Arlington Heights High School
Brad Pritchett
Head Band Director – james.pritchett@fwisd.org
Brad Pritchett is in his fourth year as the Head Band Director at Arlington Heights High School. He directs the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and is the Music Director for the Marching band. Prior to this position, Mr. Pritchett was the Head Band Director at Monnig Middle School. Under his direction, the MMS Band achieved consistent success at UIL contest and received the first 2C Varsity Sweepstakes award in school history. Since 2018, Mr. Pritchett has served as the Visual Director for the AHHS Marching Band, which achieved first divisions at UIL Marching Contest since 2018. Heights has advanced to the AREA Marching contest 4 consecutive times, placing 13th in 2023.
The Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Pritchett has also achieved high levels of success. In 2021-22, AHHS earned the first 5A Varsity UIL Sweepstakes award in school history, and it’s second in 2022-23. In 2023 the wind ensemble entered the TMEA honor band competition for the first time, advancing to the AREA level and was also named a Mark of Excellence Commended Winner.
A native of Fort Worth, Mr. Pritchett attended Mclean Middle School and graduated from R. L. Paschal High School where he participated in the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Clarinet Choir, and Wind Ensemble. Upon graduation from Paschal HS, he attended Texas Christian University and studied clarinet with Gary Whitman. While at TCU, he performed with the Horned Frog Marching Band, Basketball Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Wind Symphony. His favorite memories include performing with the TCU Wind Symphony in Carnegie Hall and marching in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade.
After graduating from TCU with his Bachelors in Music Education, Mr. Pritchett began his teaching career as an Assistant Band Director and Woodwind Specialist at Southwest High School under the direction and mentorship of Mr. Stacey Dunn.
Originally a clarinetist/saxophonist, Mr. Pritchett now regularly plays several instruments, which has been an invaluable asset in his teaching. He enjoys playing and performing music and is currently serving as the Bb/Eb Clarinetist with the Mansfield Wind Symphony. Mr. Pritchett is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association. He attends the annual conventions of both organizations to continue his journey as a lifelong learner.
Mr. Pritchett enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristen, who is the choir director at Aledo and McAnally middle schools and their dog Ellie, a very energetic Brittany Spaniel. He also enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and playing his ever-growing collection of musical instruments. While always aiming for success, his primary goal is to foster a love of music in his students.
Bryan Carrasco
Associate Band Director - bryan.carrascoballin@fwisd.org
Bio coming soon!
Monnig Middle School
Trevor Tolman
Head Band Director – trevor.tolman@fwisd.org
Trevor Tolman is in his 3rd year of teaching and the proud new head band director of the Monnig Mustangs. He grew up in Fort Worth and went to Wedgwood Middle School and Southwest High School, both of which are known for their consistent sweepstakes awards at UIL contests and commitment to excellence. During his years at Southwest, he became an accomplished baritone saxophonist, making the Texas 4A and 5A All-State Bands as well as the All-State Jazz Band.
He went on to attend the University of North Texas to study and attained his Bachelor’s in Music Education degree. During his time at UNT, he performed in saxophone quartets and duets, the UNT Concert Band, 4 o’ Clock Lab Band under Garrett Wingfield, and the UNT Latin Jazz Lab Band under Jose Aponte.
He is an active jazz musician in the DFW area. He plays in Rick Stitzel’s TCC South Jazz Band, as well as freelancing with Buddy’s Big Band at Southside Preservation Hall and the annual Dallas Military Gala.
Mr. Tolman is a member of the Texas Music Educator’s Association (TMEA) and the Texas Bandmaster’s Association (TBA).
Stripling Middle School
Francisco Rodriguez
Head Band Director – francisco.rodriguez@fwisd.org
Mr. Rodriguez is beginning his third year teaching in Fort Worth ISD as the new Head Band Director at Stripling Middle School. Prior to this position, Mr. Rodriguez was the head director at Glencrest 6th, and assisted the brass and directed the non-varsity band at the Leadership Academy Forest Oak.
Growing up in Texas, Mr. Rodríguez attended Cleburne High School and participated in marching band, jazz band, and the Wind Ensemble. Upon graduation, Mr. Rodriguez attended the University of Texas at Arlington with an emphasis in Music education and studied trumpet with Miranda George, Ken Edwards, and Rick Bogard. While attending UTA, he performed in the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, the jazz ensemble, trumpet ensemble, Maverick Marching Band, and the basketball band.
Mr. Rodriguez’s goal is to provide the highest standard of musical excellence for all his students while creating a meaningful atmosphere where students can learn to take on any challenge. This will help prepare all students for life beyond band. He is a member of Texas Music Educators Association(TMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association(TBA), and Young Band Directors of Texas(YBDT).
He is an active jazz musician in the DFW area. He plays in Rick Stitzel’s TCC South Jazz Band, as well as freelancing with Buddy’s Big Band at Southside Preservation Hall and the annual Dallas Military Gala.
Outside of work Mr. Rodriguez loves to spend time with his family and friends, watches a lot of sports, great food, staying physically active, traveling, and enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Ariel.