Jerell Horton is the Director of Bands at Vestavia Hills High School (AL). He is a graduate of Samford University. Prior to his appointment at Vestavia Hills High School in 2006, he served as the assistant band director at both Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills High School. Since becoming the Director at Vestavia Hills High School, the bands have consistently earned superior ratings at district and state concert band assessments. The Vestavia Hills Wind Ensemble performed at the 2011 Alabama Music Educators Conference, and the Music For All National Concert Band Festival in 2013. The Vestavia Hills High School Rebel Marching Band performed in the 2010 London New Year’s Day Parade in London, England and the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.
The Vestavia Hills High School band program was awarded the National Program of Excellence Southern Division Blue Ribbon Award presented by the National Band Association. Mr. Horton is a Conn Selmer clinician and has been a frequent honor band clinician within the states of Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Mr. Horton has served on staff as the Leadership Clinician for the Auburn Summer Marching and Leadership camp and leads a group of adult volunteers at Music For All Summer Symposium. Mr. Horton is a National Board Certified teacher and was named to SBO magazine’s 2014 list of 50 Directors Who Make a Difference. Mr. Horton was honored to serve on the 2017 Music for All Tournament of Roses Honor Band of America teaching staff and was delighted to serve once again in 2022. He is married to Monica Horton (also an educator) and they have four children, Madina Jaimes, Israel, Chism, and Loula Grayce.
