Gerardo L. GonzalezMr. Gonzalez is in his eleventh year of teaching in Texas public schools, with this being is first year as Head Director at Westside High School. His responsibilities include directing the Wolf Band (marching), Wind Ensemble (concert), Concert Band, as well as assisting with Jazz Combo/Jazz Band, AP Music Theory, and the Grizzly Band at West Briar MS. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Conducting, both from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Tx. While at SFASU, he performed in various ensembles including the Lumberjack Marching Band, the Wind Ensemble, and the Swingin' Axes Jazz Band where he shared a stage with Mike Vax (Stan Kenton Orchestra), Mike Williams (Count Basie Orchestra), and Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band). His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Lambda, and the International Trumpet Guild. He and his wife Jacqueline welcomed their first child, Gabriel, into their lives in May 2020 and life has been incredible ever since!
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Devonta HicksMr. Hicks is going into his fourth year of teaching. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Prior to Westside, he was the Assistant Band Director at John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas since 2017. During his time there, his students brought home their first Non-Varsity Sweepstakes in UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest. The band also received its first Division I rating in 34 years at UIL Marching Contest in 2018. Mr. Hicks is a low brass specialist with his primary instrument being the Euphonium. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, International Tuba Euphonium Association, Beta Gamma Omega, and Phi Rho Psi. Mr. Hicks has played in multiple ensembles including the SFA Wind Ensemble, Lumberjack Marching Band, Swingin’ Aces Jazz Band and The East Texas Symphonic Band in Longview, Texas . He is a current member of The Nacogdoches Winds in Nacogdoches, Texas. Being a Houston native, Mr. Hicks is more than thrilled to be a part of the Wolf Band Family and is looking forward to working with the students and staff this year.
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Jeremiah SalisburyMr. Salisbury is in his tenth year of professional teaching and seventh year at Westside High School. He is serving as the Percussion Director of both Westside High School and West Briar Middle School, and is the Assistant Marching Band director. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Throughout his collegiate career, he had the opportunity to perform with various ensembles across the country including the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, the National Collegiate Wind Ensemble, and Tyler Junior College. Prior to coming to Houston, Jeremiah was the assistant band director at Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, TX. While in the East Texas area he also assisted other programs in the area including Robert E. Lee High School and Tyler Junior College.
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Nicole Kabatsky

Ms. Kabatsky is the Color Guard director at Westside High School. She is a WHS alumnus and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of the University of Houston - Go Coogs! Over the last 8 years, Ms.
Kabatsky has been involved in many color guard productions in teaching and performing capacities. She has worked with multiple schools in HISD, Friendswood ISD, and Sheldon ISD. Ms. K also works with the Special Education students at WHS, and takes great pride in having the best of both worlds. She looks forward to expanding the color guard program in the years to come.
Kabatsky has been involved in many color guard productions in teaching and performing capacities. She has worked with multiple schools in HISD, Friendswood ISD, and Sheldon ISD. Ms. K also works with the Special Education students at WHS, and takes great pride in having the best of both worlds. She looks forward to expanding the color guard program in the years to come.