Albert Vela III is currently in his 15th year as an Assistant Director at Oak Ridge High School in
Conroe, TX. His duties include directing the War Eagle Marching Band, conducting
the Symphonic Band, and co-conducting Concert Band II. During his time at Oak Ridge, the Marching Band
has received the UIL Sweepstakes Award for 14 consecutive years, and made appearances in Bands of
America Regional Finals, UIL Area Finals, and the Texas UIL State Marching Contest for 3 consecutive years. Under Mr.
Vela’s direction, Concert Band I achieved its first UIL Sweepstakes and was named “Best in Class” at
music festival multiple times. He has also assisted the Symphonic Band to numerous UIL Sweepstakes
and most recently assisted the Wind Ensemble to a 2nd Runner-Up finish in the 2016 6A State Honor
Band Contest.
An active participant in the Drum and Bugle Corps activity, Albert has served on the brass staffs for
several drum corps. He is currently serving on the brass staff for the 21 time DCI World Champion Concord Blue Devils and was
previously on staff with Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps (Brass Caption Head), Oregon Crusaders
Drum and Bugle Corps, and Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps. Prior to teaching, Albert was a
marching member and vocal soloist with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps under brass caption heads
Gino Cipriani and Dean Westman.
Away from teaching, Albert is also the lead app tester and Curriculum and Media Specialist with the
TonalEnergy App Team. His experience as DCI Brass Caption Head, Concert Band and Marching Band
director has been crucial to the development of TonalEnergy as the top tool for musicians.
Albert holds a Masters Degree in Band Studies from Sam Houston State University and Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from The University of Houston.
Albert also attended Westfield High School under the direction of Philip Geiger where he was a
member of the Bands of America Grand National Champion Band in 2003.
Albert's professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu - Alpha Chapter, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association.
Outside of teaching, Albert enjoys spending his time with his beautiful wife Audra, exploring the
many foodie opportunities around the City of Houston, and traveling both locally and abroad.
Albert can be reached via email at [email protected].