Jim Palmer

Director of Bands

Jim Palmer is the Director of Bands at Cain Middle School in Rockwall, Texas. He joined the Cain program in 2021.

Mr. Palmer is beginning his twenty-fifth year of teaching and is also the TMEA Region 3 Middle School Band Coordinator.

In his time away from band directing, Mr. Palmer enjoys spending time with his wife Kasye, who is a music therapist, his son Kyle, who plays the bassoon, and their puppy Bella.

Mr. Palmer is passionate about sharing his love of music with others and cannot wait to get started working with the students and parents at Cain Middle School.

Anissa Macias

Associate Director of Bands

My name is Anissa Macias and I am one of the Associate Band Directors here at Cain Middle School! I taught for 4 years in Garland ISD before coming to Cain. I teach the 6th grade woodwind classes at Linda Lyon, Pullen, Rochell and Shannon Elementary and the Cain Middle School Symphonic Band. I was born in Houston but grew up around all of my extended family in El Paso, Texas. I graduated Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with my bachelors degree in Music Education with a concentration in clarinet where I performed in the Clarinet Choir, chamber ensembles and the UNT Symphonic Band under the direction of Denis Fisher. I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with my friends and family as well as spoiling my 2 dogs Scout and Jazz.

Andrew Hearn

Associate Director of Bands

My name is Andrew Hearn, and I am excited to be starting my first year as one of the Associate Band Directors at Cain Middle School! I teach beginning brass classes at Pullen, Shannon, and Springer Elementary Schools, as well as Concert Band 1 at Cain.

Before coming to CMS, I attended the University of North Texas, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Music Education. While at UNT, I performed in various ensembles, including the Green Brigade Marching Band where I served as a trumpet section leader, and the UNT Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Williams. In addition, I also spent time teaching students of all ages at various band programs in Frisco, Irving, Lewisville, and Austin. In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with friends!

Kenneth “Rod” Kosterman

Percussion Director

Rod Kosterman began his first year as the Percussion Director at Rockwall-Heath High School in the Summer of 2016. He is also the Front Ensemble Designer and Coordinator for Vigilantes Indoor Percussion.

In 2010, Rod graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Percussion Performance from UNT and was awarded Outstanding Undergraduate in percussion. Later that year, Rod was the recipient of Indiana University’s Artistic Excellence Scholarship. He served as the department’s Graduate Assistant in 2011-12.

Rod’s composition for marimba and cello, in nebulous suspension held, won third prize in the 2010 PAS Composition Contest and is now published by Mostly Marimba. Song for Monica, a vibraphone solo, is available through Tapspace publications and is on the Ohio and Texas Prescribed Music Lists for Solo & Ensemble.

From 2011 through 2016, Rod was on the front ensemble staff for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. He also served as Education Program Director for the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble in 2015.

Rod is a proud endorser of Vic Firth sticks and mallets, Remo drum heads, as well as Mapex and Majestic marching percussion instruments.