Mr. Russell Balusek, Director of Bands

I was born and raised in East Bernard, TX.  After high school, I spent two years at Wharton County Junior College as a music major and a member of the Pioneer Band and Jazz Band.  We were fortunate to perform at the Wichita Jazz Fest and New Orleans Mardi Gras while I was there.  In 2000, I transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University (Axe 'em Jacks!).  I was a member and squad leader for the Lumberjack Marching Band, as well as a member of the Roarin' Buzzsaws Basketball Band, Swingin' Aces Jazz Band, and Trombone Choir.  I graduated in 2004 and accepted my first job with Sealy ISD.  In 2016, I moved to Edna with my beautiful wife, Briana, and daughter, Addison.  We are live music fans, and active and loud supporters of the Astros and Texans!

Mr. Rod Naulls, Junior High Director/Assistant Director

I am California born but Texas raised.  Mr. Naulls grew up in Whitehouse, TX and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University (Axe 'em Jacks!) in 2009.  While there he was very active in the Lumberjack Marching Band, Roarin' Buzzsaws Basketball Band, Tuba/Euphonium Choir and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.  He has taught as Director of Bands at DeKalb ISD (2010-2015) and East Bernard ISD as the junior high/assistant band director (2015-2020).  He is currently in his 3rd year as the junior high band director.  Mr. Naulls is an avid biker, video game player, and league softball player.  He of course loves music and is big Funko Pop and Pokemon card collector.