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Dr. Tyrone Block, Director of Fine Arts
Dr. Tyrone J. Block, born in Dumas, Arkansas, has been playing trombone since he was a young child. During his career, he has won numerous competitions including the Northeast Arkansas Young Artist Concerto Competition, Walt Disney All-American Marching, Duke Ellington Jazz Band, and was voted Brass Player of the Year at the University of Arkansas-Monticello for two years.
Dr. Block’s formal training began at Dumas High School where he was named to the All-State Band for three years and also the prestigious Governor’s School. He attended the University of Arkansas-Monticello where he received his B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in music performance. In addition, he attended the Armed Forces School of Music where he graduated first in his class. During this time, he traveled with the United States Navy Show Band and toured three continents, many countries, and the United States.
Block received his M.M. (Masters of Music) in performance from the University of North Texas with a related field in ethnomusicology. He also completed his D.M.A. (Doctorate of Musical Arts) at the University of North Texas. He has served several public schools in DFW in addition to honor bands, all-region, and all-state bands. Dr. Block has performed in numerous orchestras, symphonies, and ensembles. He has also been a featured soloist. He is currently the Dean of the College of Arts and Communications at Nelson University and part of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Mrs. Elizabeth De La Rosa, Assistant Band Director
A native of North Mexico, Elizabeth Mora De La Rosa graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos with a bachelor's in All-Level Music Studies- Instrumental Concentration in Spring 2017. In December of 2019 De La Rosa received a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Nelson University. She currently serves as a woodwind professor for the music department at Nelson University (formerly SAGU) and Assistant Band Director/Private Lesson teacher with Southern Star Fine Arts. She strives to create a positive impact in the next generation and has a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
Kenneth Mund, Beginner Band Director
Kenneth Mund was raised in Mandan, North Dakota. He started his journey on
trombone in 1965 and has remained an active musician during his educational years, his 26 years as a public school band director, and continuing through 17 years in pastoral ministry. While in high school, Mund received many superior ratings on trombone at state competitions and was honored as principal trombonist in the ND All-State Orchestra. While pursuing Mund’s bachelor of science degree from Dickinson State University in North Dakota, he was selected as the winner of the NDMTA Young Artist Competition and was a finalist and scholarship winner at the Women’s Association of the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra (WAMSO) Young Artist Competition. During his senior year, Ken was chosen as an outstanding musician and was the featured soloist in the spring concert and band tour. Throughout Mr. Mund’s teaching career, his bands and students received many honors in regional and state solo and ensemble contests. While serving as High School Band Director at Watertown High School in South Dakota, his band was featured at the SD Bandmaster’s convention. During these years, Mr. Mund continued to perform with many area concert bands, jazz groups and orchestras, and was occasionally invited to perform at area colleges and high schools as a soloist and/or in special ensembles. Mund was chosen as principal trombone at the Eckroth Music Clinic in Bismarck, ND, for 20 years and served as trombone adjudicator for the South Dakota All-State Jazz festival for nearly 20 years. Following retirement from pastoral ministry, Mr. and Mrs. Mund moved to Waxahachie, TX, desiring to be close to their daughter, her husband, and, of course, their grandchildren.
Heidi’s color guard journey began at Midlothian High School, where she served in leadership roles during her junior and senior years. After graduating, she continued her involvement at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where she was color guard captain while also working as an instructor and choreographer for Brenham High School. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Stephen F. Austin State University. During her time there, she performed with Emblem 281 Winter Guard in Open Class competition, further developing her technical skill and performance artistry.
Following college, Heidi enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a flute and piccolo musician in the Quantico Marine Corps Band. Even during her military service, she remained dedicated to the activity by instructing and choreographing the winter guard for a local high school. After completing her service, she stepped away from performing to focus on raising and homeschooling her five children.
In addition to her work in education and the arts, Heidi is an experienced birth doula, having supported more than 100 families over the past 11 years. She also co-manages a family goat farm, producing and selling handmade goat milk soap—ventures that reflect her strong work ethic, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit.
After a 17-year hiatus from spinning, Heidi returned to color guard with renewed passion, launching the program at Nelson University in Waxahachie, Texas. She brings fresh energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to student growth and artistic excellence. With a passion for mentorship and a commitment to excellence, Heidi is proud to lead and inspire the Southern Star Color Guard in this exciting new chapter.
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