After two years of leadership at Reagan High School, Head Director of Bands Brett Nelson has announced that he will be stepping down from his position.
In an email sent to students and parents in the program on April 20, 2026, Nelson reflected on his time at the school and his decision to take on a new position as Southeast/South Texas Regional Representative with Stanbury Uniforms.
Mr. Nelson’s experience at Reagan has been marked by a constant strive to excellence, both on and off the field. Under his guidance, the band built a culture centered on performance quality, family, and good sportsmanship–values that have guided both his personal and professional journey.
“The Reagan Band is far more than an ensemble—it is a family, a standard of excellence, and a place where young people grow into incredible human beings,” Brett Nelson wrote in his farewell message. “Every rehearsal, performance, trip, and moment we have shared together has reinforced what makes this program truly special: the people. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together—not just in terms of performances and recognitions, but in the culture of accountability, pride, and care that defines ‘The Reagan Way.’ Watching our students grow as musicians, leaders, and individuals has been the most rewarding part of this journey.”
His departure marks the end of an era for the Reagan Band, but his legacy remains woven into the fabric of the school’s fine arts program. Throughout his years of teaching, he developed strong relationships with students, faculty, and the Texas marching band community
“We are most grateful for the incredible work and passion Mr. Nelson brought to our RHS band program during his tenure at the Rattler Ranch,” Principal Charles Reininger said. “He successfully brought hundreds of students and families together to achieve goals that only the top band programs in the state could match. We wish Mr. Nelson the best in the next chapter of your professional journey, and remind him that ‘Once a Rattler, always a Rattler!'”
For many of his musicians, the news of his departure was unexpected and bittersweet. Band President, Blake McAdams stated, “I’m pretty torn up, because obviously it’s not affecting me as much as the other students that are in grades below me, but just knowing that I won’t be able to see him in the next years prior, as well as the fact that he very impactful to this program and I think it’d be hard to fill those shoes.”
Mr. Nelson expressed his gratitude to the staff, students, parents, and boosters who played pivotal roles in his career. He gave special thanks to Dr. R and the administrative team, as well as Tyler Estrada Simon and Paula Boothman, his assistant directors.
“Thank you to our students for your trust, effort, and heart,” Nelson expressed in his farewell letter. “Thank you to our parents and boosters for your unwavering support and belief in this program. Thank you to our incredible staff for your commitment and excellence every single day.”
As he prepares for the next chapter at Stanbury Uniforms, Brett Nelson reassured the Reagan community that he and his family will always hold a special place in their hearts for the school and its people.
Reagan High School will now begin the search for a new head director to carry on the Reagan tradition of excellence that Nelson helped establish. While his departure was unexpected, his impact on the program will be remembered for years to come.
