Mr. Shurtleff has 12 years of experience in Directing Band programs across the state of Arkansas where his bands qualified for the State Marching Contest multiple times, consistently earned Superior ratings in both marching and concert bands as well as catapulted numerous students to All-Region and All-State Honor Bands.

He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Arkansas where he studied saxophone with Dr. Jackie Lamar and conducting with Dr. Ricky Brooks and a Master of Music Education with an emphasis in Conducting from Texas A&M University-Commerce studying with Professor Phillip Clements. He holds his Texas Teaching Certificate in music. Mr. Shurtleff displays a strong knowledge of conducting and ensemble evaluation with the primary goal to always improve and promote a positive environment. Mr. Shurtleff is excited to move to the area with his wife and 2 children and begin directing the Buccaneer Band.