MEET THE TEAM
The William J. Brennan Band Program has achieved a reputation of excellence, class, and achievement and is staffed by a talented team of music educators. Brought together by a deep passion for excellence in music education, each brings their own unique character and experience to the band program. Get to know a little about them here.
Director of Bands - Thomas Kober
Thomas Kober is the Director of Bands at William J. Brennan High School (6A) in San Antonio, TX and is a graduate of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Mr. Kober began his time at Brennan High School in the fall of 2016, and has been the primary conductor of the Wind Ensemble, and co-instructor of all other ensembles including the Varsity Full Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Brennan Bear Marching Band. During his tenure, the band program has developed a proven reputation for success – Receiving many superior ratings, best in class, and championship distinctions at district, regional, area, and state wide events. The band was an Area Honor Band finalist in 2017, placed 2nd and 1st respectively in the US Bands National Championship in 2018 & 2019, was selected as a TMEA Clinic Ensemble in 2019, and most recently earned the distinction as a Featured Band for the Music for All National Festival in 2020.
Prior to his time at Brennan, Mr. Kober was an Associate Director of Bands at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Helotes, TX. Under his direction and guidance, all ensembles of The O'Connor High School Band and Orchestra Programs exclusively earned UIL "sweepstakes" ratings. The O'Connor High School Marching Band has was selected as a participant at the Texas State Marching Band Contest, and won the UIL Area G contest in 2014.
Mr. Kober also has an extensive background in Drum Corps International (DCI) and Winterguard International (WGI), most recently working on the design team and coordinating the music caption with the Blue Knights Winds from Denver, Colorado. Prior to his time with Blue Knights, he was a member of the music instructional staff with Santa Clara Vanguard and Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps.
Associate Director of Bands - Shayla Le
Shayla Le is the Associate Director of Bands at Brennan High School. She is the primary conductor of the Symphonic Band, and assists with all other ensembles including the Varsity Full Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and the award winning Brennan Bear Marching Band.
Before coming to Brennan, Ms. Le student taught at Union High School, in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she taught the symphonic band, and in the 6-8 middle school programs. During her time at Union the band program continued developing its reputation as a leading institute of music education in the United States.
Ms. Le holds a Bachelor's Degree from Oklahoma State University in Music Education. While enrolled at OSU, Ms. Le performed on Clarinet and Bass Clarinet with the OSU Wind Ensemble, OSU Opera, and with the OSU Theatre Department in annual musicals. Ms. Le studied with Babette Belter and performed in master classes with Julian Bliss and Anthony McGill of the New York Philharmonic. She has also performed in featured ensembles at the Oklahoma Music Educators Conference (OKMEA).
Natively from the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex, Ms. Le was a multi-year Texas Music Educator's Association (TMEA) All-State Musician. She is very excited to continue being a contributing part of the Brennan Community.
Director of Percussion - Dillon Shaw
Dillon Shaw is an Associate Director of Bands and Percussion Director at Brennan High School. He is the primary conductor of the Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band, and assists with all other ensembles including the Varsity Full Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and the award winning Brennan Bear Marching Band.
A longtime percussion educator and performer, Mr. Shaw graduated from Texas State University with a BA in Music after studying under Genaro Gonzalez, Butch Miles, and John Lopez. Mr. Shaw brings over 10 years of professional competencies in music and percussion pedagogy with proven results in teaching and performing at a professional level.
Prior to Brennan, Mr. Shaw was the Percussion Director at Magnolia West High School in Magnolia, TX. Shaw seeks to use his skill to foster creativity through music education. He is excited about growing the musicianship and passion for the arts in his students.