Heights Band Staff

Malcolm Whorton

Director of Bands / Director of Percussion

malcolm.whorton@houstonisd.org

Malcolm Whorton is returning for his 8th year as the Director of Bands for the Heights Bulldog Band. Before becoming the Director of Bands, Mr. Whorton's teaching career began in college as a student teacher for Heights in Fall 2018, long term sub in Spring 2019, and then 7 years as the Associate Band Director and Director of Percussion. Mr. Whorton holds a bachelors degree in Music Education (Instrumental) from Prairie View A&M University with an all-level teaching certification. During his tenure at Prairie View A&M University, Mr. Whorton was involved in various ensembles including The Marching Storm, drumline (MSD), marimba ensemble, wind ensemble, jazz band, and musical theatre. After graduating, Mr. Whorton served 3 years on the front ensemble staff with the Compass Drum & Bugle Corp. In his final year with Compass, Mr. Whorton served as Co-Coordinator for the the corps front ensemble. Mr. Whorton also has spent some of his time as a gigging musician with the "New Order Big Band" during the first year of his career. 

Outside of the band hall, Mr. Whorton is a San Antonio Spurs fan that enjoys spending his time watching tv, playing video games, writing/arranging music, cooking, and spending time with his wife, friends, and family. Mr. Whorton’s  professional affiliations include Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Incorporated, Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, and Texas Bandmasters Association. He is also an Educational Artist for Salyers Percussion.

Mr. Whorton's duties for the Heights Band include:

• Instruction the Wind Ensemble

• Team teaching the Symphonic Band

• All percussion instruction

• Band Communications

• Band Scheduling

Alexandra Farmer-Wade

Associate Director / Mariachi Director

Alexandra.Farmer@houstonisd.org 

Alexandra Farmer-Wade is an inquisitive and creative arts educator and leader who believes every student deserves a music education that challenges, inspires, and equips them to become complete musicians. Her educational philosophy is centered on developing technical excellence, artistic curiosity, personal ownership, confident leadership, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Mrs. Farmer-Wade earned her Bachelor of Music from Prairie View A&M University before completing her Master of Arts in Arts Leadership at the University of Houston. Prior to joining Heights High School, she served as Director of Bands at Lawson Middle School, where she guided young musicians through performance, leadership, and community engagement. She is excited to join the Heights Bulldog Band and looks forward to supporting students as they grow into confident musicians, leaders, and lifelong advocates for the arts.

Outside of the band hall, Alexandra enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending live performances, shopping, and game nights. She loves everything from board games and card games to video games, with "The Sims" remaining her all-time favorite.

Mrs. Farmer-Wade's duties for the Heights Band include:

• Band related paperwork

Matt Caballero

Color Guard Director

matthew.caballero@houstonisd.org 

Mr. Caballero helped re-establish the guard program in 2016 with one returning guard member. The 2017-2018 school year brought tremendous growth for him and the team, appearing for the first time at the WGI Houston regional. They continued their pursuit of excellence and made finals twice the following year at WGI Houston & Austin - the first in the school's history. Since then, the color guard has consistently grown and competed in WGI regionals every season. 

Some of his credits include: WGI Houston finalist, WGI Austin finalist, WGI San Antonio Regional Champion, UIL Division 1 (first time in 50+ years at Heights H.S.), 1st place TCGC, 1st place for Future of Transportation Exhibition, design works featured in New York City (Fordham University), Philadelphia (AIA Philadelphia) and Miami (SCOPE International Design Exhibit).

mayu fuji-sedano

Guard Technician

Mayu is an active dancer who was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. At a young age, she learned baton and later was introduced to color guard when attending the International Pacific University. During her time at IPU, she held multiple leadership positions and awards with the marching band. She marched with the Santa Clara Vanguard in the 2013 season. Most recently, she toured with the Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway show, Blast! in 2017 and 2019.