Don Hopkins, Director

Don Hopkins is Director of the Mustang Band, returning to the "Hilltop" in 2005.  Don was a member of the Mustang Band in 1977-82, completing his Bachelor of Music at SMU.  While at S. M. U., Mr. Hopkins served a Mustang Band squad and section leader (trombone), section principal of the SMU Wind Ensemble and was a Mustang Band trombone soloist. 

Don has always been a head band director.  His teaching assignments include Robert T. Hill Middle School (Dallas), Dripping Springs High School, Lubbock High School and South Garland High School.  Mr. Hopkins is a member of the Texas Music Educators’ Association, Texas Bandmasters’ Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators’ Association. 


Tommy Tucker, Assistant Director/Arranger

Tommy Tucker is the Assistant Director of the Mustang Band and the primary music arranger. He obtained his degree from SMU in 1984 and previously served at the Mustang Band Assistant Director from 1984-1988. He has also been the musical producer/arranger for Pigskin Revue since 1981. Tommy has been arranging music for bands since 1971. He has worked with many high schools, junior colleges, universities and professional groups. He arranged for the 1987-88 Texas 4-A state high school marching contest winners and for subsequent state and area contest finalists in several classifications. His music has been featured at the Mirage Bowl in Tokyo, Japan, the Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, and at the St. Patrick’s Week Activities in Ireland. His arrangements also have been performed in the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Sun Bowl, Holiday Bowl, and two Super Bowls. His works have been recorded by many groups including the Lovers Lane Jazz Band and the Light Crust Doughboys.


Jon Lee, Drumline Instructor

Jon Lee is the drumline instructor and percussion arranger for the Mustang Band and has been since 1995. Under his direction, the SMU Mustang Band Drumline was the featured clinic group at the 1996 Percussive Arts Society Texas Day of Percussion. Additionally, Jon is the Assistant Conductor of the Meadows Percussion Ensemble and teaches Percussion Techniques in the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU.

Jon graduated with a Masters of Music Degree in Percussion Performance from the Meadows School of the Arts. He received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of North Texas, and has been accepted into the Doctor of Musical Arts program at the University of North Texas.

Jon is an active performer, educator, clinician, and adjudicator. He was a member of three P.A.S.I.C. national collegiate champion drumlines and was a member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. He has performed with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Garland/Los Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Texas Wind Symphony, and Dallas Wind Symphony.

Rae Jones, Administrative Assistant

Rae Jones is the Band's part-time Administrative Assistant.  She handles most of the paperwork required to maintain proper records and supervises the work-study staff.  Rae received her undergraduate degree from Miami University and has done graduate studies at SMU.  Rae has been working with the Mustang Band since November 3, 2008.