Lee Willis

lwillis@alvinisd.net

Campus Phone #: 281-245-2594

Band Hall -- FAC 100

Conference Hours: None

Texas Tech University

Lee Willis currently serves as Director of Percussion Studies at Alvin High School in Alvin, Texas. He directs all percussion related ensembles as well as co-directs the marching band and concert ensembles.
 
Prior to his appointment at Alvin, Willis served as Assistant Director of Bands at Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas. Under his direction, the Monterey High School percussion section achieved a great deal of local and state-wide success including a 3rd place finish at the West Texas Auxiliary Championships in 2015 (Class AAAAAA) and a 1st place finish at the West Texas Auxiliary Championships in 2016 (Class AAAAA), in addition to multiple "High Percussion" scores in marching band competitions in the West Texas region. During his two years at MHS, he saw students advance to the All-Area level of the Texas UIL All-State audition process as well as the State level of the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Competition. In the Spring of 2016, he founded the MHS Steel Band and one year later performed a joint concert with Texas Tech University Steel Band 1 'Apocalypso Now' alongside world-renowned steel pan artist, Liam Teague, in the Spring of 2017. 
 
Prior to teaching public school in Texas, Mr. Willis compiled a wealth of collegiate teaching experience both in Texas and in South Carolina. In 2014, Mr. Willis served as the Battery Coordinator of the Coastal Carolina University Marching Band and Assistant Band Director at Conway High School, both located in Conway, South Carolina. Before his hiring at CCU, he spent two years as the primary instructor for the Texas Tech University Drumline, Steel Band II, and Percussion Ensemble II while completing his Master’s Degree. Mr. Willis is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University, where under the tutelage of Dr. Lisa Rogers and Mr. Alan Shinn, he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 2012 and his Master's Degree in Percussion Performance in 2014. 
  
During his time at Texas Tech, Mr. Willis was a member of the top Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band ‘Apocalypso Now’. With these ensembles, he performed at PASIC, TMEA, ISME, NCPP, the PAS Canada Day of Percussion, and the International Kodaly Symposium, alongside some of the biggest names in the percussion world, including Liam Teague, Andy Narell, Victor Provost, Michael Udow, Andy Harnsberger, and many more. In 2012, he finished 4th in the Texas Tech University Concerto Competition. Mr. Willis was also a member of the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Sarah McKoin, and the Symphony Orchestra under Dr. Andrew George and Dr. David Becker. During his time in these ensembles, he performed in concerts at CBDNA in 2011, and TMEA in 2012. Mr. Willis was also a part of the famed Goin’ Band from Raiderland as a member and section leader of the tenor-line.