Mr. Longbotham’s (Mostly known as Mr. L) passion for music started at a very young age. He first knew he wanted to pursue a career in music when he was a 7^thgrader. An inspirational speech given by a band director at a region band concert sparked his passion for teaching right then and there and never changed. When the 6^th grade hit, Mr. Longbotham was involved in his church’s hand bell choir and youth choir, who would go on tour every year to a certain number of states and perform. In the 6^th grade he started learning the French horn has become proficient in his performing. Throughout his music career he always was and still is a competitive performer. Mr. Longbotham qualified for the All Region Band 6 times, All-Area 4 times and the TMEA All-State Band 4 times on Horn (1 High School, 3 Community College All State). During middle school and high school he studied privately with professional Horn player, Jeanne Bryant, who is still a close friend to his family to this day.

        Mr. Longbotham attended Lee Community College in Baytown, TX and studied French horn under the late Dennis Odell. He was a member of the Baytown Symphony Orchestra and the Baytown Community Band where he guest conducted and performed professionally. He completed an Associate’s Degree in music from Lee College in 2010 and continued to further his education by transferring to Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in December of 2014. While attending SFA he studied French horn under Dr. Charles Gavin and went on to become the principal horn player for the SFA Wind Ensemble. He also studied conducting under Dr. David Campo. Mr. Longbotham was a member of the Lumberjack Marching Band for 3 years and travelled to London with the band to lead the 2013 New Year’s Day Parade.

        Outside of teaching, Mr. Longbotham greatly enjoys theme parks and has an addiction to roller coasters. He also enjoys studying astronomy and astrology, conducting, travelling abroad, cruising, gaming, and competitive reality television (especially The Amazing Race, which Mr. L wants to run one day).

        Mr. Longbotham is currently the Assistant Director for Ford High School and looks forward to driving his students to be passionate about themselves, music and achieving greatness. 

    Sauileoge Lino To’afa (known mostly as “Mr. T”) is from the island of American Samoa.  Surrounded by an environment and culture rich with music, Sauileoge decided to pursue music as a career.  He began by serving four years in the Tafuna High School Warrior Band and remained active in his church praise band. 

    Soon after, Mr. To’afa completed his Associates Degree in Music at the American Samoa Community College.  He then transferred to Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMUC) to further his education.  It is at TAMUC where he honed his skills as a musician and narrowed his focus in the area of Percussion.  On May 15th 2010, Mr. To’afa completed his Bachelor of Science in Music Education TAMUC where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Baptist Student Ministry, Symphonic Band, Mane Attraction Jazz Band, Percussion Club, and Percussion Ensemble.

    As a service to his home island of American Samoa, Sauileoge To’afa decided to give back to his community by returning home to teach at Samoana High School as a band director.  Upon completing that service, he moved back to Texas where he has been active in teaching in the Garland Independent School District.

    Mr. To’afa is currently Assistant Band Director at Thompson Middle School, and Percussion Tech for Quinlan Independent School District.  He looks forward to making a difference with every staff member and student he comes in contact with.