Meet The College Team
Kaitlyn Barnes - University of North Texas
Audrey Gates - University of North Texas
Audrey Gates is a flute player from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is entering her junior year at the University of North Texas, where she studies music education. She has most recently performed with the North Texas Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir.
On campus, she serves as the Vice President for the Phi Tau Chapter of the music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon. She also holds leadership positions within the North Texas Music Educator's Association and the Green Brigade Marching Band.
Outside of her studies, Audrey likes to play sports with her friends, drink coffee, learn songs on the ukulele, and fail to catch fish.
Audrey hopes to one day become a middle school band director, and she looks forward to helping each of her future students discover their unique relationship with music.
Audrey Gates is a flute player from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is entering her junior year at the University of North Texas, where she studies music education. She has most recently performed with the North Texas Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir.
On campus, she serves as the Vice President for the Phi Tau Chapter of the music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon. She also holds leadership positions within the North Texas Music Educator's Association and the Green Brigade Marching Band.
Outside of her studies, Audrey likes to play sports with her friends, drink coffee, learn songs on the ukulele, and fail to catch fish.
Audrey hopes to one day become a middle school band director, and she looks forward to helping each of her future students discover their unique relationship with music.
Abby Rieger - University of North Texas
Abby Rieger is a second year music education major at the University of North Texas. Abby is from nearby Carrollton, Texas and currently serves as administrative committee chairperson and flute squad leader in UNT’s marching band, the Green Brigade. Most recently, they’ve performed with the North Texas Concert Band and the UNT flute choir.
Abby is also Vice President of Service for UNT’s newly established Kappa Kappa Psi Xi Beta chapter, and over the summer is also a drum major for the Santa Clara Vanguard drum and bugle corps. Outside of music, they like to read, do calligraphy, and spend time with family. Abby is excited to begin this new year with the YBDT team!
Abby Rieger is a second year music education major at the University of North Texas. Abby is from nearby Carrollton, Texas and currently serves as administrative committee chairperson and flute squad leader in UNT’s marching band, the Green Brigade. Most recently, they’ve performed with the North Texas Concert Band and the UNT flute choir.
Abby is also Vice President of Service for UNT’s newly established Kappa Kappa Psi Xi Beta chapter, and over the summer is also a drum major for the Santa Clara Vanguard drum and bugle corps. Outside of music, they like to read, do calligraphy, and spend time with family. Abby is excited to begin this new year with the YBDT team!
Emily Dean - Texas Christian University
Emily Dean is a Sophomore music education major at Tyler Junior College. She studies with Mr. Tom McGowan and performs with the TJC Wind Ensemble under the batons of Mr. Jeremy Strickland and Dr. Eddie Airheart. She also performs with the Apache Marching Band, Apache Punch Drumline, TJC Percussion Ensemble, and sings with both Jazz I & II Ensembles.
In addition to performing, Emily is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity, and serves her chapter and band as the Zeta Xi Historian. She is also a member of TJC Future Music Educators and the Phi Theta Kappa International academic honor society.
When Emily is not studying, she enjoys journaling, traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Tucker. Emily continues to teach Military Style Drum Majors and Percussion Private Lessons in East Texas as she has for the past three years.
Emily’s goals for the future include graduating from TJC with her Associate’s in Music, transferring to a four-year university to complete her Bachelor’s in Music Education, becoming a music educator and/or administrator, and furthering her education in grad school.
Emily Dean is a Sophomore music education major at Tyler Junior College. She studies with Mr. Tom McGowan and performs with the TJC Wind Ensemble under the batons of Mr. Jeremy Strickland and Dr. Eddie Airheart. She also performs with the Apache Marching Band, Apache Punch Drumline, TJC Percussion Ensemble, and sings with both Jazz I & II Ensembles.
In addition to performing, Emily is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity, and serves her chapter and band as the Zeta Xi Historian. She is also a member of TJC Future Music Educators and the Phi Theta Kappa International academic honor society.
When Emily is not studying, she enjoys journaling, traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Tucker. Emily continues to teach Military Style Drum Majors and Percussion Private Lessons in East Texas as she has for the past three years.
Emily’s goals for the future include graduating from TJC with her Associate’s in Music, transferring to a four-year university to complete her Bachelor’s in Music Education, becoming a music educator and/or administrator, and furthering her education in grad school.
Aidan Kane - Texas Christian University
Aidan Kane is a junior music education student at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he studies clarinet under Dr. Corey Mackey. He has performed with the TCU Wind Symphony, Symphonic band, Concert Band, Horned Frog Marching Band, and the HARK clarinet quartet under Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Brian Youngblood, and Mr. Matthew Garrett.
