The Awesome Cooper Band website

Director of Bands

Mr. Johnson is currently serving his seventh year as a band director for Cooper High School. This is Mr. Johnson's fifth year as Director of Bands and served as an Associate Director the two previous years. Mr. Johnson received his Bachelors Degree with Distinction in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 and then received the Master of Music Degree in Euphonium Performance from the University of Michigan in 2003. Mr. Johnson is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Alpha Lambda Delta, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association.

Under Mr. Johnson's direction, the Cooper High School Marching and Concert Ensembles have received multiple division one ratings and have received the Sweepstakes Award numerous times over the last six years. This past year, the CHS Wind Symphony received the UIL Sweepstakes Award and placed sixth in the Area A Honor Band Competition.

At The University of Oklahoma, Mr. Johnson was the Drum Major for the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band for two seasons. He also served as the Director of the University of Oklahoma Women's Basketball Band. While at The University of Michigan, Mr. Johnson was a two year member of the University of Michigan Symphony Band. He also served as a staff member of the Michigan Marching Band for the 2002 football season. During his two years at Michigan, Mr. Johnson was selected as a finalist in the International Tuba Euphonium Association Quartet Competition as well as a semifinalist for the Falcone International Euphonium Competition.

Mr. Johnson has studied trombone & euphonium with various instructors such as Brian Bowman, Ted Cox, Michael Gross, Fritz Kaenzig, Sam Pilafian, Deanna Swoboda, and Irvin Wagner. He has also studied conducting with James Batcheller, Steven D. Davis, Jamie Hafner, Michael Haithcock, Sarah McKoin, Gene Thrailkill, and William K. Wakefield. Mr Johnson has been a guest performer with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Toledo Symphony, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and the International Tuba Euphonium Association All-Star Ensemble.

Associate Director of Bands

Pearl Gonzales Owens is currently serving in her second year as Associate Director of Bands for the Cooper High School Band. Prior to her job at Cooper, Mrs. Owens was the Head Band Director for Hawley High School. Mrs. Owens is a 1992 graduate of Cooper High School and is thrilled to be home. She received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from McMurry University. She also earned a Masters Degree in Music Education from Arizona State University. Mrs. Owens is a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Mu Phi Epsilon International Music Fraternity, and a member of the Texas Music Educators Association.

This past year, Mrs. Owens directed the Symphonic Band to a first division rating in the UIL Sightreading Contest. Under her direction, the CHS Symphonic Band continues to grow and prosper.

During her time at McMurry University, she served two years as Drum Major for the marching band, and principle clarinetist with the Wind Ensemble. She also performed as the featured soloist for the 2005 Wind Ensemble Band Tour. While at Arizona State University, Mrs. Owens was principle clarinetist with the Wind Ensemble.

During her years with the Awesome Cooper Band, Mrs. Owens served as Drum Major for two years. She marched in the Dallas Cowboys Halftime Show, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, the Fiesta Bowl Parade and Marching Band Competition in Tempe, Arizona, and the Texas State Marching Band Contest. Mrs. Owens was also principle clarinetist for the Honors Band (now known as the Wind Symphony). She made the Texas All-State Band three times and earned first chair her senior year.

Mrs. Owens has been teaching private clarinet and saxophone lessons in Abilene for over ten years. She has studied with many fine instructors including Nancy King Sanders, Raphael Sanders, Douglas Storey, and Thomas Josenhans. As an active performer, she has played with the Abilene Philharmonic, the San Angelo Symphony, the Abilene Collegiate Orchestra, and numerous chamber ensembles.

Mrs. Owens has been married to her husband, Josh, for nine years. In December of 2007, they welcomed a baby boy named Nicholas into the family.

Associate Director of Bands/Percussion Coordinator

Mr. Patrick Stevenson is currently serving in his second year as Associate Director of Bands and Percussion Coordinator for the Cooper High School Band. Prior to his position at Cooper, Mr. Stevenson lived in Madison, Wisconsin where he went to school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a Masters Degree in Percussion Performance. During his schooling, Mr. Stevenson had the opportunity to play in and coach several university ensembles. While in Madison, Mr. Stevenson also played with many civic and professional groups such as the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Beliot Janesville Symphony Orchestra, Verona Community Theatre and The Madison Area Church Handbells. Mr. Stevenson is also a member of the Percussive Arts Society and Theta Chi Fraternity.

Prior to his time in Wisconsin, Mr. Stevenson attended Oklahoma State university in Stillwater, Oklahoma. There, he was an active member of the percussion studio. As well as marching tenors on the OSU drum-line, Mr. Stevenson was a member of the indoor competition line for PASIC, (Percussive Arts Society International Convention) on two occasions. In 2002, Mr. Stevenson marched percussion with Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corp. Mr. Stevenson graduated in May of 2005 with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education.

Under Mr. Stevenson's direction, the percussion department at Cooper High School has continued to grow and thrive in musical knowledge. This past year, Mr. Stevenson created a world percussion ensemble for the students in the CHS Band. This ensemble will become a focus and will continue to grow.

Percussion has always been a large part of Mr. Stevenson's life. Since the age of two he has been striking something, whether it be agreeable to his mother or not. This is why he takes great pride and joy in sharing his knowledge and love for music with those around him.

Mr. Stevenson and his wife Melissa, were married in June of 2004. They recently gave birth to their son Collin Thomas on July 11, 2009. Mr. Stevenson also enjoys cycling. Although not a professional, he does hope to compete in some smaller races in the future. Being a native to the great state of Pennsylvania, Mr. Stevenson is an avid supporter of all things Philly, especially baseball.

Colorguard Director

Ms. Revell is currently in her first year as Colorguard Director here at Cooper High School. At this time, she is working to complete her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biochemistry. Upon graduation, she hopes to continue her education by attending an Optometry school, her first choice being the Southern College of Optometry located in Memphis, Tennessee. Ms. Revell is a member of T.I.P., Alpha Phi Omega, the McMurry Honors Program and Society, McMurry Colorguard (Captain), and White Gold Winterguard. \

During her time at McMurry University, Ms. Revell performed solos and duets throughout all her years in the marching band. She was also the lead soloist this year in White Gold. Her role in winterguard this past season landed her in a position in the colorguard that performed at the Thanksgiving Day Dallas Cowboys Game with Daughtry.

During her time at L.D. Bell High School, Ms. Revell participated in the award-winning band’s performances of “Blue,” “Ascension,” and “The Remaining” where she performed dance solos her last two years. With the Blue Raider Band, she helped bring home numerous awards including UIL AAAAA State Champions in 2004-2005, Bands of America Super Regional and Regional Champions 2004, the Sudler Shield, Bands of America Grand Nationals 3rd Place (2005) and 2nd Place (2006), and UIL AAAAA State Champion Runners Up 2006-2007. Ms. Revell also played percussion in the L.D. Bell Concert Band where, with the band, she received first divisions in UIL contests. She also received first divisions for numerous solos and ensembles.