Antonio “Tony” Daniels is in his second year at GISD and is in his 30th year in education. Mr. Daniels has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Southern Methodist University.

Tony and his wife Amy, who is a nurse, artist, and poet, have been married for 26 years and have one son, Antonio (AJ) Daniels who plays football for  East Texas Baptist University and is majoring in Communications Broadcast Journalism.

I am excited to come to Gainesville ISD because of the opportunity to help more students explore and broaden their scope of creative expressionism through Arts education. Fine Arts has proven to be an essential means for developing higher learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and further enhancing analytical and social awareness. Students exposed to Fine Arts Education have higher test scores, higher percentages of advanced college degrees in every field, and become productive viable citizens within their communities. Helping more students reach their scholastic and humane potential through the arts is truly an exciting journey. Furthermore, the City of Gainesville is a very Fine Arts friendly community and most importantly, supports the schools and their students.

Tony strives to build a program that fosters teamwork, camaraderie, school spirit, and the enjoyment of playing, as well as supporting the community by sharing our talents and time.

“I plan to use the band program to build the whole student, not use the student to build the band,” Daniels said.

His long-range goals for the band are to bring State recognition back to Gainesville. “As we work hard and continue to pursue the aim for enjoyment, pursue excellence and create lasting moments, the successes, numbers, trophies, and recognition will come,” he said.

The plans for the Fine Arts programs in Gainesville are to create more awareness within the community and seek more ways for students to showcase their individual and collective crafts within their schools and throughout the community.

“Although we want to increase the number of students participating in Fine Arts, we also want for each student in Fine Arts to broaden their scope and skill set of artistry as a means of reflection, humane research, and a social outlet,” Daniels said”.

Daniels plans to increase the exposure to all art forms for every student through masterclasses, clinics, school trips to museums, and professional shows.