Staff
Mighty Eagle Band Staff
Chris Dunning – Band Director
Mr. Chris Dunning has served as the Director of Bands at Crowley High School since 2021. Prior to his current position, he served as the school’s Assistant Band Director for two years, and previously directed the instrumental music program at International Leadership of Texas Keller-Saginaw HS. Under his leadership, Mr. Dunning’s ensembles and students have earned numerous Division 1 ratings and other accolades for musical excellence and performance, appeared on major TV networks, and performed in venues around Texas and the USA including Ranger Stadium and Carnegie Hall. In addition to his work in education, Mr. Dunning proudly served for 21 years with the 531st Air Force Band, performing across the country and around the world. Mr. Dunning holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, both from the University of North Texas. At CHS, Mr. Dunning directs the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, supervises musical aspects of the Mighty Eagle Band, and manages all administrative aspects of the CHS Mighty Eagle Band and Colorguard.
Ken Danforth – Assistant Band Director
Ken Danforth is currently in his 29th year in Crowley ISD as the assistant band director at Crowley High School. Mr. Danforth is the director of the Jazz Band and Indoor Drumline, and teaches AP Music Theory. He also coordinates and teaches all Percussion from 6th-12th grade. Over the years he has received many sweepstakes awards in concert and marching band, several first divisions at Jazz band competitions, and consistently qualified solos and ensembles for Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition. The Crowley Drumline has received many awards and participated in 8 Percussive Arts Society International Convention championships. Mr. Danforth is a member of TMEA, TBA, and the Percussive Arts Society.
Mr. Danforth is from Bakersfield California and has lived in Texas since 1989. Prior to moving to Texas, he was a member of the World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. He received his bachelor’s in music education in 1996 from the University of North Texas where he was a member of the award winning UNT Drumline.
Ali Masswi – Assistant Band Director
Ali Masswi is proudly serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Crowley High School. Ali was born and raised in Galveston, Texas where he graduated from Ball High School. After graduating, Ali went on to pursue his Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Tuba Performance from the University of North Texas. Throughout his schooling, Ali played in many ensembles including the North Texas Wind Ensemble, the Pneuma Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, the 8 O’Clock Steel Pan Ensemble, and also performed various tuba recitals. Ali served as a Visual Field Technician for the UNT Green Brigade as well. During his time at UNT, Ali also marched with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps where he aided the Bluecoats in earning their 2nd Championship Title as well as the caption awards for Best Brass, Best Visual Performance, and Best General Effect.
Mr. Masswi joined the Crowley Band Staff in 2025. In his free time, he likes to exercise, fly kites, hang out with his cats, and is an avid TV watcher.
At CHS, Mr. Masswi directs the Symphonic Winds and Concert Winds, and supervises visual aspects of the Mighty Eagle Band.
Juan Carlos Gress – Colorguard Director
Mr. Gress has served as Colorguard Director at Crowley HS since 2024, and also directs the colorguard at Southwest HS in Fort Worth. Prior to his position at Crowley, Mr. Gress worked with various groups around the DFW area, including Plano East Senior High School (2021-2022), Burleson High School (2022), and Black Gold Performing Arts (2023-2024).
Mr Gress is a graduate of Southwest High School and a current student at the University of Texas at Arlington pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing and Management.