Pride of Falcon Nation 

Jim Gist, jagist@forneyisd.net

     

Jim Gist is currently in his fourteenth year as a director at North Forney High School where he has served as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor. Currently he serves as head band director at North Forney High School. Originally from Longville, Louisiana, Mr. Gist earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northwestern State University.  He also earned a Master of Percussion Performance degree from Texas A&M University - Commerce where he studied with Dr. Brian Zator and earned the Outstanding Graduate Student award for the Department of Music.  Prior to joining the North Forney team in 2009 when the school opened, Mr. Gist has served as Percussion Instructor at North Lamar High School in Paris, Texas, Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, and Midway High School in Waco, Texas. He has also served as Drumline Instructor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and Adjunct Professor of Percussion at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. 

 

The North Forney Percussion groups consistently earn top honors at both concert and marching competitions.  In 2019 the North Forney Indoor Percussion Ensemble advanced to the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, for the first time and earned the title of silver medalist for the world concert percussion division. The NFHS percussion ensemble was selected as a 2020 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble winner in addition to being invited to perform at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference that same year.

 

Jim and his wife, Dr. Megan Gist, live in Rockwall, Texas, with their son, Jake, who is also a percussionist.  They enjoy traveling in their RV and exploring the great outdoors.

Mason Jocoy, mmjocoy@forneyisd.net

 

Mason Jocoy is currently in his third year as a director at North Forney High School. Mr. Jocoy currently teaches the Concert Band class at North Forney. Additionally, he assists with the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band classes.

 

Mr. Jocoy is a native of Forney, Texas where he attended Forney High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor degree in Music Education in 2020 from Texas A&M University Commerce where he studied under Dr. Jeff Baker. While at A&M Commerce, he had the opportunity to perform under the direction of Mr. Allan Goodwin in the University Symphonic Band. He also had the opportunity to perform with the University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Phillip Clements. While with the wind ensemble, he had the privilege of performing at the 2018 TMEA Convention and Clinic in San Antonio. Mr. Jocoy was a part of the Pride Marching Band for 5 years on campus where he served as an undergraduate intern his final year with the Pride. Mr. Jocoy also had the opportunity to march with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps for their 2018 production where he was a member of the euphonium section.

 

Mason, his wife Samantha Jocoy and daughter Elizabeth Jocoy, live in Royse City, Texas with their cat Benjamin. They enjoy traveling and most of all, love to spend time with their family and friends.

Colin Crouch, cdcrouch@forneyisd.net

 

Being a Texas native, Colin Crouch  graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce with a bachelors degree in music education, studying under Dr. Brian Zator, Cory Doran, Kent Hillman, and Sandi Rennick. During his time at this university, Mr. Crouch was a member of The Pride Marching Band, jazz bands, steel bands, percussion ensemble, and concert bands.

Following the Bachelors degree, Mr. Crouch went on to graduate from The University of Alabama with a masters degree in percussion performance studying under Dr. Andrew Lynge. At this university he was given the opportunity to perform with the UA percussion ensemble for there 2021 PASIC showcase concert, and the UA wind ensemble for their 2023 CBDNA showcase concert. Additionally, Mr. Crouch was the front ensemble coordinator for The Million Dollar Band.

 

Mr. Crouch is excited to be a part of the Forney ISD team to continue to maintain a high level of musical excellence and education.​​

JACKSON TUCKER, jdtucker@forneyisd.net

 

Originally from Alexander City, Alabama, Jackson D. Tucker holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Auburn University, where he studied saxophone with Dr. Michael Pendowski and conducting with Dr. RickGood and Dr. Corey Spurlin. At Auburn, he served as a Drum Major for the Auburn University Marching Band, tenor saxophonist in the AU Symphonic Winds, and baritone saxophonist in the Exit 51 Saxophone Quartet. He was also a Department of Music Ambassador and Music Chair for Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Chapter.

Before joining North Forney, Mr. Tucker was Director of Bands & Arts Liaison at Redland Middle School in Wetumpka, Alabama, and Associate Director of the Wetumpka High School Marching Band. He is excited to be part of Forney ISD and is committed to creating a positive, high-level musical experience for all students.

Mr. Tucker lives with his wife, Anna, and their two dogs, Bella and Laszlo. Outside of teaching, he enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

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