Our Directors
Denison High School
Mrs. Melissa Hatheway LewisDirector of Bands & Instrumental Music Coordinator
Melissa Hatheway Lewis is the Director of Bands at Denison High School and the Instrumental Music Coordinator for Denison ISD. She has served in this role since 2019. Mrs. Lewis worked previously at Lone Star High School in Frisco ISD, where she was an Associate Band Director for four years. Prior to coming to Frisco, she taught at Keller Middle School in Keller, Texas. She is a proud graduate of the University of North Texas, where she played clarinet and graduated summa cum laude with honors. While at UNT, she served as the Secretary, Historian, and Vice-President of the North Texas Student Music Educators Organization. Mrs. Lewis graduated from Cedar Park High School in Leander ISD. Mrs. Lewis is also actively involved in the marching band activity, working at various programs around Texas during college and also serving as the Head Field Technician, Athletic Bands Librarian, and Student Assistant to the Director of the UNT Green Brigade Marching Band. Following a series of performance related injuries, Mrs. Lewis became interested in performing arts medicine research. She has won numerous awards for her research on marching band, and her first published work appeared in the Medical Problems of Performing Artists Journal in 2013. She is an active clinician and researcher in the area of performing arts medicine. Most recently, she has served as a contributor to the Oxford Handbook of Musician Health Advocacy. Her area of research interest lies in maximizing performance and reducing injury in marching band. Mrs. Lewis earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2019. She also holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas, and graduated in 2025. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and Performing Arts Medicine Association. Mrs. Lewis currently lives in Sherman with her husband Cody. They have two cats and two golden retrievers named Maple and Honey. Mrs. Lewis is thrilled to be a part of the Denison community! |
Mr. Brandon SindeAssistant Director of Bands
Brandon Sinde is the Assistant Director of Bands at Denison High School. The 25-26 school year marks the beginning of Mr.Sinde’s eleventh year of teaching and first year in Denison ISD. Mr.Sinde previously worked at Marble Falls High School where he served as the Assistant Director for ten years. During his time at Marble Falls Mr. Sinde helped lead the Mustang Band to its first UIL State Marching Band Championships appearance and led the Non-Varsity Concert Band to its first Sweepstakes Award. Mr. Sinde received his bachelor's degree in Music Education and Trumpet performance from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Tx. where he studied under Dr. Brian Walker. During his time at Tarleton State University Mr. Sinde was a 5-year member of the Sound and the Fury Marching Band and served as Trumpet Section Leader for 4 years. He was also a 5-year member of the Foul Play Basketball Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensemble 1. In his free time Mr.Sinde enjoys spending time with his Wife Olivia, daughter Lillian, and dog Navi, playing Disc and Regular Golf, playing video games, and cooking. Mr.Sinde's professional affiliations are the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, and the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity of America. |
Mr. Matthew ZintgraffPercussion Director
Matt Zintgraff believes in the value of several life skills, such as self-discipline, how to communicate, and how to work toward a goal through music. He wishes to help his students attain these skills and reap the many other benefits of participating in music, such as lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Matt has had many unique experiences in the marching arts, both as a performer and teacher. In 2019, Matt marched quads with the Phantom Regiment, which served as a satisfying end to his Drum Corps career. Prior to 2019, Matt also marched at the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps, Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, and Violet Crown Indoor Percussion. In addition to his auxiliary marching experiences, Matt got his BM at Texas State University, where he served as a leader in the Bobcat Marching Band, received high-quality percussion instruction, and performed in the top wind ensemble. As a young educator, as well as an active performer, Matt also enjoys teaching at Steele High School as a drumline technician and private lessons instructor. From being in various groups and under a wide spectrum of instructors, Matt aims to teach his students the value of working hard alongside others with like-minded goals. In turn, Matt Zintgraff is wholeheartedly committed to bringing forth his many perspectives on percussion for the benefit of his students. Matt Zintgraff believes in the value of several life skills, such as self-discipline, how to communicate, and how to work toward a goal through music. He wishes to help his students attain these skills and reap the many other benefits of participating in music, such as lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Matt got his BM at Texas State University, where he served as a leader in the Bobcat Marching Band, received high-quality percussion instruction, and performed in the top wind ensemble. In addition to his college experiences, Matt marched quads with the Phantom Regiment, which served as a satisfying end to his Drum Corps career. Prior to 2019, Matt also marched at the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps, Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, and Violet Crown Indoor Percussion. Once he aged out, Matt began teaching Drum Corps at the Soundsport Corps, Compass, and World Class Corps, The Spirit of Atlanta. Matt also enjoyed teaching at Fort Stockton HS and MS as the Assistant/Percussion Director for two years, where He taught almost everything. When he is not teaching, Matt enjoys exercising, playing video games with his fiance, and spending time with his very vocal husky, Chomper. From being in various groups and under a wide spectrum of instructors, Matt aims to teach his students the value of working hard alongside others with like-minded goals. In turn, Matt Zintgraff is wholeheartedly committed to bringing forth his many perspectives on percussion for the benefit of his students.” HS Color Guard Director |
Scott Middle School
Mrs. Jordonn SearcyScott Middle School Director of Bands
Hello! My name is Jordonn Searcy and this is my 10th year of teaching. I have taught elementary music all the way to high school band. This will be my sixth year total in Denison ISD. I graduated from Texas A&M University -Commerce in the fall of 2014. From 2008 to 2011, I went to school at the University of Arkansas. Most of you know my love for elephants, my dogs, and my husband! My husband, Michael, and I currently reside in Anna, Texas, with our two fur babies! I am excited to be back in Denison ISD and working with the kids I know and absolutely love! |
Mr. Tanner EllisScott Middle School Assistant Band Director |
B. McDaniel Intermediate
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Ms. Ashley WurtzMiddle School Assistant Band Director |
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