AVE MARIA, Fla. — The Gyrene Band is proud to announce the appointment of Brad Shores as Assistant Band Director at Ave Maria University. With decades of experience in music education, percussion instruction, and ensemble leadership, Shores brings a dynamic, student-focused presence to a growing and spirited band program.
A seasoned music educator and celebrated percussionist, Shores began his long career in the marching arts as a member of the Skyryders Drum and Bugle Corps in the early 80s. Reflecting on those early years, he said, "I loved how the crowd responded to our program. Being a part of that group shaped my approach to marching band by providing a model for the shows I would write." His journey as an educator began in 1983 as a percussion instructor for the Argonne Rebels Drum and Bugle Corp in Great Bend, KS.
From there, Shores's career spanned decades and disciplines. After teaching strings in the Paradise Valley School District in Phoenix, he served for 11 years as band director in Nickerson, KS, where he made Kansas history by starting the first steel drum band and first novelty percussion group (Stinkin' Garbage). He also founded Rebel Drums, the state's first indoor percussion ensemble. Shores later directed the bands at Haven High School (2000-2016), teaching everything from concert and marching band to jazz, guitar, and steel pans. His steel drum ensembles have performed at the Kansas Music Educator Conference five times, and in 2016, he was named Kansas Music Educator of the Year.
Shores went on to teach at Bethel College in Newton, KS. "College students bring a variety of experiences with them from their high school bands. I love to see them learn from each other and blend into a new ensemble," he says. After relocating to Southwest Florida, Shores joined Collier County Schools as a music teacher at Corkscrew Middle School in 2023.
He is also widely known for his work in the steel drum world, having published 16 method books and hundreds of arrangements for pan players around the globe. He has performed throughout the Midwest and Florida as founding member of the Tropical Shores Steel Drum Band, and currently performs with his wife Erica as Tropical Shores Steel Drums across Southwest Florida.
When asked what he's most looking forward to at AMU, Shores says: "I am very excited to be a part of a project that is growing and experiencing success while adding to the culture of the university." Indeed, the Gyrene Band has become increasingly visible on campus and in the local community through its game day performances, jazz band appearances, and spring concert events.
Trenton Phillips O'Neil, Director of Bands since 2022 and newly appointed full-time member of the music faculty, expresses his enthusiasm for the upcoming season: "When Brad came in for the position I knew right away that he would excel with our program. His experience with marching bands is invaluable and he will help our small program continue to grow and impress for years to come."
With Shores joining the team, O'Neil sees new opportunities for growth in musicianship, visual performance, and student mentorship: "Students will now receive outstanding instruction from two perspectives, ensuring every member is striving for improvement and accomplishment in some way."
Shores and O'Neil both agree that marching bands make a huge difference in the game day experience, and with this new leadership team in place, the Gyrene Band is poised to bring even more spirit and sound to AMU's fall football and winter basketball seasons. Their combined vision will help solidify the Gyrene Band's role as a leading contributor to campus spirit and a source of pride for Ave Maria University.
