OUR TEAM
Mr. Curtez Rasool, originally from Little Rock, AR, embarked on his musical journey by learning the tuba in seventh grade before transitioning to the euphonium in eighth grade and eventually focusing on his principal instrument, the trombone. He pursued his higher education at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education with a specialization in Low-brass studies.
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During his time at Jackson State University, Mr. Rasool honed his musical skills through participation in various university ensembles, including the renowned Sonic Boom of the South marching band, Jazz Ensemble, Brasswind Ensemble, Trombone Choir, Concert Band, University Orchestra, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
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Mr. Rasool is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Mississippi Educators Association, National Association for Music Educators, Profound Gentleman, and Minority Band Directors National Association. He currently serves as an educator at KTUP, where he is in his second year.
Curtez Rasool
High School Band Director
Donterrio Marzett
Middle School Band Director
Donterrio Marzett is the esteemed founding band director of KIPP Tulsa. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Langston University in 2009 and later completed his Master of Education at the University of Oklahoma in 2012. Currently, Donterrio is pursuing his Doctorate in Public School Administration at Oral Roberts University.
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During his tenure at Langston University, Donterrio held several leadership positions within esteemed organizations, including The Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Langston University Marching Pride Band, Student Government Association, NAACP, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Alpha Chi Honor Society. He is also an esteemed member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc.
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Following an impactful student teaching experience with the Oklahoma City Public Schools, Donterrio was recruited by the former KIPP Tulsa Principal, Darius Kirk. Embracing the opportunity, he joined KIPP Tulsa and relocated to his hometown of Tulsa, OK, where he promptly initiated the development of the instrumental music program, including the renowned KIPP Tulsa “Showtime” Marching Band.
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In addition to his professional commitments, Donterrio prioritizes his faith and family, actively contributing to the enhancement of the north Tulsa community through educational initiatives. He finds immense joy in nurturing young musicians and cherishes moments with his wife Candace, their 12-year-old son DJ, and their 7-year-old daughter Lynn. Donterrio is deeply inspired by the transformative impact of the KIPP movement and is driven by the dedication of exceptional teachers and students who are committed to continuous improvement.

Marcus graduated from the GREAT Booker T. Washington High School class of 2008. Afterward, he attended Trade School at Tulsa Technology Center for Aviation Maintenance Technology. However, while aviation had his attention after high school, Mr. James began pursuing his dream and passion for music. He is a God-fearing man/musician whose visions and dreams exceed far greater than his own understanding. Mr. James sets high standards for his students. He selects and transforms his students into musicians by looking past their current faults and looking at their potential to excel past his standards. Not only has instructing students been his drive to continue in his music career, but his gift has made and continues to make room for him.
Selected by Donterrio Marzett to instruct middle school's K.I.P.P Showtime Marching Band drum section "3D" in 2009. ”3D" has yet to place below first place in every competition entered as a percussion section. Most of the competitions were amongst high school bands. In 2014 Mr. James had the privilege to travel 14hrs to Tye Tribbett's "The Chosen Conference" in Charleston, South Carolina. Being amongst fellow world musicians and learning more about the music industry (performance and business), firsthand, from his favorite gospel artist. Also, in 2014 Mr. James participated in a worldwide competition known as Guitar Center’s Drum-Off. He placed first in the preliminary rounds, placed first in the Store Finals, where he earned the nickname “Hometown Hero,” and advanced to Quarter Finals.
Marcus James, Jr.
Assistant Band Director
At the age of 21, during a workshop at Metropolitan Baptist Church, he had the privilege to play bass for one of gospel's legends/producers, V. Michael McVay. At the age of 22, he was asked to play drums and bass for one of Chicago's very own Malcolm Williams during a New Year's Eve service at Antioch Baptist Church. Currently, he works as a Jazz/Soul Band music teacher at Central High School, a musician for his church Revelations Revealed Truth Evangelistic Center (RRTEC) & plays around his hometown of Tulsa, OK, and Oklahoma City for the finest artists around town. He also drums for "Brandi Hamilton and Soul Element Band," the "Wall Street Band," and is a bassist and drummer for "Written Quincy and The Contraband.”
