ABOUT ME:

Lee Willis serves as Director of Percussion at Stephen F. Austin High School, Garcia Middle School, and Sartartia Middle School. He directs all percussion ensembles as well as co-directs the marching band and concert ensembles.

Prior to his appointment at SFA, Willis served as the Director of Percussion at Alvin High School. Under his direction, the Alvin High School Percussion section achieved noteworthy local and state-wide success including two top-10 finishes in the Lone Star Classic drumline competition. Additionally, Mr. Willis founded the Alvin High School Steel Band, which has recently shared the stage with world renowned steelpan artists, Liam Teague and CJ Menge. Prior to his appointment at Alvin, Mr. Willis served as the Associate Director of Bands at Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas. In addition to multiple “High Percussion” scores at marching contests, he mentored students to perform with the Texas All-State Bands and the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest.

Prior to teaching public school in Texas, Mr. Willis compiled a wealth of collegiate teaching experience in Texas and South Carolina. Mr. Willis served as the Battery Coordinator of the Coastal Carolina University Marching Band and Assistant Band Director at Conway High School. Before his hiring at CCU, he served as the primary instructor for the Texas Tech University Drumline, Steel Band II, and Percussion Ensemble II. 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 and Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance. 

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. In 2012, he finished 4th in the Texas Tech University Concerto Competition. Mr. Willis was 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. Mr. Willis was also a part of the famed Goin’ Band from Raiderland as section leader of the tenor-line.

In his spare time, Mr. Willis enjoys playing basketball, golf, and disc golf. He is an extremely passionate fan of the San Antonio Spurs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, New York Yankees, and San Francisco 49ers. He and his wife, Avery, have two wonderful dogs named Harley and Remo.