Gary Barnard

Gary Barnard is the Director of Fine Arts for Waxahachie ISD.

Prior to joining WISD he was an Assistant Principal at Colleyville Heritage High School. Among other duties, he primarily supported and supervised the Fine Arts and Special Education departments.

Before moving into educational administration, Gary was a band director in Texas for 18 years, most recently serving as Director of Bands at Colleyville Heritage High School.

He also taught and directed bands in McKinney ISD, Carroll ISD, Denton ISD, and Birdville ISD.

His ensembles have consistently experienced competitive success on stages and in stadiums, including UIL State Marching Band Finalists, UIL Honor Band Area Finalist, Bands of America Regional and Super Regional Finalists, the Mark of Excellence National and Commended Winners, the Medal of Distinction “Maestro Award” National Winner, and more. His ensembles typically produced state leading numbers of Texas All State musicians.

His 2022-2023 Wind Ensemble was selected to perform as a featured performer at the 2024 Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis.

He has served as the TMEA Jazz Chair for both Regions 5 and 31.

Gary is a graduate of Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and he received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Master of Educational Administration from the University of North Texas.

As a tuba player, Gary has performed with the Colts and Phantom Regiment. He has served as a brass instructor for Phantom Regiment, the Troopers, and Genesis. He was a consultant for Dust Storm Indoor Winds, a performance ensemble at Tarrant County College.

He was part of the Crossmen brass team from 2006-2010 and rejoined in 2023.

He is an active clinician and adjudicator.

Gary is married to Daphne, an advanced biology teacher in Carroll ISD (and Blue Devil alum). They live in Fort Worth, with their sons Daniel and Brentwood. They are expecting a daughter in February 2025!