DIRECTORS

Nathan Burum

Director of Bands

Nathan Burum is a 2004 graduate of Texas Tech University and earned his master’s degree from VanderCook College of Music in 2014. He has served as a band director at Arlington High School since 2007, becoming Director of Bands in 2023. Nathan is honored to lead the Arlington High School Band program as it enters its next chapter as the Fine Arts and Dual Language School for Arlington Independent School District.

Under his leadership, the bands have achieved distinction at every level, from Concert and Symphonic Bands to Wind Symphony, as well as the school’s full orchestra. He is grateful for the unwavering support of Principal Stacie Humbles and Director of Fine Arts Dr. Christopher Anderson. He also acknowledges his greatest supporter, his wife, Carrie Burum—herself an accomplished band director—whose insight and encouragement have been invaluable.

Throughout his career, Nathan has been shaped by the mentorship and leadership of distinguished educators and conductors, including Dr. Charles Menghini and Dr. Stacey Dolan. He has also worked alongside esteemed colleagues such as retired Director of Bands Steve Musser, Keith Bearden, Rick Baker, Monty Morris-Brame, and Michael Heiny.

Nathan remains committed to honoring the traditions of the program while guiding students toward continued artistic excellence and meaningful musical experiences.

Nathan Hervey

Associate Director of Bands & Director of Jazz Studies

Nathan Hervey graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in music education and from University of North Texas with a master’s degree in trombone performance. He performed as a member of the UNT Symphony Orchestra, the 2 O’Clock Lab Band, and the premier trombone choir, conducted by Tony Baker, Vern Kagarice, and Jan Kagarice, and currently performs with the Mansfield Wind Symphony.

Nathan has served as an assistant band director at Arlington High School since the fall of 2012, assisting with the marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band. He is an accomplished composer, with works featured annually on the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List and the J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice list.

His music has been performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the Texas Music Educators Association Conference in San Antonio, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Convention, and the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis.

Brian Lowe

Associate Director of Bands & Director of Percussion Studies

Brian Lowe holds a BA in Music Education from The University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied under Dr. Michael Varner. After graduating in 1999, he has served as a band and percussion director for the past 26 years at several schools in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, including Lamar High School, James Martin High School, Fossil Ridge High School, Richland High School, and Trinity High School.

As part of these programs, his bands have earned 1st Division ratings in University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading Contests, and his percussion ensembles have consistently received 1st Division ratings as well. His marching percussion programs have won numerous festivals over the years, and his students have experienced success in making the All-City and All-Region Bands.

Brian is currently in his 9th year serving as an Assistant Band and Percussion Director at Arlington High School. He has also been heavily involved in Drum Corps International. After aging out as a performer, he served as a staff member for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, and most recently the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps.

Outside of teaching and performing, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather, and their two children, Grayson and Riley.

Carlos Botello

Associate Director of Percussion Studies

Carlos Botello holds a B.A. in Music Education from New Mexico Highlands University and is in his second year with the Arlington High School Band program. Carlos has found success as a percussion director for many high school programs, as well as a highly sought-after clinician in the rudimental percussion community.

He has instructed and arranged for many well-known groups across the United States, including Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Devils B Drum and Bugle Corps, Colts Drum and Bugle Corps, Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps.

Alexis Bundy

Colt Visual Ensemble Instructor

Alexis Bundy is the Color Guard Instructor for the Arlington High School C.V.E. She is currently attending Tarrant County College Northwest and performs with the Mosaic Dance Project, where she specializes in modern, contemporary, and jazz dance styles. As a member of Mosaic Dance Project, Alexis participates in outreach events to help make dance accessible to the
community. She is a 2021 graduate of Kennedale High School and was a member of the KHS Color Guard for all four years. Prior to joining Arlington High School, Alexis taught color guard at Kennedale High School and served as a paraprofessional, working closely with students in an educational
setting. Alexis will be transferring to Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, with the long-term goal of becoming a physical therapist. Her background in movement science and dance informs her teaching style, emphasizing strong technique, injuryprevention, and performer wellness.