Dr. John Lopez, Interim Director of Bands
Dr. Lopez serves as Associate Director of Bands at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he directs the Pride of South Texas Javelina Marching Band and Symphonic Band, and teaches courses in conducting and music education.
From 2013 to 2022 he served as the Director of Athletic Bands at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA where he was the director of the 200+ member Marching Captains and Pep Band and was the conductor of the University Concert Band. His academic achievements include the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from The University of Georgia, the Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Ohio University, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Glenville State College. His wind conducting teachers include Dr. John Lynch, Dr. Andrew Trachsel, Mr. Frank Wickes, and Mr. John Whitwell. Prior to his graduate work, Dr. Lopez served as the Director of Bands at Gilmer County High School in Glenville, WV where his teaching earned him the 2007 West Virginia Region 7 Teacher of the Year. During his graduate studies at Ohio University, he earned the 2010 Ohio University Outstanding Graduate Teaching Associate Award and the Ronald Socciarelli Award for Outstanding Service to the Ohio University Marching 110. While at OU and UGA, Lopez routinely conducted all the bands, assisted with, and taught undergraduate conducting, and served as a teaching assistant with the OU Marching 110 and the UGA Redcoat Band.
During his time at Christopher Newport University, The Marching Captains over doubled in size and became one of the largest NCAA Division III athletic band programs in the country. The band was featured in the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland and the 2019 Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago. He has been honored twice by the Northeast District of Kappa Kappa Psi with the Outstanding Sponsor Award for his work as the advisor to the Mu Nu chapter of the organization.
Dr. Lopez is also an active scholar on wind band music with extensive contributions to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. He routinely presents at state and regional music conferences and serves regularly as a guest conductor and adjudicator throughout the eastern United States. Additionally, Lopez holds professional memberships in Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Email: [email protected]
From 2013 to 2022 he served as the Director of Athletic Bands at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA where he was the director of the 200+ member Marching Captains and Pep Band and was the conductor of the University Concert Band. His academic achievements include the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from The University of Georgia, the Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Ohio University, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Glenville State College. His wind conducting teachers include Dr. John Lynch, Dr. Andrew Trachsel, Mr. Frank Wickes, and Mr. John Whitwell. Prior to his graduate work, Dr. Lopez served as the Director of Bands at Gilmer County High School in Glenville, WV where his teaching earned him the 2007 West Virginia Region 7 Teacher of the Year. During his graduate studies at Ohio University, he earned the 2010 Ohio University Outstanding Graduate Teaching Associate Award and the Ronald Socciarelli Award for Outstanding Service to the Ohio University Marching 110. While at OU and UGA, Lopez routinely conducted all the bands, assisted with, and taught undergraduate conducting, and served as a teaching assistant with the OU Marching 110 and the UGA Redcoat Band.
During his time at Christopher Newport University, The Marching Captains over doubled in size and became one of the largest NCAA Division III athletic band programs in the country. The band was featured in the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland and the 2019 Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago. He has been honored twice by the Northeast District of Kappa Kappa Psi with the Outstanding Sponsor Award for his work as the advisor to the Mu Nu chapter of the organization.
Dr. Lopez is also an active scholar on wind band music with extensive contributions to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. He routinely presents at state and regional music conferences and serves regularly as a guest conductor and adjudicator throughout the eastern United States. Additionally, Lopez holds professional memberships in Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Email: [email protected]
Dr. kyle aufderhar, interim associate Director of Bands
Kyle Aufderhar currently serves as the Adjunct Professor of Ensembles & Conducting at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He holds the D.M.A. in Wind Conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he studied with Dr. Catherine A. Rand and was a Graduate Assistant with the Department of Bands. Originally a Texas native, Kyle attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education, going on to teach both middle and high school band in the Louisiana public schools, where his students enjoyed notable success in local, regional, and state contests. Kyle returned to UL-Lafayette to study with Dr. William J. Hochkeppel, earning his Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting, and graduating Summa Cum Laude. At USM, he assisted with the athletic bands and concert ensembles, and was a Teaching Assistant for the undergraduate Instrumental Conducting and Marching Band Methods courses.
