Michael Brashear

Michael Brashear recently completed his second year as Director of Fine Arts for the Richardson ISD. He was responsible for the entire fine arts program which includes Secondary Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theatre, and Elementary Music. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Brashear completed his thirtieth year as a band director and his thirteenth year as Director of Bands and Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at L.V. Berkner High School in Richardson. Before moving to Richardson, Mr. Brashear taught in the Cypress-Fairbanks, Spring Branch, and Irving public schools. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Tarleton State University and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas.

Bands under Mr. Brashear's leadership have won many awards, including selection as "Best in Class" at numerous festivals, selection as finalist in the Texas Music Educators State Honor Band competitions, and selection as finalist in the Texas State Marching Contest. In December 2000, the Berkner Band performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

In 1998, Mr. Brashear was one of fifteen teachers in Texas to win the UIL-Southwestern Bell Sponsor Excellence Award, and one of eight Richardson ISD teachers awarded the RISE Foundation "Excellence in Teaching" award. He is an active member of the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 2004, he was honored by being elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. In 2006, Mr. Brashear was presented the Meritorious Achievement Award by the Texas Bandmasters Association in recognition of an outstanding career as a band director.

Active in the professional community, Mr. Brashear served for seven years on the board of directors of the Texas Bandmasters Association and was president of that organization in 2003. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and served that organization as a region officer. Mr. Brashear is active in the Southwest as a band clinician and guest conductor. He frequently serves as an adjudicator and is a member of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. He is currently serving on the UIL Prescribed Music List Committee. Michael and his wife Priscilla will be moving to San Antonio this summer where he will begin his new position as Executive Director of the Texas Bandmasters Association following this year's convention. Their daughter Sarah will enter 8th grade, and son Robert will be a sophomore at Sam Houston State University.