Mr. Gilberto Diaz III - Associate Director of Bands
Gilberto Diaz III is the Assistant Director of Bands at Irving High School. Mr. Diaz's responsibilities will include directing the Symphonic Band, leading the visual side of the marching band, and assisting at various middle schools in the district. He served as a High Brass Instructor with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2023 season. Prior to his appointment at IHS, Mr. Diaz served as the Assistant Band Director at Kennedale Junior High. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education at Texas A&M University-Commerce graduating Summa Cum Laude. Studying Horn under Michael Morrow, he was appointed as a mellophone section leader and drum major in the Pride Marching Band. In his senior year, Mr. Diaz student taught in Highland Park ISD under Reagan Brumley and Lara Whitehouse. He marched with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps as a mellophone member for the 2019 season, and has served as a private lessons teacher and marching band instructor for various schools in Texas. Mr. Diaz is a native of Zamboanga City, Philippines, and grew up in the town of Copperas Cove, Texas. Mr. Diaz is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his fiancé and friends, play video games, watch basketball (go Suns!), travel, and try new foods. Email: gildiaz@irvingisd.net |
Mr. Emilio Pla - Director of Percussion
Emilio Pla (He/Him) is the Percussion Director at Irving HS and the surrounding cluster of middle schools. His responsibilities include all percussion ensembles as well as the drumline for the Irving Tiger Marching Band. Prior to Irving High School, Mr. Pla was a drumline instructor for Northwest High School and Chisholm Trail High School. Mr. Pla has been a member of performing ensembles such as the Dallas Brass Band and 2:00 Steel Band. He was also a snare drummer for Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, Genesis, Phantom Regiment and the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. His active memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association and Percussive Arts Society. Mr. Pla currently resides in Lewisville where he enjoys playing games, writing music, and hanging out with his friends. Email: epla@irvingisd.net |
Mr. Don Jackson - Colorguard Director
Mr. Donald G. Jackson holds a masters degree in Music Education with a minor in conducting from the University of North Texas, and a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from North Texas State University. Mr. Jackson has taught for 39 years; 36 years in Texas and 3 years in California. He has taught in Copperas Cove, the University of North Texas while completing his masters of music, in The Woodlands (Conroe I.S.D) at Neal Knox Junior High School, Katy High School, Clovis High School in Clovis, California, DeSoto High School Band and taking them to the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2002, Grand Prairie ISD for seven years, Arlington ISD for two years, and Irving ISD for ten years. Mr. Jackson has taken bands, guards, and percussion groups to Colorado, Louisiana, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, California, Florida, throughout Texas, and Japan. Mr. Jackson was selected TEACHER OF THE YEAR in 1991, and is a member of T.M.E.A., T.B.A., N.T.C.A., M.E.N.C., and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia – Professional Fraternity for men in music. The joy of teaching has kept Mr. Jackson preparing his students for life while instilling a love for music education. Email: dojackson@irvingisd.net |