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.