie, a two time All-State Euphonium player and finished his senior year as 3rd chair overall in the state. 

After graduation from high school in 2002, Mr. Showalter attended Texas Tech University to study Music Education.  While at Texas Tech, he was a featured soloist and performed with the nationally recognized Sudler Trophy-winning Goin' Band from Raiderland.  In his four years at Tech, he performed with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble directed by Dr. John Cody Birdwell and Dr. Sarah McKoin; and the Symphonic Band directed by Mr. Keith Bearden and Mr. Christopher Anderson.  Mr. Showalter studied Euphonium with Dr. Kevin Wass and was a member of the Tech Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble.  He studied conducting with Mr. Gary Lewis. 

Mr. Showalter is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.

Jesse Showalter, office 972/968-5513

 

Color Guard Director - Jake Robins

Mr. Robins joins the Turner Band staff this year as Director of Color Guard.  A student of Celeste Sosa,  he spent three years as a member and as a captain of the Little Elm High School Color Guard and Winter Guard, placing as high as 3rd in the state of Texas and 24th in the world at the North Texas Color Guard Association and Winter Guard International competitions.  In addition to his role in the Little Elm Guard, Mr. Robins was a Gold Medalist in the NTCA Individual and Ensemble competition.