Randall Capshaw
Head Director
Randall Capshaw holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of North Texas and a Master’s in Conducting from Texas Christian University where he conducted the TCU Women’s Choir, Men’s Frog Corps. and University Singers. Professionally, he has sung for many community choruses, churches, and organizations like the Ft. Worth Opera and the Ken Davis Chorale. Mr. Capshaw will be entering year 17 of teaching in choir in public schools and year 8 as the head director for FHS Choirs. Previously, he has held positions as choir director for Katy ISD, Big Spring ISD, Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, and as Adjunct Voice Professor for Howard College in Big Spring, TX. Mr. Capshaw is also currently the director of music ministries at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Hill where he conducts the chancel choir and handbells.
Mr. Capshaw’s choirs have been awarded numerous sweepstakes and best in class awards at contests and festivals, and his private voice students have received several national and state recognitions. In his spare time Capshaw loves traveling, cooking, hiking in remote locations, and going on adventures with his beautiful wife, Grace. It is his belief that every person who has a voice can learn to sing and he is so proud to be serving the fantastic students at Forney HS.
Callie Shaia
Associate Choir Director
Callie Shaia holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Abilene Christian University. During her time there, she served as the Music Theory, Sight-Singing/Ear Training, and Forms and Analysis campus tutor. It was there that she truly discovered her love for teaching. Professionally, Mrs. Shaia is also a member of the Dallas Symphony Chorus and participated in the 2014 tour of Spain and France performing Mozart’s Requiem. Mrs. Shaia will be entering her 13th year teaching in public schools and year 2 in Forney ISD. Previously, Mrs. Shaia served as the head director for Juan Seguin High School in Arlington Texas, following a year in Elementary Music for Northwest I.S.D. and 5 years teaching Middle School in Grapevine-Colleyville I.S.D.
Mrs. Shaia’s choirs have been awarded numerous sweepstakes and consistent Superior ratings at the Dallas Music Festival. In her spare time Callie loves to cook and travel around the world with her husband Chris and 2 bonus daughters Natalie and Lauren. Additionally, she loves all things relating to Harry Potter, The Office, and all things involving the British Monarchy-especially the music!
Ryoji Shimpo
Accompanist
Ryoji Shimpo is a versatile pianist, educator, and music director with over 25 years of experience in performance, choral leadership, and music education. He holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo.
Ryoji has taught students of all ages, from private piano lessons to college-level courses in music history, music appreciation, theory, and class piano. His teaching emphasizes both technical growth and a lasting love for music.
He has directed and accompanied choirs in several Texas school districts—including Mesquite, Mabank, Forney, and Grand Prairie—helping many achieve UIL Sweepstakes awards. He also serves as Director of Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Mesquite, where he leads the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir, and performs regularly on piano and pipe organ.
As a collaborative pianist, Ryoji has performed across North America in concert halls, schools, churches, and theaters. He frequently accompanies at the Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest and is known for his musical sensitivity and collaborative approach.
Outside of music, Ryoji enjoys traveling and spending time at home with his wife, two children, two cats, and two dogs.
Tara Trimble
Voice Teacher
Mrs. Trimble has been teaching voice and piano for over 20 years and loves helping students find their own sound and grow more confident on stage. She’s taught in public schools, at a community college, and through private lessons, so she knows how to work with singers at every level — whether you’re just starting out or preparing for All-State auditions. She earned her Music Education degree from Wartburg College and Kodály certification from the University of St. Thomas, and she stays active in music organizations like the Music Teachers National Association, Texas Music Teachers Association and Rockwall Music Teachers Association, where her students have earned top honors. Outside of teaching, she’s performed with and led the touring choir Women of Song, judged music competitions, and even written a few children’s musicals. When she’s not teaching or making music, she loves to travel, paint ceramics, and cook. Mrs. Trimble is excited to work with FHS choir students this year and can’t wait to help you grow as a singer and performer!
Kathy Stephens
Voice Teacher
Kathy Weiss Stephens has been teaching private voice lessons in the Metroplex for 40 plus years. Mrs. Stephens received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University with a double major in theater and music and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University. Mrs.Stephens has performed professionally with local opera companies as well as the Salzburg Opera and the Dallas Summer Musicals choruses. A number of her former students are now school choir directors, voice teachers and worship leaders.
Mindee Viscalla is excited to continue partnering with Forney ISD to offer private voice lessons to FISD students.
She opened her piano and voice studio in 2009, teaching lessons in her home near Seattle, Washington. In 2019, she moved to Forney, where she again began teaching lessons in her home, and in 2024, she started offering voice instruction through the schools. Though she participated in several solo and choral opportunities growing up, she took the initiative to begin studying vocal technique with a private instructor just over 20 years ago. Since then, she has continued to participate in choirs, stage productions, and musical and choral direction. She is currently a member of the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).
Mindee strongly believes in the value of music education. Among a long list of benefits, music promotes a sense of well-being, supports physical health, promotes linguistic learning, enhances coordination, spawns creativity, reinforces mathematical concepts, improves confidence in performance and presentation, and exposes students to other cultures, traditions, and history.
The focus of her voice lessons is to teach students proper singing technique through various vocal exercises and genres, including musical theater, folk/art, classical, opera, and sacred music. Students are assigned contrasting styles of songs intended to improve specific skills and techniques. Lessons are also designed to help students participating in musicals, all-region activities, and solo/ensemble prepare for their auditions and performances.
She looks forward to supporting the choral program at Forney High School, its talented directors, and its incredible singers.