In 2022, Kyle had the honor of being selected as 1 of 12 fellows (from nearly 300 applicants) for the 4th annual Reynolds Conducting Institute at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Kyle's most recent research, intended for publication, entails James M. David’s 2022 score, Troublesome Fire, and its bearings in Alexander Scriabin’s Vers la flamme (1914), and Karel Husa’s Apotheosis of this Earth (1970). Kyle also prepared a wind ensemble transcription of Cindy McTee's Einstein's Dream, which received its premiere with the USM Wind Ensemble in March 2024.
In 2022, Kyle had the honor of being selected as 1 of 12 fellows (from nearly 300 applicants) for the 4th annual Reynolds Conducting Institute at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Kyle's most recent research, intended for publication, entails James M. David’s 2022 score, Troublesome Fire, and its bearings in Alexander Scriabin’s Vers la flamme (1914), and Karel Husa’s Apotheosis of this Earth (1970). Kyle also prepared a wind ensemble transcription of Cindy McTee's Einstein's Dream, which received its premiere with the USM Wind Ensemble in March 2024.
Dr. BRandon Horrocks
Dr. Brandon Horrocks is the newly appointed Adjunct Professor of Bands at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he teaches the Concert Band, beginning conducting courses, and student teacher supervisor.
Known for thoughtfully challenging, creative, and expressive orchestral programming, conductor Brandon Horrocks has been actively engaged in the orchestral music scene in the Salt Lake community for the last several years. Brandon has served as the Music Director & Conductor of the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra and the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Brandon was also the Assistant Conductor for the Salt Lake Symphony. He has also worked with the New American Philharmonic, the West Jordan Symphony, and the Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony. He has also been a clinician and adjudicator for the Granite Youth Symphony, the Weber School District High School Honors Orchestra, and the West Valley Symphony.
In addition to his orchestral work, Brandon has maintained a busy schedule as a vocalist and teacher in the Salt Lake community as a choir section leader with the Cathedral of the Madeleine Choir and as an adjunct choir teacher at the Madeleine Choir School. Additionally, he has performed with the Grand Teton Festival Chorus, Utah Chamber Artists, Salt Lake Choral Artists, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, and San Diego Master Chorale.
Brandon earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree and Master of Music degrees in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Utah, under the instruction of Dr. Robert Baldwin. Brandon received his Bachelors of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah where he studied voice with Drs. Seth Keeton and David Power, and opera with Dr. Robert Breault. Brandon holds memberships with the International Conductors Guild, CODA (College Orchestra Directors Association), and the League of American Orchestras.
Known for thoughtfully challenging, creative, and expressive orchestral programming, conductor Brandon Horrocks has been actively engaged in the orchestral music scene in the Salt Lake community for the last several years. Brandon has served as the Music Director & Conductor of the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra and the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Brandon was also the Assistant Conductor for the Salt Lake Symphony. He has also worked with the New American Philharmonic, the West Jordan Symphony, and the Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony. He has also been a clinician and adjudicator for the Granite Youth Symphony, the Weber School District High School Honors Orchestra, and the West Valley Symphony.
In addition to his orchestral work, Brandon has maintained a busy schedule as a vocalist and teacher in the Salt Lake community as a choir section leader with the Cathedral of the Madeleine Choir and as an adjunct choir teacher at the Madeleine Choir School. Additionally, he has performed with the Grand Teton Festival Chorus, Utah Chamber Artists, Salt Lake Choral Artists, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, and San Diego Master Chorale.
Brandon earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree and Master of Music degrees in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Utah, under the instruction of Dr. Robert Baldwin. Brandon received his Bachelors of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah where he studied voice with Drs. Seth Keeton and David Power, and opera with Dr. Robert Breault. Brandon holds memberships with the International Conductors Guild, CODA (College Orchestra Directors Association), and the League of American Orchestras.
