MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Glenna Vela
pronounced "Vehl-uh"
HEAD BAND DIRECTOR
Glenna Vela is entering her fourth year in Celina ISD and currently serves as the Head Director at Willard Middle School. Previously, Mrs. Vela served as the assistant director at Moore Middle School. Additionally, Mrs. Vela is a graduate of Celina ISD.
Mrs. Vela graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University-Commerce, now East Texas A&M University, with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2023. While at ETAMU, Mrs. Vela studied horn under Mr. Michael Morrow and performed in the Wind Ensemble. Mrs. Vela also participated in the “Pride” Marching Band, where she served as mellophone section leader and as a Drum Major. Other ensemble experiences included the "Pride of the Court" Basketball Band and the Steel Band Percussion Ensemble.
Mrs. Vela stays very involved in the Music Education field outside of Celina ISD. In January 2026, she published an article in the Bandmaster's Review, Entitled "It's About Thriving, Not Just Surviving." In her summers, she works with Jones Leadership as part of the ETAMU Leadership Camp Staff and travels with North Texas Musicians Abroad, where she has taught and performed in France, Germany, & Austria.
Mrs. Vela's professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Young Band Directors of Texas, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Mrs. Vela is the 2022 recipient of The Texas Bandmasters Association's Malcolm Helm Memorial Scholarship.
In her spare time, Mrs. Vela enjoys spending time with her husband, Jesse, who is the assistant percussion director in Allen ISD, playing board games with her friends, and adventuring with her family!
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Ritika Deivasigamani
"Ms. Mani"
ASSISTANT BAND DIRECTOR
Ritika Deivasigamani joins Celina ISD as the assistant band director at Willard Middle School! Ms. Deivasigamani graduated Summa Cum Laude with Highest Honors from East Texas A&M University in 2026, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Ms. Deivasigamani was a member of Dr. Julee Kim Walker’s flute studio and performed with the
Wind Ensemble on flute and piccolo for all four years. She was also drum major for the “Pride” Marching Band, serving as head drum major for 2 years. Other involvements included music librarian, piccolo player for the “Pride of the Court” Basketball Band, and officer for the Epsilon Beta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.
Ms. Deivasigamani recently completed her student teaching at Clark Middle School and Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco ISD, where she had the opportunity to work with beginners and instrumental ensembles of all levels frequently! In summer of 2025, she also marched with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps. as a conductor. She now serves as the Conducting and Leadership Intern for the Troopers. Ms. Deivasigamani’s professional memberships include the National Association for Music Education, the Texas Music Educators Association, and Tau Beta Sigma.
In her free time, Ms. Mani enjoys spending time with family and friends, crocheting, and cooking (and eating!) new foods! Her favorite genre of music is jazz, and her favorite drink is a good cup of coffee!
Ms. Deivasigamani is ecstatic about joining the Willard Middle School Band team and looks forward to meeting and getting to know every new student! She can’t wait to build a culture of fun, family, and excellence within the band hall and the campus!
Zack Cavender
CISD ASSISTANT PERCUSSION DIRECTOR
ZackaryCavender@celinaisd.com
Mr. Cavender joins Celina ISD as an Assistant Band Director at Moore Middle School and Assistant Percussion Director for the district, where he will work with percussion students in grades 6–12.
He most recently served as Assistant Band Director and Director of Percussion for Bells ISD, where he oversaw all percussion instruction and directed the junior high band program to its first Sweepstakes award in program history.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University, where he performed as a percussionist with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble, Afro-Samba Ensemble, and the Goin’ Band from Raiderland.
Mr. Cavender marched three seasons of drum corps as a snare drummer with Compass, Louisiana Stars, and the Blue Knights. He currently serves as Battery Coordinator for Arsenal Drum & Bugle Corps.