Ashley McAlister joined the Union Bands as Assistant Director in 2022. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Arkansas and her Master’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of North Alabama. She was a member of the Razorback Marching Band, and she served as a graduate assistant for the University of North Alabama Marching Pride. She was also a member of the Sigma Omicron chapter of the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.  

Previously, Mrs. McAlister was the Director of Bands at Poteau Public Schools. During her time at Poteau, she directed the Pride of Poteau marching band. She was also the director of the high school symphonic band, high school jazz band, high school percussion ensemble, 6th grade beginning bands, 7th grade bands, and 8th grade bands. Her ensembles achieved superior ratings at both the district and state levels. Mrs. McAlister taught elementary music at Kilby Laboratory School in Florence, AL and at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Tulsa. She has been an adjunct band staff member for numerous high school bands throughout the states of Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma. 

 Mrs. McAlister marched with Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps in 2005, 2006, and won a DCI World Championship with Memphis Sound in 2007. She also served as trumpet section leader in 2007. She finished her drum corps marching career by aging out with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 2009. After aging out, she was a visual technician and assistant visual caption head for Forte Drum and Bugle Corps. Mrs. McAlister continues to serve the drum corps community as a member of Box 7 Ministries. 

Ashley lives in Tulsa with her husband Will and their beautiful daughter Adeline. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and playing with her two dogs Bailey and Moose.