CISD Names Johnson New Director of Bands

Ken Johnson, CISD Director of Bands

Carroll ISD has approved Ken Johnson as the new Director of Bands.

Johnson replaces Jay Bach, who is retiring after 23 with Carroll, including the last six as director. Johnson has been a long-time assistant under Bach, a role he has served the past 18 years in Carroll.

Johnson started in Carroll in 1999 as Assistant Band Director and Director of Percussion Studies and in 2010 he was elevated to Director of Carroll’s Marching Band.

“Mr. Johnson is a long-time Dragon that has a unique ability to connect with students, parents and the community,” said Shawn Duhon, Carroll Senior High School Principal. “His passion for seeing students and the marching band succeed is very personal to him and he takes great pride in this.”

During his tenure he has helped coordinate and direct the Dragon Band in UIL Marching Region and Area contests, invitational marching and drumline contests, halftime spirit and playoff shows (“LIDS”) and UIL Solo and Ensemble entries.

“His love for the Dragon Band is seen daily throughout Carroll ISD and the state of Texas,” said P.J. Giamanco, Carroll High School Principal. “His enthusiasm for music and music education has us eager to see him working more closely with our members, advanced and beginner players alike, as well as our directors to produce more excellence for CISD.”

The Dragon Marching Band is a consistent finalist at marching contests, including the Golden Triangle Classic every year entered since 2010 — winning multiple caption awards and being named the 2014 Grand Champion.

Johnson’s career path is similar to his predecessor Bach, who spent 16 years as assistant director before taking over the program following Ron Behrends’ retirement.