The Waxahachie ISD Board of Trustees named Justin Bell as the Director of Bands for Waxahachie High School. Mr. Bell will oversee all operations and staff of the Spirit of Waxahachie Indian Band program at WHS, as well as supervision over the band programs at Coleman, Finley, and Howard Junior High campuses.
Mr. Bell has more than 20 years of experience leading in middle and high school band programs. While still in college, he began this experience at Coppell High School in 2004, before moving to Leander ISD to become their Assistant Band Director at Canyon Ridge Middle School in 2007. In 2010, he became a Music and Marching Instructor in WISD. He then served as the Assistant Band Director at Finley Junior High from 2011-2013. Since 2013, he has been the Assistant Band Director at Waxahachie High School. Mr. Bell has many accolades in his extensive career including several TMEA State Honor Band Finalist and Champion results, Mark of Excellence National Winner from 2014-2017, Sudler Shield Recipient in 2023, and UIL State Marching Participant from 2011-2024. During his twelve years at WHS, he has mentored under Rich Armstrong, making him an excellent candidate to continue the profound work Mr. Armstrong has accomplished in his years leading the WHS Spirit of Waxahachie Indian Band.
Acting Superintendent Dr. David Averett said, "Justin Bell is someone in whom we have great confidence to lead the Spirit of Waxahachie Band. He comes to his new position with a strong knowledge of our district, our students, our music staff, and the strong tradition and expectations of excellence for our music program. I am excited for Mr. Bell and the Spirit of Waxahachie Band. It is no secret that he is stepping into this role on the heels of Rich Armstrong, a true legend in our district and in the music community in the state of Texas. I believe Mr. Bell is the right person to continue the legacy established by Mr. Armstrong. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Bell on being named the Director of Bands."
WISD Director of Fine Arts, Gary Barnard said, “Congratulations to Justin and his wife, Heather, on his appointment as Director of Bands at Waxahachie High School! Following a nationwide search and two rounds of presentations, interviews, and conversations, it became clear that Justin’s deep connection to our community, his strengths as a conductor, and his unwavering commitment to excellence make him the ideal choice to continue the Spirit of Waxahachie’s long-standing tradition of superior performance. His vision and goals are rooted in student-centered excellence, and he is the right person to lead the band program into its next chapter.”
Mr. Bell said, “I’ve had the privilege of being part of the WISD Bands for the past 16 years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support I’ve received from the district, our students and parents, and the dedicated staff throughout that time. I especially want to acknowledge the profound impact of Rich Armstrong—his guidance and friendship have been instrumental in shaping both the educator and the person I am today. This entire journey has been deeply humbling and immensely encouraging. It has only strengthened my belief that Waxahachie is a truly special community, and I look forward to continuing its rich legacy of musical excellence in my new role as the Director of Bands.”
Mr. Bell is a graduate of Midlothian High School where he was second in his graduating class. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with Honors in Liberal Arts, Summa Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University. Justin’s wife Heather is an elementary music teacher. They look forward to many more years of teaching music at their respective schools.
Waxahachie ISD is a district where innovation thrives and growth is limitless. Our core values of Choices, Collaboration, Belonging, and Community enable Waxahachie ISD to engage and nurture students who have a positive impact on the world around them.
