THE ROARING RED RAM BAND

The Waltrip Ram Band has a storied history of success. From being the last band to perform for President John F. Kennedy in 1963, to being the 1st Houston ISD band to advance to AREA in 1997, the Roaring Red Ram Band has always strived to push upward and forward.

The Waltrip High School Band program is recognized as one of the top 5 Title I music programs in the United States. They are the Southwest Division Winners of the 2018 Inaugural Music Ed Alliance Dr. William P. Foster Project Award of Excellence. The Ram Band has represented the State of Texas twice in Washington D.C. for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Celebration and the 2015 National 4th of July Parade.

The Jazz Ensemble has performed with world-renowned musicians, such as Mic Gillette, Jon Faddis, Wayne Bergeron, Shelley Carroll, Andre Hayward, Vincent Gardner and many more.

The Ram Band has traveled all over the country including visits to Colorado, California, Washington DC, New Orleans, Orlando, Atlanta and more!

Joining the Ram Band is the best decision any young musician can make!

STAFF

BRENDA CORRAL-SMITH

Director of Bands

Waltrip Band, Class of 1996

Brenda.CorralSmith@houstonisd.org

Brenda Corral-Smith serves as the Director of Bands at Waltrip High School in Houston, Texas. Before coming to Waltrip High School, she was an Assistant Band Director at MacArthur High School in Aldine ISD, the Director of Bands at Sharpstown High School in Houston ISD, and the Director of Bands at Elsik High School in Alief ISD. Mrs. Corral-Smith received a Bachelor in Music Education degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and a Masters in Wind Conducting from The University of Texas in El Paso, Texas.

With 20 years of multi-related experience and 18 years as a Director of Bands, she directed all aspects of the following ensembles: Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensembles, and Mariachi Ensembles. In addition, her versatile teaching experience in multicultural settings has allowed her to create unique opportunities for her students.

Through these experiences, she has been able to grow programs, retain student involvement and achievement. Her goal is to instill a sense of music appreciation while at the same time teaching students about the technical aspects of music.

JEREMY DIGGS

Assistant Band Director

Waltrip Band, Class of 2007

JDiggs@houstonisd.org

Jeremy Diggs currently serves as Assistant Band Director at Waltrip High School in Houston, TX. He is a lifelong member of Houston ISD - attending K. Smith Elementary, Clifton MS, and Waltrip HS. Mr. Diggs received his Bachelor's degree in Media Production from the University of Houston.

He started his career in music education as a member of the Waltrip Ram Band staff in 2007. He then went on to become the Director of Bands at Fondren Middle School and Director of Bands at Fonville Middle School in Houston ISD; leading the Fonville Band to its first UIL Sweepstakes in school history.

With a decade of experience building band programs and 15+ years in the music education field, Mr. Diggs is excited to return to his alma mater to teach the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Beginner Band, and Jazz Ensembles; while also overseeing the media aspects of the band program.

JOHNNY OLIVARES

Assistant Band Director

Waltrip Band, Class of 2012

Johnny.Olivares@houstonisd.org

Johnny Olivares is currently Assistant Band Director at Waltrip High School in Houston, Texas. Before coming to Waltrip High School, he was the Assistant Band Director at Elsik High School in Alief ISD. Mr. Olivares received a Bachelor in Music Education degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. While at Sam Houston State University, Mr. Olivares performed with the Bearkat Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble.

He has directed Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz II, and the Mariachi Ensemble. Being a Houston native and Waltrip Ram Band alumni, Mr. Olivares is thrilled to be a part of the Ram Band Family and is looking forward to working with the students and staff.