Band Directors

Mr. Donald McCandless, Director of Bands

Donald McCandless received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Houston in 1998, where he studied conducting with Eddie Green and was the top graduate of the College of Humanities, Fine Arts and Communication.  He received an Associate of Science in Music from Lee College, where he was the highest ranking graduate. 

Mr. McCandless began his teaching career in 1998 as Associate Director of Bands at Space Center.  In the summer of 2000, Mr. McCandless was named Director of Bands at Space Center Intermediate School.  Bands under his direction have been named “Outstanding in Class” at music festivals numerous times and consistently receive the U.I.L. Sweepstakes Award. 

The Symphonic Band was named a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors in 2008, as well as being named a Commended Winner in 2009 and 2010.  In 2007, they were named a National Finalist in the Mark of Excellence competition and received Commended Honors in the National Wind Band Honors.  The SCIS Symphonic Band was named the 2006 Mark of Excellence Overall Outstanding Middle School Band. In addition, Symphonic Band has advanced to the state finals in Honor Band competition held by the Texas Music Educators Association. 

Mr. McCandless is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  He has been awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the SCIS PTA and is a recipient of the SCIS Award for Excellence in Education.  His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

dmccandl@ccisd.net

Mr. Stanley Zavala, Associate Director of Bands

Stanley Zavala is a 1998 graduate of Huntington High School in Huntington, Texas.  He received his Bachelor of Music from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2002, where he graduated magna cum laude and studied conducting with Fred J. Allen and Christopher Anderson.  While at SFA, he was a member of Phi Kappa Lambda, National Society of College Scholars and Phi Eta Sigma. 

Mr. Zavala completed his student teaching at Spring High School in Spring, Texas.  He has previously taught in Spring Branch ISD and Alvin ISD.  Mr. Zavala became Associate Director of Bands at Space Center Intermediate School in 2003. 

Bands under his direction have received the U.I.L. Sweepstakes Award and have been named “Outstanding in Class” at several music festivals.  He is a recipient of the SCIS Award for Excellence in Education. 

His professional affiliations include Texas Bandmasters Association and Texas Music Educators Association.  Mr. Zavala is supported by his wife, Aleisha Zavala, and their two children, Nathan and Cassidy. 

szavala@ccisd.net

Mr. Matt Barnhart, Associate Director of Bands

Matt Barnhart is a 2003 graduate of Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas.  He was a student of Melodianne Mallow and Bill Watson while in Birdville ISD.  He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Houston in 2008, where he graduated magna cum laude and studied conducting with Tom Bennett and David Bertman. 

Mr. Barnhart began his teaching career in 2008 as Associate Director of Bands at Space Center Intermediate School.  Under his direction, the Concert Band has received awards at U.I.L. Contest for superior concert and sightreading performances.  They have also been named “Outstanding in Class” at music festivals on multiple occasions. His professional affiliations include Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi. 

jbarnhar@ccisd.net