Richard Varela, Director of Bands 

Richard Varela is in his 2nd year as Director of Bands Gonzales ISD in Gonzales, TX and is a graduate of
Texas A&M University at Kingsville with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While at TAMUK, Mr.
Varela was a member of the “Pride of South Texas” Javelina Marching Band, Jazz Bands and Percussion
studio with Mr. Randy Fluman and Mr. Ron Schumerhorn. With the jazz program he performed with jazz
artists Maynard Ferguson, Claudio Roditti, Bobby Shew, Paquito D’ Rivera, Bob Mintzer, and Wayne
Bergeron. Mr. Varela was a member of the Jazz Band I which earned a Downbeat Magazine Award for
Best College Big Band in 2003. Mr. Varela has performed at the Texas Music Educators Association
Convention with both the percussion ensembles and jazz bands of TAMUK.
Prior to coming to Gonzales ISD, Mr. Varela was the Director of Bands for Cuero High School. During his
time in Cuero, Mr. Varela grew his program successfully year after year and continued to have successes
on stage and on the marching field. The Gobbler Band was the Bands of America Austin Regional
Champion in 2014, Runner up in 2015 and 2nd Runner Up in 2016. The high school bands had continuous
superior ratings and sweepstakes throughout his tenure along with multiple performances at the UIL
Area E Marching Contest. Mr. Varela was able to establish multiple ensembles for the Cuero band
program including the Mariachi Orgullo Verde, Indoor Drumline, Winter Guard, and jazz band.
Prior to Cuero, Mr. Varela was a director for Mathis High School in Mathis, TX. While at Mathis, Mr.
Varela was part of a staff that lead the Mighty Pirate Band to the UIL State Marching Contest in 2013
along with qualifying for the ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series State Level in 2014. The Mathis
band also boasted successful performance ensembles like the Mariachi Mathis and Mathis Indoor
Percussion Ensemble. The Mariachi Mathis was awarded the MASBA 3A State Championship in 2013 and
2nd Place in 2014.
Mr. Varela had been a staff member of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps of Austin, TX from 2011-2014. He
served in different roles such as a percussion technician and administrative staff member. Mr. Varela is
an active member of Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association.
When not teaching, Mr. Varela maintains an active performing schedule as a drummer for local country
bands. He has performed around the country with Latin Recording Artist La Machy, La Conquista, DJ
Kane, Clarissa Serna of the Voice and many other artists. Mr. Varela enjoys spending time and catching a
soccer match, baseball game or waterpark visit with his wife Alexis and their 3 wonderful children.

Justin Kline, Junior High Band Director

Mr. Justin Kline is in his 2nd year as the Gonzales Junior High Band Director. Mr. Kline completed his degree with a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of North Texas. During his time at UNT, he participated in the Green Brigade Marching Band, Funky Fresh Basketball and Volleyball band, Wind Ensemble and Brass Band. Mr. Kline studied music and education under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Williams, Dennis Fisher, Dr. William Scharnberg, and many more outstanding professors.
Mr. Kline most recently taught at Palacios ISD as Assistant Band Director. While at Palacios, the band advanced to the State Marching Band Contest two consecutive times, had continued UIL success, and led the Non Varsity Jr High band to their first ever superior rating.
Mr. Kline is married to Laura Kline and just adopted their new puppy, Lilo. Together they enjoy going on adventures which consist of going to theme parks, Spurs games and cruises.

Blake Lowak, Assistant Band Director

Mr. Blake Lowak is excited to join the Gonzales ISD family as the new Assistant Band Director!
He is entering his first year as a band director, and couldn’t be more thrilled to begin his
teaching journey with the Gonzales Band program.
A proud graduate of Texas State University, Mr. Lowak earned his Bachelor of Music in Music
Studies with a concentration in trumpet and was a member of Dr. Keith Winking’s renowned
trumpet studio.
During his time at Texas State, Mr. Lowak was deeply involved in the School of Music,
performing with the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Basketball Band,
and multiple chamber groups. He also served as Section Leader and Manager for the Bobcat
Marching Band, where he taught marching fundamentals and managed equipment logistics.
Mr. Lowak brings a wealth of experience in the marching band setting, being a performing
member of the Boston Crusaders in 2022 and 2023, placing 2nd and 4th at DCI finals
respectively. He has also served as a marching technician for New Braunfels High School, Moe
& Gene Johnson High School, and most recently Pieper High School where the band advanced
to the UIL 5A state marching band competition.
In the classroom, Mr. Lowak completed student teaching at Barbara Bush Middle School, where
he worked with beginning band students as well as teaching the Concert Band. For the second
half of his student teaching he taught music at Fox Run Elementary School to kindergarten
through 5th grade.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Lowak enjoys disc golfing, playing board games, and spending
time with his family and friends. Please help me welcome Mr. Lowak to the Gonzales Apache
band family!

Scotty Upshaw, Color Guard Director