ROCKVALE BAND
THE ROCKVALE BAND
The Rockvale Band is the newest high school band program in Rutherford County. While the school draws upon the history and traditions of the original K-12 Rockvale School (1910-1972), last year’s band was the first ever in the combined history of the school. The direction of the band program is driven by a commitment to our three Core Values: Integrity, Community, and Excellence.
Integrity | We will have a strong ethical framework with a deep respect for those with whom we interact. We keep promises and deliver on what is promised. We are thoughtful in our actions and are committed to open and honest communication.
Community | Rockvale will either be part of the Rockvale Band, or feel supported by the Rockvale Band. We are committed to learning life skills through band.
Excellence | We are committed to a high standard of achievement. We will be versatile and well rounded in what we do, but with a strong foundation in fundamentals. We will remember that excellence is a process and is not achieved overnight.
2022-2023 CLASSES
1st - AP MUSIC THEORY
1st - BEGINNING BAND
2nd - JAZZ BAND
3rd - HONORS PERCUSSION
4th - HONORS WIND ENSEMBLE
5th - SYMPHONIC BAND
6th - PERCUSSION
7th - CONCERT BAND
MR. SEARS
Alex Sears has been a band director at Rockvale High School since the school opened in 2019. Prior to his appointment at Rockvale, Mr. Sears taught at Blackman Middle School, Siegel High School, Eagleville School, Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School, and Marshall County High School. During his time at these schools, his concert, jazz, and marching bands regularly achieved superior ratings at local, regional, and national festivals and competitions.
A graduate of Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN, Mr. Sears received his undergraduate degree in Instrumental Music Education. During his time at TTU, Mr. Sears was an active performer with the Symphony Band, the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, the Troubadours Jazz Band, the Trombones at Tech Trombone Choir, and the world renowned Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble. He spent two summers marching with the Esperanza Drum and Bugle Corps from San Diego, CA, and won the 2006 DCI Individual & Ensemble gold medal for trombone. Currently, Mr. Sears performs around the region with a number of ensembles including the Music City Swing big band and The Undertones.
Mr. Sears is a member of MTSBOA, the Tennessee Music Education Association, the Tennessee Bandmasters Association, the National Association for Music Education, Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and Kappa Kappa Psi.
Mr. Sears currently resides in Murfreesboro with his wife, Sara, his daughters, Lily and Daisy, and their dogs, Hazel and Tucker.
MR. LOWRY
Chris Lowry has been a director of the Rockvale Band since it's creation in 2019. He has previously taught at LaVergne Middle School and Smyrna Middle School, and received the Master of Music degree in Wind Band Conducting from Middle Tennessee State University. Mr. Lowry currently performs on the Titans Blue Crew Drum Line.
Prior to graduating from MTSU with his undergraduate degree in Instrumental Music Education, Mr. Lowry performed with the MTSU Band of Blue, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and Salsa Band. He also marched in the drum line of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014, and with Music City Mystique Percussion Ensemble in 2013 and 2015.
Mr. Lowry is a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, National Association for Music Education, Tennessee Music Education Association, and is the current webmaster for MTSBOA.
Mr. Lowry lives in Murfreesboro with his wife Rebecca and sons James and Isaac.