ABOUT US
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
- Berthold Auerbach
The Vestavia Hills High School band has a long standing tradition of excellence begun by the first Director of Bands Dr. Ted Galloway. The band's 50 year career has earned consistent superior ratings in concert and marching band festivals, performances at the Alabama Music Educator's Conference and the Music for All National Concert Band festival. The Rebel Marching has been fortunate to travel and enjoy performances within various cities in the US and abroad, including the London New Year's Day Parade, the Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade, and the Rome New Year's Day Parade. The Vestavia Hills High School band is thankful for a supportive school community and parent volunteer group.
OUR LEADERS
"Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward paces of the soul."
- Plato
Dr. Jerell Horton
Director of Bands
Dr. Jerell Horton has been the band director at Vestavia Hills since 2006. He is a graduate of Samford University. Prior to his appointment at Vestavia Hills High School, he served as assistant director at Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills High School. While at Vestavia Hills, the bands have consistently earned superior rating at District and state concert band festivals. The Vestavia Hills Wind Ensemble performed at the 2011 Alabama Music Educators Conference, and the Music For All National Concert Band Festival in 2013. The Vestavia Hills High School Rebel Marching Band performed in the 2010 London New Year’s Day Parade in London, England and the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. The Vestavia Hills High School band was awarded the National Program of Excellence Southern Division Blue Ribbon Award presented by the National Band Association. Mr. Horton has served as an honor band clinician within the states of Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Dr. Horton is also on staff for the Auburn Summer Marching and Leadership camp and the Music For All Summer Symposium. Mr. Horton a National Board Certified teacher and was named to SBO magazine’s 2014 list of 50 Directors Who Make a Difference. Mr. Horton was honored to serve on 2017 Music for All Tournament of Roses teaching staff and will be returning to the 2022 teaching staff as well as stepping into the roll as the Leadership Coordinator. He is married to Monica Horton (also an educator) and they have four children, Madina Jaimes, Israel, Chism, and Loula Grayce.
Heather Palmer
Associate Director of Bands
Heather Palmer is the Associate Director of Bands at Vestavia Hills High School, in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Ms. Palmer's duties include conducting the 9th grade Symphonic Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Music Theory. Along with her performing ensembles, Ms. Palmer earned consistent superior ratings. Prior to accepting the position at Vestavia Hills High School, Ms. Palmer served as assistant band director at Pizitz Middle School, and prior to that, she served as assistant band director at Bottenfield Middle School. Ms. Palmer holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Ms. Palmer has served as an honor band clinician in Alabama and Georgia. She has also been a presenter at the Midwest Clinic International Orchestra and Band Conference, as well as the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference.
Ms. Palmer is married to Mr. Brad Palmer and has one daughter, Ella. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the Alabama Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity.
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Hanna Hatchett
Majorette Sponsor
Virginia Buchanan
Color Guard Sponsor
Andrea Burris
Rockette Danceline Sponsor
Brad Palmer
Percussion Instructor / Drill Design
ENSEMBLES
Rebel Marching Band
Winds, Percussion and Visual Ensemble
(Majorettes, Rockette Danceline, and Color Guard)
Concert Bands
9th Grade Symphonic Winds
Symphonic Winds
Wind Symphony and United Sound
Jazz Band
Open to all band students in grades 10-12
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
OF EXCELLENCE
On Friday, October 24, 2025, Vestavia Hills High School had the distinct honor of recognizing three extraordinary educators who have devoted the past 20 years to shaping not only musicians, but also young people of character, discipline, and passion.
Before an enormous home crowd for the Vestavia vs Hoover football game, Dr. Jerell Horton, Ms. Heather Palmer, and Mr. Brad Palmer were honored for their 20 years of service. Through their tireless dedication, they have built lasting traditions, inspired countless students, and filled our community with music that moves the spirit and unites us all.
For two decades, Dr. Horton has led the Rebel Marching Band program with unmatched enthusiasm, patience, and excellence. Under his direction, the band has flourished—growing in both size and artistry—and has delivered outstanding performances at competitions, concerts, and community events across the region. His leadership has nurtured generations of students, instilling in them that music is not merely notes on a page, but a powerful expression of teamwork, perseverance, and heart.
For 20 years, Ms. Palmer has infused the Rebel Marching Band family with boundless dedication, creativity, and passion. Her leadership has resulted in unforgettable halftime shows, award-winning performances, and—most importantly—a culture where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. She exemplifies what it means to lead with both excellence and compassion.
For two decades, Mr. Palmer has also served the Rebel Band, directing the percussion and drumline with precision, energy, and high expectations. His commitment to excellence is evident in every commanding performance, and his influence has shaped generations of percussionists who continue to carry forward his standard of mastery and discipline.
Together, Dr. Horton, Mrs. Palmer, and Mr. Palmer have created a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom or the marching field. Their vision, leadership, and passion have touched thousands of lives—and their impact will continue to resonate through every perfect step, every resonant note, and every student who carries a lifelong love of music.
On behalf of the school, our students, parents, administration, and the entire community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for 20 years of dedication, inspiration, and music that will echo for generations to come. And as every current and former member of the Rebel Band knows, Dr. Horton famously coined the phrase: “Man, I love this band.”
Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Dr. Jerell Horton, Ms. Heather Palmer, and Mr. Brad Palmer for their remarkable 20 years of outstanding service and leadership!
