Don Haynes

Don Haynes served as the Director of Bands at LBJ High School in Austin, Texas for 40 years. During his tenure, the LBJ Band performed across the globe including ambassador trips to Beijing, China, London, England, Paris, France, and Rome, Italy. Mr. Haynes was awarded the prestigious – Texas UIL “Denius Award” in 1994, which is presented to Texas’ top UIL sponsors. While teaching at LBJ High School, his colleagues selected him “Teacher of the Year” four times. He was recognized as the Outstanding Community Leader (Austin) in 2015. He is frequently invited to conduct region bands in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida. Mr. Haynes is a past president of the Board of Directors for the Texas Bandmasters Association. He has held offices in the Texas Music Educators Association, the TMEA Advisory Board, and the UIL State Sightreading Advisory Committee. He serves on the board of directors – “Longhorn Band Legacy Foundation” for the University of Texas Longhorn Band. Under his leadership, the Jaguar Band’s awards and accomplishments are numerous -- The LBJ Bands have won first place honors in statewide and nationwide music festivals, including the first Fiesta Bowl Music Festival held in Phoenix, Arizona. The band consistently won sweepstakes honors at UIL marching and concert performances. Mr. Haynes is often invited to adjudicate regional and area marching and concert competitions in Texas. He has on several occasions given clinics and speeches at music conventions designed to assist young teachers in the profession. Mr. Haynes shares that his greatest accomplishment is influencing thousands of young people through his love for music, his dedication to excellence, and his commitment to creating a “band family” for 40 years at LBJ High School – known across central Texas as The One, The Only, LBJ Jaguar Band.

Following an illustrious 42 years of teaching high school band, Don has become a certified Life Coach. Assisting hundreds of students, band parents and colleagues in the band profession over the past four decades, he has become a special confidant for professionals, as well as young students who are in hopes of crafting their future. He specializes in group and individual conflict resolution and serves as a motivational speaker across the state of Texas.

During the spring of 2017 – Don served as the Interim Fine Arts Director for Austin Public Schools. As interim leader, Don assisted the department in continuing the affairs of band, orchestra, guitar, and visual arts programs for Austin ISD. Summer of 2017 – Don was assigned as the Instrumental Music Coordinator.