Meet The Executive Team
Amanda Blackstone - Executive Director
Amanda Blackstone is the Director of Bands at James Tippit Middle School. In this role, she directs the Tippit Middle School Honors Band and teaches beginning band classes. This is her 7th year as a band director.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Amanda went to Texas Tech University where she majored in Music Education. While at Tech, she had the honor of serving as head drum major in the Goin' Band from Raiderland. She is currently working on earning a masters degree in Music Education through distance learning with Texas Tech.
Amanda Blackstone is the founder and executive director of Young Band Directors of Texas, a nonprofit organization that works to provide community and reduce burnout in young directors.
Amanda Blackstone is the Director of Bands at James Tippit Middle School. In this role, she directs the Tippit Middle School Honors Band and teaches beginning band classes. This is her 7th year as a band director.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Amanda went to Texas Tech University where she majored in Music Education. While at Tech, she had the honor of serving as head drum major in the Goin' Band from Raiderland. She is currently working on earning a masters degree in Music Education through distance learning with Texas Tech.
Amanda Blackstone is the founder and executive director of Young Band Directors of Texas, a nonprofit organization that works to provide community and reduce burnout in young directors.
Chelsea Frazier - President
Chelsea Frazier is the Assistant Band Director at Antoinette Reading Junior High School in Richmond, TX. Currently in her eighth year of teaching, she works with the non-varsity band and teaches beginning band classes. Chelsea also teaches private horn lessons in her spare time.
Chelsea is originally from Lewisville, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University with her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During her time at Texas Tech, she served in many leadership roles, including as the president of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. Chelsea is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Music Education also at Texas Tech University.
Chelsea is proud to be a member of the Young Band Directors of Texas executive team serving as president. When not teaching, Chelsea can be found reading, traveling as much as possible, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Chelsea Frazier is the Assistant Band Director at Antoinette Reading Junior High School in Richmond, TX. Currently in her eighth year of teaching, she works with the non-varsity band and teaches beginning band classes. Chelsea also teaches private horn lessons in her spare time.
Chelsea is originally from Lewisville, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University with her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During her time at Texas Tech, she served in many leadership roles, including as the president of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. Chelsea is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Music Education also at Texas Tech University.
Chelsea is proud to be a member of the Young Band Directors of Texas executive team serving as president. When not teaching, Chelsea can be found reading, traveling as much as possible, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Melinda Coleman - Treasurer
Melinda Coleman is entering her second year as an Assistant Band Director at Lubbock-Cooper High School in Lubbock, TX, where she co-directs the Concert Band and assists with the Pirate Pride Marching Band.
A native of Palatine, Illinois, Melinda graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Texas in 2020. While at UNT, Melinda played clarinet and bass clarinet with the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band and trumpet with the Green Brigade Marching Band.
Outside the classroom, Melinda is passionate about bringing music to the community. As a college student and teacher, she has performed with various community bands, organized instrument petting zoos, and brought chamber ensembles to perform at nursing homes. Melinda’s belief in the simple power of music to brighten someone’s day is a key component of her teaching philosophy.
When not teaching, Melinda enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and playing with her cat, Ivy.
Melinda Coleman is entering her second year as an Assistant Band Director at Lubbock-Cooper High School in Lubbock, TX, where she co-directs the Concert Band and assists with the Pirate Pride Marching Band.
A native of Palatine, Illinois, Melinda graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Texas in 2020. While at UNT, Melinda played clarinet and bass clarinet with the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band and trumpet with the Green Brigade Marching Band.
Outside the classroom, Melinda is passionate about bringing music to the community. As a college student and teacher, she has performed with various community bands, organized instrument petting zoos, and brought chamber ensembles to perform at nursing homes. Melinda’s belief in the simple power of music to brighten someone’s day is a key component of her teaching philosophy.
When not teaching, Melinda enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and playing with her cat, Ivy.
Amanda Enriquez - Administrative Assistant
Amanda Enriquez is currently in her eighth-year teaching at Edinburg High School and Barrientes Middle School where she conducts the Concert Band and teaches the flute and saxophone students. Under her direction the Concert Band has received superior ratings and the flute and saxophone students have had success in the All Region and Solo and Ensemble contests.
Amanda is a graduate from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Texas Tech University where she received her BM in Music Education and Music Performance and MM in Flute Performance. She is a winner of the TAMUK Concerto Competition and was a finalist in the TTU Concerto Competition.
Amanda has a passion for flute and continues to perform with the McAllen Town Band and the Vientos Del Sur Flute Ensemble. Her professional memberships include the Texas Music Educator Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Young Band Directors of Texas and the National Flute Association.
