Directors & Staff
​Our band directors are assisted by expert clinicians throughout the year to help strengthen and develop the band members skills in music, marching, choreography, dance and percussion.
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Working with the middle school teachers, they can instill the ball high band values and goals into students early on.
Photo left to right: LizVette Rivera (Central MS Band), Eddie Salinas (Brass Tech), Robin Winter (WW Tech), Gary Jones (Ball High Asst. Director), Andrew Vowell (Ball High Head Director), Megan Lirette (Austin Band).
Andrew Vowell
Director of Bands
Andrew Vowell was raised in a musically inclined household in Bossier City, Louisiana, and demonstrated his musical talent by earning a place in numerous honors bands throughout high school. He pursued his passion for music by obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he actively participated in various musical ensembles.
Andrew's musical journey includes membership in the Pioneer Drum Corps from 2008 to 2009, under the guidance of mentors such as his father, Barry Vowell, as well as Mr. Larry Anderson, Dr. Derle Long, Dr. Melvin Mobley, and Kevin Rabon. Post-graduation, he embarked on his teaching career at Terrebonne High School, where he left a remarkable impact by designing percussion arrangements for the marching band, leading them to multiple accolades, including state finals appearances. He continued to excel in his profession, teaching at Waco ISD and University High, where his contributions led to a superior rating in marching band.
In 2017, Andrew transitioned to Ball High School as the assistant band director, revitalizing the concert band's participation in UIL competitions and significantly increasing student achievements in solo and ensemble performances. His professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, TMEA, PAS, and Salyers Educational Artist, and he attributes his success to the guidance of mentors such as Stuart Spoon, David Hochstetter, Ben Guilotte, Kevin Rabon, and his colleagues in Region 17.
Gary Jones
Assistant Director of Bands
Gary Jones serves as the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Jazz at Galveston Independent School District. With 7 years in education, Mr. Jones earned a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Multi-wind pedagogy minoring in piano performance, as well as an Artist Diploma in Clarinet Performance from SFAS.U.
During his instructor tenure at SFAS.U., Jones conducted the University Band, directed the Roarin’ Buzzsaws NCAA Athletic Bands, was the associate conductor of the Orchestra of the Pines, and served as an instructor of the Lumberjack Marching Band. Mr. Jones is an in-demand conductor in the community, most notably with his tenure as the Instrumental Music Director of The Houston Chamber Music Society, where he conducts The Wind Project.
In 2019, Jones, along with two other band mates, earned themselves a Grammy Nomination from the Recording Academy for best music in a children’s audio book series. The project featured original works from Skip Martin (Kool and the Gang), Gary Jones, Brittany Crowe, Alan Zamarron, and Sandra Siler, receiving national recognition. In 2017, Jones and his sibling duo partner earned themselves a victory by winning the Concerto/Aria contest featuring the Orchestra of the Pines, performing Franz Krommer’s Concerto No.1 for 2 Clarinets. Mr. Jones has taught from the Elementary Music classroom to the national stage.
At Ball High, he his responsible for courses in academic music, concert ensemble, Galveston Jazz Collective, mariachi ensemble, and Colorguard. With his national acclaim as a musical artist and educator, Jones’ professional membership include: International HBCU Band Director Consortium, National Association for Music Education, College Band Director National Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster Association, Texas Black Music Educator’s Association. Mr. Jones is an Eta Class brother of Beta Gamma Omega music fraternity. In 2023, Mr. Jones began a recording project featuring the work of 80’s R&B legend, Alicia Myers. He credits his journey and successes to his parents Jacquelyn and Gary Jones, lifelong friend Devonta Hicks, and a host of friends.