The Allen Community Band Directors
Craig Logan, Director
A trumpet player since junior high school, Craig Logan graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, and earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees in Music from Southern Methodist University. His first teaching position was with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) at Walker Middle School for five years. This was followed by three years at Highland Park Middle School before coming on board with Allen High School in 1980. While working with the Allen Eagle Band, Craig also taught band for Lovejoy Elementary School sixth graders.
During Craig’s 19 years at Allen High School (18 as director), the Allen Eagle Band racked up numerous awards. Along with prestigious recognitions from the University Interscholastic League, including two
consecutive first place awards at the State Marching Contest. In addition, his bands marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and earned Winner and Grand Champion designation at the 1994 Dublin International Concert Band Festival and Overall Winner for the 1994 Dublin International Band Competition.
After leaving Allen High School, Craig returned to DISD, teaching at DeGolyer and Withers Elementary Schools for three years.
Craig then retired after 32 years of teaching, and joined his wife, Pat, working for All World Travel. Currently, they work in the Group division and plan travel for high school, college, and adult performance groups.
In addition to teaching band, Craig also played trumpet professionally with the Dallas Symphony and Dallas Opera, and played 10 years with the Richardson Symphony.
Ray Akin, Associate Director
Ray Akin is a Dallas native and a graduate of S.M.U. His career in the music business includes performing, conducting, arranging, and music education. As a performer, he played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and La Sonora International as well as his own group, The Ray Akin Orchestra. His musical arrangements have been performed by professional bands, schools, churches, and community organizations. He taught instrumental music in Dallas ISD for thirty years before retiring in 2017.
Ray currently arranges for and performs in several local bands and continues to enjoy his long association with Craig Logan and the Allen Community Band. Ray became an Associate Director for the Allen Community Band in June, 2021.
Chris Xeros (1927-2019), Associate Director Emeritus Ad Infinitum
Associate Director, 2013-2019
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Chris Peter Xeros was born September 23, 1927, in Dallas, Texas, of Greek immigrant parents Panagiotis [Peter] and Eleni [Helen]. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education from the University of North Texas, and also attended Juilliard School of Music and L’Ecole Montreaux in Switzerland. Mr. Xeros is a Violinist and Violist, has worked in public schools as Director for Strings/Orchestra Pedagogy, and developed several accessories for string instruments. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served in Korea from 1950-1952.
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​In 1961, Mr. Xeros founded the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, where he was the Conductor and Music Director for 30 years. In 1990, Mr. Xeros was an honored alumnus of the University of North Texas Music Division for “Outstanding Service to Music”. In 1997, he founded the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra, where he was the Conductor and Music Director for 9 years. Mr. Xeros has traveled the world, visiting 59 countries, and has conducted concerts in Scotland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, West Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
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Mr. Xeros passed away October 6, 2019. The Allen Community Band was honored to have worked with Mr. Xeros and he will forever be a part of our organization. The Band has named Mr. Xeros Associate Director Emeritus Ad Infinitum - latin for retaining a title of honor to infinity - as an acknowledgement of his contribution and dedication to The Allen Community Band.