Maleatha James is a Hornet alumnus of Booker T. Washington with the graduating class of 2005. Here, she was a dedicated 4-year band member of the Unique Section of the T-Connection flag line as a member and captain. From high school, Maleatha pursued a degree in Nursing and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010 from the University of Oklahoma. While working at Saint Francis Hospital, after graduation, she accepted the responsibility to become a coach for KIPP Tulsa Showtime, Triple Threat Flags, under the direction of a fellow Hornet and friend, Donterrio Marzett. In 2013, she furthered her career as a traveling nurse, yet, continues to manage her position as the coach for the Flags.
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Maleatha enjoys mentoring young girls and giving back to a generation that will soon be our future leaders. She is an active Revelations Revealed Truth Evangelistic Center member here in Tulsa. She is also the founder and CEO of Leatha's Creative Design Squared, wedding and event planning, which she gives attention to in her spare time. She plans to continue teaching and nurturing the girls under her care while coaching the Triple Threat flag line.
Maleatha James
Flag Instructor
Tamara Franklin is the majorette coach for KIPP Tulsa “Showtime” Marching Band Exquisite Majorettes. She began working with the Majorettes in the fall of 2009. She is a proud alumna of Booker T. Washington High School, where she was an Elite Majorette for the T-Connection Band. Being community-oriented, she also volunteers at the Salvation Army and is the Mabee Shield Boys & Girls Club cheerleading coach.
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Tamara received her Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Tulsa Community College in 2008. She then received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Information Systems from Northeastern State University. She also received her Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern State University in 2012.
Tamara's goal is to positively influence the students she works with. Her compassionate nature wants to allow girls to explore their interest in dance and twirling while mentoring them to excel in academics, build their self-esteem, and learn to have confidence in themselves.
Tamara Franklin
Majorette Instructor
Candace Marzett is the dance coach for KIPP Tulsa “Showtime” Marching Band Platinum Sophistication Dancers and the High School TNT Auxiliary. She began working with the dance team in the summer of 2009. She is a proud alumna of McLain High School, where she was a dancer for the McLain Marching Band.
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Candace received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Langston University in 2009. While at Langston, she was a member of the Golden Feline Danceline and became the captain in 2007. She then went on to receive her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Langston University in 2016.
Candace's goal is to positively give back to the community in which she grew up in and to teach hard work and discipline.
Candace Marzett
Dance Instructor
Our Commitment
It is our goal that every student in the KIPP Tulsa Showtime Marching Band develops a lifelong appreciation for the value of music in his/her life. We want each and every student to become the most proficient musician and performer that he/she personally is capable
of. We realize, however, that some of our students will enjoy music as listeners much more often than as performers after he/she leaves our program.
We hope to instill a strong sense of self-discipline, self-motivation, and perseverance toward excellence in everything they do. Excellence is our quest; rules are the vehicle, which gives us the freedom to move toward our quest. From the performance perspective, we want our students to gain the self-confidence to know there is nothing they can’t achieve, no obstacle they can’t overcome if they are dedicated to utilizing all their talents and hard work.
Through their social relationships within the band, we want them to develop lifelong memories and friendships that are bonded by the adversity they will face and overcome together. We want them to gain effective communication skills in order to work together towards a common goal. Most of all, we want each student to be able to view the band as an experience of a lifetime.
Our History
KIPP Tulsa’s band program began in the summer of 2009. The marching band grew to approximately 45 members in its first year of existence. At the beginning of the band’s existence, the band began to challenge local high school band programs across the state of
Oklahoma. The Showtime Marching Band made its debut at KIPP Tulsa’s “Back to School Barbecue” in 2009. Since the debut, the band has continued to strive beyond expectations and compete with other middle and high school bands.