Band Directors
MARC NICHELSON
Director of Bands
Marc Nichelson serves as Director of Bands for Highland Park High School in Highland Park ISD, where he leads the award-winning Highlander Band and the Highland Park Wind Symphony. Prior to his appointment at Highland Park, he served eight years as Director of Bands for China Spring ISD and four years as Director of Bands and Technology at Wortham ISD. Under his direction, ensembles have earned consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards, multiple top placements in the ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series, and numerous appearances at the UIL State Marching Contest, including five consecutive finals appearances—the longest streak in school history.
A graduate of Brownsboro High School, Mr. Nichelson earned his Associate of Arts in Music from Tyler Junior College and his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout Texas and has served as ATSSB Region 8 Coordinator, Area Central Coordinator, a State Representative, and Webmaster. His professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association.
ALLISON DUROCHER
Assistant Director of Bands
Allison Durocher serves as Assistant Director of Bands for Highland Park High School. Prior to joining the team at Highland Park, she completed her student teaching in Keller ISD at Timber Creek High School and Timberview Middle School.
Ms. Durocher graduated from Lewisville High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Texas Christian University. While at TCU, she served as flute section leader for the Horned Frog Marching Band and held multiple leadership positions within Tau Beta Sigma. She performed in the TCU Wind Symphony under Mr. Bobby Francis, the TCU Symphonic Band under Mr. Brian Youngblood, the TCU Flute Choir under Dr. Shauna Thompson, and the Horned Frog Marching Band.
Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and Tau Beta Sigma. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Durocher enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her friends, family, and dogs.
QUIYAN MURPHY
Assistant Director of Bands - Percussion Director
Quiyan Murphy has been involved in performing and teaching in the percussive arts for more than 40 years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas, and Master’s Degree from Lamar University. Quiyan was a member of the UNT Drumline, the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps and the 20 time World Champion Blue Devils Drum Bugle Corps. His past teaching experience includes Newman Smith High School and Lewisville High - both were he served as Director of Percussion.
Under his direction, Quiyan's students have accomplished many things, including Bands of America Invited Percussion Ensemble, PASIC Marching Festival Champions, Plano Drumline Contest medalists,superior ratings at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble contests, Lone Star Drumline Contest Champions, 4 time NTCA Champions, 2 time WGI Houston Regional champions, 4 time WGI Dallas Regional champions and 2022 WGI Virtual National Champions.
DANNY MARTINEZ
Color Guard Director, Highland Park ISD
hpcolorguard@gmail.com
Danny Martinez has been a colorguard educator for more than 25 years, and has taught and choreographed for many schools throughout the United States. Those units include Springtown, Crowley, The Colony, Lake Highlands and Highland Park, among others. He also has Independent Winterguard teaching experience with units such as Ars Nova “A” and director of the 2011 WGI Bronze medalist White Gold.
In his time as a colorguard educator, Danny has taught a variety of skill and age levels. From elementary and middle school programs to independent color guards, he has shared his passion for the activity and understands the importance of each and every level and looks forward to working with these groups again from his new role on the board.
Danny has served on the NTCA Executive Board from 2009-2014, and was elected president for three of those years. Danny is a member of the NTCA Hall of Fame as well as the Black Gold Hall of Fame.
