Band Director

Assistant Band Director

Shelby Mitchell holds a bachelor's in music education from Baylor University with an emphasis in Flute Studies. During her time at Baylor, Ms. Mitchell performed in a multitude of ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and many different chamber ensembles. She also served as a drum major of the Golden Wave Marching Band for two years. When Ms. Mitchell is not at work, she likes to read, eat good food, and spend time with her family. Ms. Mitchell is excited to begin her 5th year of teaching and her 3rd year at Birdville High School. Ms. Mitchell teaches the 2nd period Symphonic Band and 5th period AP Music Theory.

Assistant Band Director

Ms. Slean is excited to be entering her first year of teaching with the Mighty Hawk Band and will be directing the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble. With prior student teaching experience in Keller ISD under the guidance of Mark McGahey and David Puckett, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for music education. Ms. Slean holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a focus in Instrumental Education from The University of Houston. Notably, she served as Drum Major of the Spirit of Houston for two years, showcasing her leadership and dedication to music. Additionally, Ms. Slean was a valued member of the Wind Ensemble directed by David Bertman and had the privilege of studying in the studio of Mark Hughes, Principal Trumpet of the Houston Symphony. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family and friends and has a special love for cooking. Ms. Slean is eager to inspire and nurture the musical talents of her students at Birdville High School.

Percussion Director

Akira Robles is currently the Percussion Director at Birdville High School in Birdville ISD. Dr. Robles earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign under the tutelage of William Moersch and Ricardo Flores.

After university, Dr. Robles kept an active career as a freelance performer and educator. He started in the Chicagoland area, working with several schools in the city and surrounding suburbs. In 2016, he spent time touring and giving snare drum clinics in the Chicagoland, Miami, Florida, and DFW area, culminating in a showcase concert performance at TMEA with the Tarleton State University percussion ensemble as a featured snare soloist. Soon after, Dr. Robles moved to the DFW area, serving as Percussion Director of Ryan High School in Denton, TX until 2021.

Dr. Robles has been heavily involved in the marching percussion activity since 2003. He has performed with the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps (2003-2005) and the Phantom Regiment (2006-2007) as a bass drummer, as well as the 2008 WGI World Champion Rhythm X. As an educator, he has most recently worked with the Santa Clara Vanguard since 2011, under the direction of Paul Rennick, and has been a part of seven Fred Sanford award winning percussion ensembles.

Akira is an educational artist with Pearl/Adams, Innovative Percussion, Remo, and Sabian.

Color Guard Director