OUR LEADERS

JERELL HORTON

Director of Bands

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. He 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.  Mrs. Palmer’s duties include conducting the 9th grade Symphonic Band, Symphonic Band, one of the two Jazz Bands and coordinating the indoor color guard. Along with her performing ensembles, Mrs. Palmer has earned consistent superior ratings.   Prior to accepting the position at Vestavia Hills High School, Mrs. Palmer served as assistant band director at Pizitz Middle School, and prior to that, she served as assistant band director at Bottenfield Middle School. Mrs. Palmer holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.  

Mrs. Palmer is married to Brad Palmer and has one daughter Ella.  She is a member of the NAMfE and the Alabama Bandmasters Association