Mr. Daniel Heredia, Graduate Conducting associate
Mr. Daniel Heredia is a 2025 Graduate from Texas A&M University – Kingsville where he received his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Music Education. Mr. Heredia is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant studying under Dr. Scott Jones and Dr. John Lopez. As a candidate for his Masters in Wind Band Conducting, he works intently with the TAMUK band staff and faculty in leading the Pride of South Texas Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and University Band.
As a trombonist, Mr. Heredia has participated in the Pride of South Texas Marching for four years, the TAMUK Concert Bands, TAMUK Jazz Bands, and the Award Winning TAMUK Trombone Choir. Under the direction of Dr. Oscar Diaz, he served in leadership for the TAMUK Trombone Association as Secretary for two years, had the privilege of conducting the TAMUK Trombone Choir, and performed with the ensemble at the Annual 2024 International Trombone Festival. He was also a Finalist for the 2024 TAMUK Conducting Competition under the direction of Dr. Evan Harger.
Furthermore, as an educator and artist he has worked with several school districts such as Ricardo ISD, Bishop ISD, and the Honor Band Winning Santa-Gertrudis Academy, where he was a brass specialist and helped prepare ensembles for UIL Evaluation as a conductor. In the summer of 2024, Mr. Heredia participated in the Newfound Chamber Winds Festival where he got to work with prolific conductors Dr. Tyler Austin, Dr. Evan Harger, Yuji Jones, Hunter Kopczynski, and Dr. Kevin Sedatole. Here, he helped produce an album called “FluteLore” which featured works by Mary Matthews Norton and Nicole Chamberlain, where Matthews was accompanied by the Newfound Chamber Winds under the direction of Dr. Tyler Austin. He lent his ear and musical knowledge to facilitate the creation of a cutting edge, modern, and creative work of art for flute players around the globe.
As a trombonist, Mr. Heredia has participated in the Pride of South Texas Marching for four years, the TAMUK Concert Bands, TAMUK Jazz Bands, and the Award Winning TAMUK Trombone Choir. Under the direction of Dr. Oscar Diaz, he served in leadership for the TAMUK Trombone Association as Secretary for two years, had the privilege of conducting the TAMUK Trombone Choir, and performed with the ensemble at the Annual 2024 International Trombone Festival. He was also a Finalist for the 2024 TAMUK Conducting Competition under the direction of Dr. Evan Harger.
Furthermore, as an educator and artist he has worked with several school districts such as Ricardo ISD, Bishop ISD, and the Honor Band Winning Santa-Gertrudis Academy, where he was a brass specialist and helped prepare ensembles for UIL Evaluation as a conductor. In the summer of 2024, Mr. Heredia participated in the Newfound Chamber Winds Festival where he got to work with prolific conductors Dr. Tyler Austin, Dr. Evan Harger, Yuji Jones, Hunter Kopczynski, and Dr. Kevin Sedatole. Here, he helped produce an album called “FluteLore” which featured works by Mary Matthews Norton and Nicole Chamberlain, where Matthews was accompanied by the Newfound Chamber Winds under the direction of Dr. Tyler Austin. He lent his ear and musical knowledge to facilitate the creation of a cutting edge, modern, and creative work of art for flute players around the globe.
Mr. Manuel S. Rocha, Graduate conducting associate
Mr. Manny Rocha is a 2024 graduate of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville School of Music where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree, graduating with Suma Cum Laude Honors. Mr. Rocha is currently studying under Dr. Scott Jones and Dr. John Lopez to earn his Masters Degree in Wind Band Conducting. As a Graduate Teaching Assisstant, he assissts with the band staff in the direction and managaement of the Pride of South Texas Javelina Marching Band, the Wind Symphony, and Symphonic, Concert, and University Bands, as well as assissting in the instruction of undergraduate conducting courses.
