All About Mr. Runnels
Keavon Runnels holds a Masters of Music Education with a double concentration in both Instrumental and Vocal Music from Kent State Education in Kent, Ohio. His Bachelors of Music Education is from Prairie View A&M University.
Mr. Runnels began his career his senior year at PVAMU, working as an hourly assistant director at Sam Houston High School in Houston ISD, under the guidance of Mrs. Gaila Rollins (Mitchell). His duties included arranging music, designing halftime shows, instructing Music Theory, Jazz Band and Percussion.
Upon graduating from Prairie View in 2001, he was immediately hired as Assistant Band Director at Forest Brook High School under the direction of Mr. Francis Reed. His duties included arranging music, directing the concert band, preparing students for solo & ensembles, organizing the band boosters, teaching Music Appreciation, and starting a beginning band program.
In 2003, Mr. Runnels tried a new venture- Elementary school. The Varnett School opened a new campus on the Northeast area of Houston and wanted to incorporate fine arts. Along with two other employees, Runnels recruited new students to the campus and the enrollment increased by 150% in two weeks. He also started a Choir program along with the East Campus. The year concluded with students from Varnett participating in a Young Learners Program with the Ensemble Theater in Houston for 9 weeks.
In 2004, he was hired as the new Head band Director at Kashmere High School and charged with the task of rebuilding the once famous "Thunder Soul" Band to its former glory. Runnels gave the band a theme for the year "Thunder Soul- A Distinct New Sound." Under his direction, the band program at Kashmere increased from 13 to 80 members in the first week. His duties included setting up feeder programs with area middle schools, arranging music, designing halftime shows, coordinating field trips, fundraisers and establishing a new parent booster program. The year concluded with 120 members estimated for the following year's band program.
In 2005, Stephen F. Austin HS challenged Mr. Runnels to restart their program, which had been removed at the end of the 2000-2001 School year. It was this position that he has held for 14 years. His duties include: Directing and coordinating marching, jazz, concert band, choir, Drill Team and Color. Along with these responsibilities he arranges music, designs shows for marching band, percussion ensemble, jazz band, and auxiliaries, fundraising, recruitment, organizing parent booster organization, and displaying school pride in a positive way. Accolades from the Austin Music Program Include
*Drum Major for Justice Award from Mayor of Houston
*Award of Congressional Recognition
*City of Houston Mayoral Proclamation
*Home Depot Battle of the bands National Championship (sponsored by Vh1) Los Angeles, CA
*Grammy Community Award
His personal awards include:
* Campus Teacher of the Year
*Grammy Music Educator Award Semifinalist
*Runner Up for District Teacher of the Year