Directors
Antwuan Walters
Director of Bands
antwuan.walters@houstonisd.org
A native of Paris, TX has served as Director of Bands for schools in both Memphis and Nashville Tennessee. During His tenure at schools like Colonial Middle, Melrose HS and Stratford HS he has made numerous contributions and implementations in efforts to strengthen the band programs including developing new curriculum, seeking sponsorships and increased student retention in the band program. He was awarded Memphis Outstanding Music Educator by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018. He was selected as a Superintendent Academy Teacher to help develop the summer music education curriculum for Shelby County Schools.He continues to serve as an active drill writer and arranger for local schools in Texas and Tennessee. Mr. Walters is a graduate of the University Of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he received his degree in Music Education. He also serves as a Member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc. and Texas Music Educators Association. In his spare time Mr. Walters like to travel,play the piano and spend time with his family.
Troy Kaufman
Associate Band Director
A native of Orange, Texas, Mr. Kaufman holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Lamar University with an all-level teaching certification, and a Master of Music degree in Jazz Performance from Texas State University. Throughout his education Mr. Kaufman spent time performing as a saxophonist in the San Marcos, Austin, and Golden-Triangle areas in various big bands, jazz combos, salsa groups, as well as pop/rock ensembles. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity, and the Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. Outside of the band hall, Mr. Kaufman enjoys traveling, spending time with his friends and family, watching sports, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Malcolm Whorton
Associate Director/Director of Percussion
malcolm.whorton@houstonisd.org
Malcolm Whorton is our former student teacher from Fall 2018 now returning as our new Associate Director of Bands and Director of Percussion for Heights High Schoo, as well as the Assistant Director at Hamilton Middle School. 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, he was involved in various ensembles including The Marching Storm, drumline (MSD), marimba ensemble, wind ensemble, jazz band, and musical theatre. Mr. Whorton is also the front ensemble technician for Compass Drum & Bugle Corp and apart of the rhythm section for the “New Order Big Band.”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, and spending time with his 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.
Matt Caballero
Color Guard Director
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 competed in WGI regionals every season.
Some of his credits include: WGI Houston finalist, WGI Austin finalist, 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). His experience includes Leander High School, Somerset High School, Nolan World, Revolution, and Black Gold Winter Guard.