As a saxophonist, Mr.Rocha has performed at the 2021 TMEA Convention and the 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance Conference in Hattiesburg, Mississippi as a member of the Saxophone Studio under the direction of Dr. Thomas Zininger and Dr. Gilbert Garza. He has also performed with various TAMUK ensembles including the University, Concert, and Symphonic Bands, and the Wild Hogs Pep Band.
During his undergraduate studies, he served as Secretary to the South Texas Saxophone Association from 2022-2023, Parliamentarian to the Delta-Eta Chapter of the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority from 2023-2024, a member of the Javelina Color Guard from 2021-2023 and as its Co-Captain from 2023-2024, had the pleasure of attending the 2023 TBS-KKY South West District Convention, and was one of 5 finalists in the 2024 TAMUK Conducting Competition. He also had the priviledge of studying conducting under Dr. Evan Harger from 2023-2024.
As an educator, Mr.Rocha served as a Color Guard Tech for H.M. King High School in 2023, as a camp counselor for the 2022 TAMUK summer band camp, as a color guard director for the 2024 TAMUK summer band camp, director of the Fall 2024 Calallen Middle School Flag Team, and as a substitute teacher for his alma mater, Los Fresnos CISD.
Mr.Rocha is a member of TMEA, and a sister of the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
As a saxophonist, Mr.Rocha has performed at the 2021 TMEA Convention and the 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance Conference in Hattiesburg, Mississippi as a member of the Saxophone Studio under the direction of Dr. Thomas Zininger and Dr. Gilbert Garza. He has also performed with various TAMUK ensembles including the University, Concert, and Symphonic Bands, and the Wild Hogs Pep Band.
During his undergraduate studies, he served as Secretary to the South Texas Saxophone Association from 2022-2023, Parliamentarian to the Delta-Eta Chapter of the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority from 2023-2024, a member of the Javelina Color Guard from 2021-2023 and as its Co-Captain from 2023-2024, had the pleasure of attending the 2023 TBS-KKY South West District Convention, and was one of 5 finalists in the 2024 TAMUK Conducting Competition. He also had the priviledge of studying conducting under Dr. Evan Harger from 2023-2024.
As an educator, Mr.Rocha served as a Color Guard Tech for H.M. King High School in 2023, as a camp counselor for the 2022 TAMUK summer band camp, as a color guard director for the 2024 TAMUK summer band camp, director of the Fall 2024 Calallen Middle School Flag Team, and as a substitute teacher for his alma mater, Los Fresnos CISD.
Mr.Rocha is a member of TMEA, and a sister of the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
mR. Bryson Ward, GRADUATE cONDUCTING Associate
Mr. Bryson Ward is a graduate of Texas A&M University Kingsville where he received his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Music Education. Mr. Ward is currently studying under Dr. Scott Jones to earn his Masters in Wind Band Conducting. As a graduate assistant, he works closely with the TAMUK band staff and faculty in directing the Javelina Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and University Band.
As a tuba player, Mr. Ward has participated in the TAMUK Javelina Marching Band where served in leadership for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He performed with the TAMUK Concert bands and was a member of the TAMUK Tuba-Euphonium studio. During his undergraduate degree, he served as the president of the TAMUK Chapter of the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) from 2021-2023. He was the 2023 TAMUK conducting competition winner where he served as guest conductor with the TAMUK Concert Band. Mr. Ward also composed a tuba-euphonium quartet which won 3rd place in the TMAUK Re-Imagine Music competition. He conducted his premiere at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and later performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference in Tempe, Arizona.
As a tuba player, Mr. Ward has participated in the TAMUK Javelina Marching Band where served in leadership for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He performed with the TAMUK Concert bands and was a member of the TAMUK Tuba-Euphonium studio. During his undergraduate degree, he served as the president of the TAMUK Chapter of the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) from 2021-2023. He was the 2023 TAMUK conducting competition winner where he served as guest conductor with the TAMUK Concert Band. Mr. Ward also composed a tuba-euphonium quartet which won 3rd place in the TMAUK Re-Imagine Music competition. He conducted his premiere at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and later performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference in Tempe, Arizona.
