Shawn Murphy has been the Head Band Director at Palestine HS since 2006. Shawn graduated from the University of North Texas in 1998 with a degree in Music Education, Trumpet Concentration. While at UNT, he was the Drum Major of the UNT Green Brigade Marching Band 1995-1996 and played in the Concert & Symphonic Bands. During High School & College, he was a member of the Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps (92-93) & the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps (94-96). While at the Blue Devils, the Drum Corps won the DCI World Championships in 94 & 96, and Shawn also won the DCI Individual World Championships for Mellophone in 1995.
He began his teaching career at North Garland HS in Garland, TX as an assistant band director from 1998-2001. From there he was the Head Band Director at Western Hills HS in Fort Worth, TX from 2001-2005, where he built up the program from a 3rd division band to Sweepstakes within 2 years. The WHHS band had numerous successes including advancing to the AREA marching competition for the first time in 24 years of the band’s history. In 2005, Shawn became the Assistant Band Director at Marcus HS in Flower Mound, TX, where he helped the band place in the top 3 at the UTA & San Antonio BOA Regionals.
Shawn’s professional affiliations include TMEA, ATSSB, and Phi Mu Alpha. He has been married to his wife Kim for 8 years and they have a son, Mason.
Shawn is extremely excited to be back with The Blue Devils and is looking forward to working with the staff and members in 2011.