Currently, Aidan is the Band Instrumental Division Chair of TCU’s Music Educator’s Organization (MEO). He is also a member of TCU’s Chancellor’s Leadership Program and a Community Scholar.
When he isn’t studying or playing his instrument, Aidan enjoys running, biking, watching movies, and spending time with his close friends. After graduating, Aidan plans on being a band director and fostering a love for knowledge and music within his students. Additionally, he aspires to work with first generation college students.
Aidan Kane is a junior music education student at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he studies clarinet under Dr. Corey Mackey. He has performed with the TCU Wind Symphony, Symphonic band, Concert Band, Horned Frog Marching Band, and the HARK clarinet quartet under Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Brian Youngblood, and Mr. Matthew Garrett.
Currently, Aidan is the Band Instrumental Division Chair of TCU’s Music Educator’s Organization (MEO). He is also a member of TCU’s Chancellor’s Leadership Program and a Community Scholar.
When he isn’t studying or playing his instrument, Aidan enjoys running, biking, watching movies, and spending time with his close friends. After graduating, Aidan plans on being a band director and fostering a love for knowledge and music within his students. Additionally, he aspires to work with first generation college students.
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Ken Nguyen - Texas Christian University
Ken Nguyen is a junior music education major at Texas Christian University where he studies applied saxophone under Mr. Joe Eckert. He has performed with the TCU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble II, Basketball Band, and the Horned Frog Marching Band under direction of Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Brian Youngblood, and Mr. Matthew Garrett. Ken is also a member of TCU’s Music Educator’s Organization as well as TCU’s Chancellor’s Leadership Program. Ken is also a member of the Dallas Asian Winds. When he is not studying or playing his saxophone, Ken loves to spend his time playing basketball, spending time with close friends, and learning to play other instruments. After graduating, Ken plans to teach at Title I schools in Texas and make a positive difference in low-income communities. |
Anna Rutherford - Texas Christian University
Anna Rutherford is a junior music education student at Texas Christian University (TCU) where she studies classical and jazz saxophone with Mr. Joe Eckert. Anna has performed with the TCU Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble I, Horned Frog Marching Band, Concert Band, and Saxophone Quartet under the direction of Mr. Joe Eckert, Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Brian Youngblood, and Mr. Matthew Garrett.
Currently, Anna is the Vice President for the TCU Music Educators Organization and a saxophone section leader in the Horned Frog Marching Band. She also serves as the alumni secretary for the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi (the National Honorary Band Fraternity) and is a member of the John V. Roach Honors College. Anna is a college intern for the Keller Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (KAYJO) where she coaches high school jazz musicians in an extracurricular jazz ensemble.
When she's not playing her instrument, Anna loves to spend time reading (especially the works of Brandon Sanderson), embroidering, and baking elaborate desserts. She is excited to pursue a career as a Texas band director upon graduation from TCU.
Anna Rutherford is a junior music education student at Texas Christian University (TCU) where she studies classical and jazz saxophone with Mr. Joe Eckert. Anna has performed with the TCU Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble I, Horned Frog Marching Band, Concert Band, and Saxophone Quartet under the direction of Mr. Joe Eckert, Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Brian Youngblood, and Mr. Matthew Garrett.
Currently, Anna is the Vice President for the TCU Music Educators Organization and a saxophone section leader in the Horned Frog Marching Band. She also serves as the alumni secretary for the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi (the National Honorary Band Fraternity) and is a member of the John V. Roach Honors College. Anna is a college intern for the Keller Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (KAYJO) where she coaches high school jazz musicians in an extracurricular jazz ensemble.
When she's not playing her instrument, Anna loves to spend time reading (especially the works of Brandon Sanderson), embroidering, and baking elaborate desserts. She is excited to pursue a career as a Texas band director upon graduation from TCU.
