Directors  & Staff

Gary Jones serves as the 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.