Michelle Ross, Director of Bands
Originally from the midwest, Mrs. Ross earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri and her Master of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she studied under James Keene. Mrs. Ross is a flute specialist and has performed with the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Louis Compton Heights Concert Band, and the Carrollton Wind Symphony.
Mrs. Ross started working at South Grand Prairie High School in 2012, and was named Director of Bands in 2018. Her duties include teaching and conducting the Varsity Wind Ensemble and assisting with the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. Ensembles under her direction consistently earn superior ratings at UIL Marching Contest and UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest, and most recently the SGP Wind Ensemble was recognized by the Foundation for Music Education as a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence Wind Band Contest.
Prior to her time in Grand Prairie ISD, Mrs. Ross worked as an assistant band director in Lubbock, TX at Estacado High School and then as an assistant band director at North Forney High School in Forney, TX. She currently resides in Mansfield, TX with her husband, Scott Ward.
Billy Laird, Assistant Director
Mr. Laird is originally from El Paso, Texas, where he graduated from Franklin High School. He achieved numerous awards in the band, also earning membership in the Texas All-State Tenor-Bass Choir. After high school, Mr. Laird attended the University of Texas at Arlington, earned his Bachelor of Music degree, and graduated Cum Laude.
Teaching since 2008, Billy Laird is Assistant Band Director at South Grand Prairie High School. There he directs the Wind Symphony, and assists with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. South Grand Prairie High School's Warrior Band has experienced great success in the past 5-10 years consistently earning Superior Ratings at UIL in both Marching and Concert.
Mr. Laird often serves as an adjudicator for marching band, concert band, and solo and ensemble contests around DFW. He also performs as a freelance musician at local churches. He enjoys spending free time with his wife and children in Mansfield, TX. Beyond music, Mr. Laird enjoys the outdoors, landscaping/lawn work, and cheering for the Mavs, Rangers, Stars, and Dallas Cowboys.
Alan Chrzanowski, Assistant Director
Alan Chrzanowski was born and raised in Arlington, TX. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. While attending UTA, he studied with Dr. Rick Bogard, performed with various ensembles, and assisted in running the Maverick Marching Band. He has been teaching since 2010 and assists with all components of the Warrior Band program.
An advocate of the marching arts, Alan has been a long-time freelance drill writer and has a strong Drum Corps background in both performance and education. He performed with The Cavaliers (2007-2008) and began teaching in the Drum Corps community with The Cavaliers first as a member of the Visual Staff 2009-2015, Assistant Visual Caption Head 2016-2017, and Visual Caption Head 2018. Aside from his work with The Cavaliers, Alan has consulted with many groups as a teaching specialist brought in to educate other teachers on how to effectively plan, implement, and refine teaching techniques in the marching community.
Ben Gostkowski, Percussion Director
Benjamin Gostkowski is a graduate of the University of North Texas where he received his bachelor’s in music education. While at UNT he was involved with several ensembles including the award winning UNT PASIC Quad Ensemble from 2019-2021. Mr. Gostkowski was also a member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from2017-2021 where he served as Drumline Captain his age out year.
Mr. Gostkowski began his teaching career in San Antonio where he was the Assistant Band Director at Tom C. Clark High School. While at Clark Mr.Gostkowski’s percussionists won many best in class awards at marching contests, consistently earned superior ratings at TSSEC, and performed with the Clark Orchestra as a demo group at TMEA.
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Mr. Gostkowski started his time at SGP teaching lessons from 2021-2022 and is excited to once again work with such a strong program and team.
Jorge Morales, Color Guard Director
Jorge Morales serves as Director of Colorguard at South Grand Prairie High School. With more than a decade of experience in music education, performance, and visual arts instruction, he has dedicated his career to developing confident performers, strong leaders, and positive team cultures.
Throughout his career, Mr. Morales has worked with numerous successful programs across Texas, earning a reputation for creative visual design, engaging instruction, and a commitment to student growth.
Mr. Morales is passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences through the performing arts and believes that every student can develop valuable life skills through dedication, collaboration, and artistic expression. He is excited to continue building a tradition of excellence at South Grand Prairie High School and helping students reach their fullest potential.