KISD DIRECTOR OF BANDS
Meghan Lockwood grew up in southeast Texas, where she was an all-state clarinet player in 2001. She graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA in 2005 and began her teaching career in Florida, where she led her band to the school’s first-ever contest appearance. She later returned to Texas to teach in the Panhandle, and central Texas where her bands consistently earned sweepstakes awards, and were state finalists in the Outstanding Performance Series (OPS) for five consecutive years. Mrs. Lockwood also spent a year in Atlanta working with inner-city students, gaining valuable experience and perspective. Mrs. Lockwood joined Kennedale ISD in 2021. Under her leadership, the Kennedale Junior High Band has grown to include nearly half of the student population and has received sweepstakes awards for the past four years. The band has also been a state finalist in the Outstanding Performance Series two years in a row. She is proud to have two daughters in the district—Katie, a 10th grader, and Emma, a 6th grader. Her husband, Eric, is a 4th grade teacher at Patterson Elementary. The Lockwood family is deeply involved in the Kennedale community. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Lockwood is an avid marathon runner, having completed over 30 marathons including the prestigious Boston Marathon. She also enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting Disney World.
ASSISTANT BAND DIRECTOR
Connor Bordelon-Ross (AKA B-Ross) is excited for another year with the Wildcat Band as the Assistant Band Director/Percussion Specialist for Kennedale HS. B-Ross’s duties will include assisting with the high school and junior high bands as well as teaching all percussion students from beginners to seniors. Prior to teaching at Kennedale, B-Ross served 5 years as Assistant Band Director/Percussion Specialist for Bridge City ISD. He directed the Middle School Symphonic Band for 2 years, and the High School Concert Band for 3 years, earning multiple UIL Sweepstakes and first division ratings. He also coordinated percussion instruction across all grade levels from sixth through twelfth grade. His percussion students have earned numerous awards at the Gulf Coast Classic competition, UIL Solo & Ensemble, TMEA All-Region and All-Area, and ATSSB All-Region and All-Area auditions. B-Ross is a 2011 graduate of B.F. Terry High School in Rosenberg, TX. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Lamar University where he graduated in 2016 with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. While at Lamar, he performed in the Wind Ensemble, Showcase of Southeast Texas Marching Band, and various percussion ensembles. He served as section leader for the tenor line, snare line, and the Lamar University Drumline. He performed with the Wind Ensemble and Percussion Studio at the TMEA convention three times. He also performed at PASIC in 2015 in the University Drumline Competition as well as the University Percussion Ensemble Competition, winning first place in both. He is a member of TMEA, ATSSB, PAS, and Pi Kappa Lambda. When B-Ross is not at the band hall you can find him playing video games with friends, hurting himself playing sports, or spending quality time at home with his wife and their dog, Thor the Dog of Thunder.
ASSISTANT BAND DIRECTOR
Riley Irwin is thrilled to join the Wildcat Band family as the Assistant Band Director. He joins us from San Angelo, TX, where he was the head band director at Bronte High School for 2 years. Under his direction, the Bronte Band received their first UIL sweepstakes award in over 40 years. Prior to his tenure at Bronte, Mr. Irwin was the assistant band director at Clinton High School, and he has worked with a state championship winning program and several other organizations across the State of Mississippi. He began his collegiate career at Hinds Community College for two years before transferring to The University of Southern Mississippi where he received his bachelor’s of Music Education. As a Trombonist, Mr. Irwin has performed in professional organizations throughout Mississippi, including the Mississippi Wind Symphony, Belhaven Orchestra, Hinds Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Southern Miss Trombone Choir, and The Pride of Mississippi. Mr. Irwin has attended and is active with educational organizations such as the Mississippi Band Masters Association, Texas Music Educator’s Conference, and Marching Arts Clinics to enhance his professional expertise. Outside of school you will find Mr. Irwin at Orange Theory, coffee shops, playing switch, and exploring the outdoors. Mr. Irwin believes in putting his health first to be able to provide quality education to his students.