Who We Are

The Kool Kat Music Team

Christian Guillen

Christian Guillen served as Assistant Director at Marshall High School from 2018 to 2024. While at Marshall ISD, he served as Assistant Director of Bands. He acted as the primary show designer and arranger for the Big Red Pride Marching Band, conducted the Symphonic Band, and taught AP Music Theory. Christian previously taught at L.V. Berkner High School and Apollo Junior High School in Richardson, TX. While at Richardson, he worked under the mentorship of Ms. Lynne Jackson and Mr. Jason Schayot.

Christian graduated from Texas A&M University - Commerce with a bachelor's degree in music education. During his time at TAMUC, he had the opportunity to perform with the university's wind ensemble and trombone choir across the United States and Europe. He also had the opportunity to be on staff with the Texas A&M University - Commerce "Pride" Marching Band, which has made appearances as the exhibition band at numerous marching contests across the state and country, including the Texas State Marching Contest in San Antonio, and the Bands of America Grand National Championships, in Indianapolis. Christian is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Instrumental Conducting from East Texas A&M University

As an arranger and composer, his works have been performed around the country by numerous ensembles. Christian has been fortunate to have collaborated and received mentorship from some of the most influential arrangers and composers in the business, including John Meehan (Blue Devils), John Wasson, Allan Goodwin, Michael Klesch (Carolina Crown), Shawn Glyde (Blue Devils), Luke McMillan, and Bret Kuhn (Cavaliers).

Christian's professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educator's Association, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

Christian lives with his fiancée, Savanah, and has two spoiled cats Loki and Chewy.

Nick Gibson

Nick Gibson served as Percussion Director for Marshall ISD from 2020 - 2024. Prior to his appointment in Marshall, Nick taught in Teague, TX, where he was the assistant band director at Teague Middle School and Teague High School. While in Teague, he taught 6-12 percussion as well as 6-8 low brass. Bands under his direction have also received first divisions in marching, concert, and sight reading. He also had state qualifying UIL Mariachi Band ensembles in 2019 and in 2020, as well as a state qualifying percussion ensemble in 2019.

While at Marshall ISD , Nick oversaw all aspects of the percussion program 6-12, co-teaching the "Big Red Pride" Marching Band, assisting with the High School Jazz Band, teaching beginning band courses at the junior high, and assisting with all concert ensembles at the High School and Junior High School. Under his direction, numerous students have qualified for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble contest, many earning superior ratings and two being awarded the Outstanding Performer Award. Multiple students also qualified for TMEA Region Band, TMEA Area and alternate to the TMEA All-State band.

Nick has his Bachelors of Music Education from Ouachita Baptist University. During this time at OBU, he performed with the OBU Wind Ensemble who toured around Arkansas and Texas. He also performed with Tiger Steel, OBU’s steel band ensemble, who toured across the south eastern part of the United States and performed at Walt Disney World. Nick was also a part of the OBU Percussion ensemble that qualified to perform at PASIC. While at OBU, Nick served as assistant director of Tiger Steel, where he coordinated performances and rehearsals, created fundraising opportunities, and aided in rehearsing the ensemble. He also served as the Tiger Drumline Captain, where he planned as well as led rehearsals throughout the season.

Nick has served as a percussion arranger, sound designer, and show designer for schools in East Texas and Arkansas. Much of his success as an arranger can be attributed to his student-centered approach to writing.

Nick’s professional affiliations include The Texas Music Educators Association, The Percussive Arts Society and The National Association for Music Education.

He is married to his wife, Morgan, and has three crazy cats, Ash, Ollie, and Weber. As well as their sassy golden retriever, Peach.

Custom Arrangements

Expertly crafted music for marching bands, tailored to your needs.

person playing saxophone
person playing saxophone
Tailored Music

Custom arrangements designed for your marching band performances.

person playing brown violin
person playing brown violin
selective focus silhouette photography of man playing red-lighted DJ terminal
selective focus silhouette photography of man playing red-lighted DJ terminal
person playing upright piano
person playing upright piano
Quality Scores

Engaging and effective music arrangements for marching band excellence.

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Kool Cat Music transformed our marching band with their exceptional custom arrangements. Highly recommend their services!

Marching Band

greyscale photo of man playing spinet piano close-up photo
greyscale photo of man playing spinet piano close-up photo

The custom music arrangements were engaging and perfectly suited for our performance. Truly a fantastic experience!

Band Director

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person playing guitar
★★★★★
★★★★★