Russell Lancaster is the Percussion Coordinator for the Rockwall High School feeder pattern in Rockwall, TX. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music from Northwestern State University of Louisiana where he studied percussion extensively with Mr. Kenneth Green and obtained his teaching certification through the direction and guidance of Dr. Greg Handel and Dr. Sharon Joy.

While at Northwestern State University, Mr. Lancaster served as a Graduate Assistant of Percussion in 2013 and 2014. During his tenure, he instructed and arranged music for the Spirit of Northwestern Drumline and Front Ensemble, assisted with major/minor percussion lessons, and conducted the NSU Percussion Ensemble and Marimba Band. He was also one of the founding members of the NSU Percussion Society, and he coordinated the establishment of an elementary percussion program for the Northwestern State University Elementary Lab School.

Mr. Lancaster was involved with numerous performing ensembles at Northwestern State University. He marched four years with the nationally recognized Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band under the direction of Dr. Jeff Mathews, Mr. Kevin Richardson, Mr. Steve McKeithen, and Mr. Bill Brent. He was also actively involved with the NSU Wind Symphony, NSU Percussion Ensemble, Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra, Rapides Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Combo, and the NSU Jazz Orchestra.

Through Mr. Lancaster’s participation with the NSU Percussion Studio and Jazz Orchestra, he had the opportunity to learn from renowned percussionists and musicians such as Bret Kuhn, Thom Hannum, John Lane, Mark Reilly, John Brennan, Johnny Lee Lane, Brett Dietz, Ed Smith, Ingrid Jensen, Rodney Whitaker, Mike Vax, Steve Fisher, Johnny Vidacovich, and Zoro.

Mr. Lancaster is currently in his 5th year of working with the Rockwall High School Band and Percussion Studio. During his time at Rockwall High School, he has cultivated the percussion program into one of the most competitive studios in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He has placed numerous students into TMEA All-Region Bands, All-State Bands, and has had several students obtain 1st division ratings in UIL Solo & Ensemble Contests. Mr. Lancaster is an active clinician and adjudicator for various schools in the DFW area, a member of the Texas Music Educator’s Association, Percussive Arts Society, the National Association for Music Education, and is endorsed by Innovative Percussion.

Mr. Lancaster teaches Drumline, Front Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and oversees all aspects of the percussion program in the Rockwall High School Cluster, which includes Williams Middle School and Utley Middle School. 

Email: russell.lancaster@rockwallisd.org

Band Website: www.rockwallhsband.com