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Three band members in green and white uniforms stand in front of a large %22TT%22 logo against a black circular background with %22Trimble Tech Band%22 written above.

Trimble Tech Band Booster Website  

The Trimble Tech Bulldog Band is a music organization comprised of four different ensembles: the Varsity Band, Non-Varsity Band, Beginner Percussion Class, and the Marching Band. Our motto, "Excellence in Everything," challenges students at all musical levels to be the best version of themselves on and off the rehearsal field.  We believe through their experiences with the band, students will gain a greater appreciation for the fine arts, develop stronger personal relationships with their peers, and grow as more mature young adults entering the workforce or post-secondary education. The Bulldog Band is under the direction of Mr. Jacob Belk and Mr. John Gaal. More information about the directors, the audition process for becoming a Bulldog Band Member, and our organization may be found on our band's booster.

Jacob Belk, Director of Bands

A family of four stands on a bed of fallen leaves with a backdrop of evergreen trees.

Mr. Belk is the Head Band Director at Trimble Tech High School. Previously, he was the director at McLean MS and taught private lessons around the country. Mr. Belk earned his Masters of Music from The Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied trombone performance with Richard Stout and Steve Witzer. While in Cleveland Mr. Belk performed regularly many local symphonies. Mr. Belk earned his Bachelors of Music Education from

Louisiana State University where he studied with Larry Campbell and Frank Wicks. When he is not at work, Mr. Belk enjoys spending time with his family. Elise Belk, his wife, is the Professor of Oboe at TCU. Finn, His son, is an accomplished singer in the Texas Boys’ Choir. Fiona, his daughter, is stating her music studies on the Piano. Henry, the dog, is a very unmusical 105-pound mutt.

Email: jacob.belk@fwisd.org

John Gaal, Assistant Director of Bands

A smiling man with red hair holds mallets in the foreground, while a dimly lit theater with rows of seats and stage curtains forms the background.

John Gaal currently serves as the Percussion Director for Trimble Tech High School, and he is a freelance percussionist, composer, and educator in the greater DFW area.

​John received his Master’s in Percussion Performance from Texas Christian University, under the direction of Dr. Richard Gipson, Dr. Brian West, Jeff Hodge, and Joey Carter. He received his Bachelor’s of Music in Orchestral Performance from Bob Jones University, under the direction of Rob Schoolfield, Dr. Dan Turner, and Dr. Michael Moore.​

John is an active educator in the marching arts. Having played the marimba for The Cavaliers (2013, 2014, 2015) and Music City Mystique (2015 & 2016), John now serves as the Co-Percussion Caption Head at Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps (2015-2021). Additionally, John teaches at The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps and Vigilantes Indoor Percussion.
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John is also an avid performer. Before moving to the Dallas area, John performed with the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Scott Stewart, as well as the Atlanta Percussion Group, under the direction of Joel Boss. John has made numerous appearances at PASIC and TMEA, and he currently freelances in the Fort Worth area.
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John has had the privilege of studying under Dr. Brian West, Dr. Blake Tyson, Dr. Brian Tinkel, Dr. Matt Jordan, Dr. Richard Gipson, Jeff Ausdemore, Alan Miller, Rob Schoolfield, Lisa Gaal, Rich Stitzel, Duffy Jackson, Joey Carter, and Jeff Hodge.

Email: john.gaal@fwisd.org

A marching band in green and black uniforms plays instruments in front of a banner that reads %22Frimble Tech Marching Band Fort Worth, TX,%22 with blurred figures and trees in the background.
A marching band drumline in green and black uniforms stands with their drums in front of parked cars and buildings.
A group of young people in matching t-shirts sit in bleachers with a building and trees in the background.
A marching band in uniform plays instruments on a green field at night, with trees and lights visible in the dark background.
A group of students plays brass instruments in the foreground, with music stands and a wall of lockers in the background.
A choir and orchestra perform on a stage with a dark green curtain in the background, while a drumline is positioned in the foreground.