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Harmony Rutherford - Texas A&M University-Commerce
Harmony is a sophomore music education major at Texas A&M University - Commerce. Harmon studies under her horn professor, Mr. Michael Morrow. Harmony is a member of the wind ensemble, directed by Mr. Phillip Clements, and The Pride Marching Band, directed by Mr. Allan Goodwin. In addition to performing, Harmony currently serves as the Sergeant At Arms for the Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Harmony has taught masterclasses for Gainesville High School and was a counselor for TAMUC’s Leadership Camp and the Blast of Brass camp this past summer. Harmony’s professional memberships include Kappa Kappa Psi, Young Band Directors of Texas, Women Band Directors International, Texas Music Educator’s Association, and Texas Bandmaster’s Association. In her spare time, Harmony loves to spend time with her friends, go see plays and musicals, read, vlog, and edit videos. She is also trying to get into photography. After she graduates, Harmony wants to attain her master’s in horn performance and then teach at the middle school and high school levels. Further down the road, Harmony wants to be a fine arts director. |
Glenna Stalcup - Texas A&M University-Commerce
Glenna Stalcup is a sophomore Music Education Major at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Glenna is a member of the horn studio and studies under Mr. Michael Morrow. Glenna is currently a member of the Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Phillip Clements, and has also performed with the Symphonic Band, under the direction of Mr. Allan Goodwind, the "Pride" Marching Band, and the "Pride of the Court"Basketball Band.
In addition to performing, Glena is a student worker, serving as one of the band librarians, and is a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.
In her spare time, Glenna enjoys spending time with her friends and family, serving at church, listening to musicals, and playing board games. When she graduates, Glenna aspires to further spread the joys and rewards of music to others as a band director.
Glenna Stalcup is a sophomore Music Education Major at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Glenna is a member of the horn studio and studies under Mr. Michael Morrow. Glenna is currently a member of the Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Phillip Clements, and has also performed with the Symphonic Band, under the direction of Mr. Allan Goodwind, the "Pride" Marching Band, and the "Pride of the Court"Basketball Band.
In addition to performing, Glena is a student worker, serving as one of the band librarians, and is a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.
In her spare time, Glenna enjoys spending time with her friends and family, serving at church, listening to musicals, and playing board games. When she graduates, Glenna aspires to further spread the joys and rewards of music to others as a band director.
Jesse Vela - Texas A&M University-Commerce
Jesse Vela is a third year Music Education Major at Texas A&M University 0 Commerce. He is a member of the percussion studio, where he studies under Dr. Brian Zator, Mr Cory Doran, Mrs. Sandi Rennick, and Mr, Kent Hillman. Jesse is currently a member of the top percussion ensemble under the direction of Dr. Zator. He is a member of the TAMU-C Wind Ensemble under Mr. Phillip Clements, has performed with the Symphonic Band under Mr. Allan Goodwin, and is the Drum Captain for The "Pride" Marching Band.
In addition to performances, Jesse also serves at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, TX. There he helps teach high school small groups, as well as light engineering on the media team. During the summer, Jesse works as a marching band tech for various high schools, and is a member of Mr. Frank Troyka's staff at the TAMU-C Summer Leadership Camp.
When he's not working or practicing, Jesse enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and reading. After graduating, Jesse plans to be a band director in order to develop students into the great people they have the potential to be.
Jesse Vela is a third year Music Education Major at Texas A&M University 0 Commerce. He is a member of the percussion studio, where he studies under Dr. Brian Zator, Mr Cory Doran, Mrs. Sandi Rennick, and Mr, Kent Hillman. Jesse is currently a member of the top percussion ensemble under the direction of Dr. Zator. He is a member of the TAMU-C Wind Ensemble under Mr. Phillip Clements, has performed with the Symphonic Band under Mr. Allan Goodwin, and is the Drum Captain for The "Pride" Marching Band.
In addition to performances, Jesse also serves at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, TX. There he helps teach high school small groups, as well as light engineering on the media team. During the summer, Jesse works as a marching band tech for various high schools, and is a member of Mr. Frank Troyka's staff at the TAMU-C Summer Leadership Camp.
When he's not working or practicing, Jesse enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and reading. After graduating, Jesse plans to be a band director in order to develop students into the great people they have the potential to be.
Andrea Wilson - Texas A&M University-Commerce
Cristina Cruz - University of Mary-Hardin Baylor
Cristina Cruz is a College Representative for Young Band Directors of Texas. She graduated from Red Oak High School in 2019 and is currently in her second year at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Her primary instrument is trombone and she can’t wait to meet her future students!
Cristina Cruz is a College Representative for Young Band Directors of Texas. She graduated from Red Oak High School in 2019 and is currently in her second year at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Her primary instrument is trombone and she can’t wait to meet her future students!
Brea Knight - University of Mary-Hardin Baylor
Brea Knight is a Junior Music Education major at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She has played the flute for the past 10 years and currently studies under Sheryl Goodnight. She has performed with the UMHB Wind Ensemble, Blackshirt Cru Spirit Band, and Woodwind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Nils Landsburg, Professor Michael J. Garasi, and Mrs. Michelle Palmer.
