Heights Band Staff
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.
Malcolm Whorton
Associate Band Director / Director of Percussion
malcolm.whorton@houstonisd.org
Malcolm Whorton is our former student teacher from Fall 2018 now returning for his 5th year as our Associate Band Director Bands and Director of Percussion for Heights High 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. 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 time as a gigging musician with 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 Fiancé, 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.
Jathniel joaquin
Associate Director / Mariachi Director
Jathniel.Joaquin@houstonisd.org
Jathniel Joaquín holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from the University of St. Thomas with an all-grade certification. Through his experience and education, Lic. Joaquín pursued knowledge and experiences in concert band, jazz, and small ensembles. During his undergraduate studies, he performed for the UST Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Band, and various other ensembles. Lic. Joaquín student-conducted the university wind ensemble under the instruction of Mr. Fred Angerstein and studied digital media recording and music production under Dr. Malcolm Solomon. During this time, he also performed internationally in various orchestras and ensembles in Mexico.
After undergraduate studies, Joaquín started a multilingual instrumental program at Lycée International de Houston for grade 5th grade to 9th grade. Afterwards, he served as Head Band Director at Charles H Milby High School for three years where the program saw an active participation and success in HISD Marching Festival, Solo & Ensemble, Concert & Sightreading, and various recognitions in city-wide community functions. During this time, Joaquín also aided in the adjudication and overall implementation of UIL-like contests for different Houston private schools. He also invested time developing a deeper understanding of folkloric Mexican music such as conjunto, banda, and mariachi.
Outside of music, he enjoys spending time exercising, building computers, watching anime, enjoying various fandoms, and traveling with his wife. He is a member of the Houston Symphonic Band Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, Texas Association of Mariachi Educators, and Texas Bandmasters Association.
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).