In addition to that, Brea Knight is also an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi and is going on her second year on the Executive Council as the Service Coordinator. Brea Knight is also currently serving as the flute section leader for the Blackshirt Cru Spirit Band.
In her spare time, Brea enjoys singing, reading, drawing, and hanging out with her friends. After graduation, she wants to inspire and guide her students to be the best that they can be and make sure they strive for success. Brea is very excited to serve on YBDT and can’t wait to meet her future students!
Brea Knight is a Junior Music Education major at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She has played the flute for the past 10 years and currently studies under Sheryl Goodnight. She has performed with the UMHB Wind Ensemble, Blackshirt Cru Spirit Band, and Woodwind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Nils Landsburg, Professor Michael J. Garasi, and Mrs. Michelle Palmer.
In addition to that, Brea Knight is also an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi and is going on her second year on the Executive Council as the Service Coordinator. Brea Knight is also currently serving as the flute section leader for the Blackshirt Cru Spirit Band.
In her spare time, Brea enjoys singing, reading, drawing, and hanging out with her friends. After graduation, she wants to inspire and guide her students to be the best that they can be and make sure they strive for success. Brea is very excited to serve on YBDT and can’t wait to meet her future students!
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Audrey Rhyne - Tyler Junior College
Audrey Rhyne is an East Texas girl born and raised. She attended most of her school in Bullard where she participated in All-Region, All-Area, Solo and Ensemble as well as State Solo and Ensemble every year of her high school career along with the All-State band her senior year. Audrey's senior year served as the Head Drum Major of her high school military band and she was awarded the John Phillip Sousa award right before graduation. Audrey is a new member of the Tyler Junior College Apache Marching Band along with the TJC Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Jeremy Strickland. She also studies the clarinet with Dr. Eddie Airheart. Audrey is pursuing a Music Education Major as an honors student, and hopes to teach bands in her hometown someday. When Audrey isn't studying or organizing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching comedy shows, and practicing clarinet. Audrey's future goals are to graduate TJC with her Associates Degree in Music Education and transfer to a four-year university to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. She then plans to either attend grad school or take a position as a director in the east Texas area. |
Claudia Fuenmayor - Sam Houston State University
Claudia Fuenmayor is one of the College Representatives for Sam Houston State University for Young Band Directors of Texas. Claudia is currently a sophomore pursuing her Bachelors in Music Education.
Claudia’s primary instrument is clarinet and secondary is oboe. Her ultimate goal in life is to introduce fine arts to the children in Venezuela and demonstrate how music can be the perfect distraction from reality.
Aside music, Claudia also enjoys being an Orientation Leader and helping freshmen with the challenging transition into college.
With her free time, one can find Claudia going on runs with her dog, rock climbing, or binging Gilmore Girls.
Claudia Fuenmayor is one of the College Representatives for Sam Houston State University for Young Band Directors of Texas. Claudia is currently a sophomore pursuing her Bachelors in Music Education.
Claudia’s primary instrument is clarinet and secondary is oboe. Her ultimate goal in life is to introduce fine arts to the children in Venezuela and demonstrate how music can be the perfect distraction from reality.
Aside music, Claudia also enjoys being an Orientation Leader and helping freshmen with the challenging transition into college.
With her free time, one can find Claudia going on runs with her dog, rock climbing, or binging Gilmore Girls.
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Caitlyn Tucker - Sam Houston State University
Caitlyn Tucker is one of the college representatives for Sam Houston State University. She is from Huntsville, Texas. Currently, and is currently studying Music Education at Sam Houston State University. Caitlyn is an Oboist, and double reed enthusiast! Caitlyn has been a part of many organization on campus including SHSU Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and she served as a student leader for the Bearkat Marching Band. Caitlyn is currently an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a fraternity of women who share the passion of music, where she currently serves as Vice President Membership! After graduating from Sam Houston State University, Caitlyn hopes to teach beginner and middle school level band and change lives one note at a time! She is looking forward to her time as the SHSU Representative for YBDT! |
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Kaitlyn Taras - Sam Houston State University
Kaitlyn Taras is a sophomore music education major at Sam Houston State University. She is originally from Burnet, Texas, and her primary instrument is trumpet. On campus, Kaitlyn is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s music fraternity. She is also a Smith-Hutson Scholar, and serves as a “PAL” leader for freshmen adjusting to their first year of college. Outside of school, she enjoys Sonic runs with her friends, drum corps, and journaling! Kaitlyn has dreamed of becoming a band director since she was eleven years old. She is incredibly grateful for the educators who have pushed her to become the person she is today, and can’t wait to put a love for music in the hearts of her students! |