Amanda Enriquez is currently in her eighth-year teaching at Edinburg High School and Barrientes Middle School where she conducts the Concert Band and teaches the flute and saxophone students. Under her direction the Concert Band has received superior ratings and the flute and saxophone students have had success in the All Region and Solo and Ensemble contests.
Amanda is a graduate from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Texas Tech University where she received her BM in Music Education and Music Performance and MM in Flute Performance. She is a winner of the TAMUK Concerto Competition and was a finalist in the TTU Concerto Competition.
Amanda has a passion for flute and continues to perform with the McAllen Town Band and the Vientos Del Sur Flute Ensemble. Her professional memberships include the Texas Music Educator Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Young Band Directors of Texas and the National Flute Association.
Caitlin Eby - Public Relations Lead
Caitlin Eby is the Public Relations Lead for Young Band Directors of Texas. Some of her duties include: managing all of the social media, managing the website, and promoting any upcoming events. Caitlin has been a member of YBDT for three years and this is her second year on the Executive Team.
Caitlin is currently in her third year of public education and her third year as an Associate Director at Colleyville Heritage High School. She graduated in May 2019 with her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Caitlin's primary instrument is flute and her favorite thing about teaching band is "seeing my student's faces light up when they accomplish a personal goal!"
Caitlin currently resides in Fort Worth, TX with her wonderful husband & pup. When she is not teaching, she enjoys reading, working out, crafting and photography.
Caitlin Eby is the Public Relations Lead for Young Band Directors of Texas. Some of her duties include: managing all of the social media, managing the website, and promoting any upcoming events. Caitlin has been a member of YBDT for three years and this is her second year on the Executive Team.
Caitlin is currently in her third year of public education and her third year as an Associate Director at Colleyville Heritage High School. She graduated in May 2019 with her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Caitlin's primary instrument is flute and her favorite thing about teaching band is "seeing my student's faces light up when they accomplish a personal goal!"
Caitlin currently resides in Fort Worth, TX with her wonderful husband & pup. When she is not teaching, she enjoys reading, working out, crafting and photography.
Blake Sykes - Public Relations Assistant
Blake Sykes is currently in his third year as Assistant Band Director at Robinson ISD. His responsibilities include the Seventh Grade Band, Beginner Trumpets, and the RISD Lesson Program, as well as assisting with the Eighth Grade Band and Robinson High School Bands.
Blake received his Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in Instrumental Music Education from The University of Texas at Tyler. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in December 2018. While at UT Tyler, Blake was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education. He completed his degree by clinical teaching at Mineola ISD.
Blake is a member of the Association of Texas Small School Bands, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and is excited to serve on the Executive Team of Young Band Directors of Texas as the Public Relations Assistant.
Outside of work, Blake enjoys to be outdoors hunting, fishing, kayaking with his Shepherd/Lab mix puppy Ruger, and operate his Christmas light business – Sykes Lights.
Blake Sykes is currently in his third year as Assistant Band Director at Robinson ISD. His responsibilities include the Seventh Grade Band, Beginner Trumpets, and the RISD Lesson Program, as well as assisting with the Eighth Grade Band and Robinson High School Bands.
Blake received his Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in Instrumental Music Education from The University of Texas at Tyler. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in December 2018. While at UT Tyler, Blake was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education. He completed his degree by clinical teaching at Mineola ISD.
Blake is a member of the Association of Texas Small School Bands, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and is excited to serve on the Executive Team of Young Band Directors of Texas as the Public Relations Assistant.
Outside of work, Blake enjoys to be outdoors hunting, fishing, kayaking with his Shepherd/Lab mix puppy Ruger, and operate his Christmas light business – Sykes Lights.
Jack Zellar - Regional Team Lead
Jack Zellar is in his fourth year teaching. He is an Assistant Band Director at Duncanville High School where he teaches the Symphonic Band and assists with the marching band. He spent his first year as an Assistant Band Director at William H. Byrd Middle School as well as teacher of beginner woodwinds at Daniel Intermediate School.
Prior to this Jack attended Sam Houston State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in music education. During his time at SHSU he was a member of the symphonic band and wind ensemble as a saxophonist. Jack was also a four year member of the Bearkat Marching Band serving as student assistant under Dr. Brian Gibbs. Jack is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Assistant Regional Coordinator for Young Band Directors of Texas.
When Jack isn't working he enjoys crossfit, baseball, and in general loves to be outdoors. Jack resides happily in Dallas, Tx with his wonderful girlfriend Meghan and three dogs Sandy, Remy, and Beaux.
Jack Zellar is in his fourth year teaching. He is an Assistant Band Director at Duncanville High School where he teaches the Symphonic Band and assists with the marching band. He spent his first year as an Assistant Band Director at William H. Byrd Middle School as well as teacher of beginner woodwinds at Daniel Intermediate School.
Prior to this Jack attended Sam Houston State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in music education. During his time at SHSU he was a member of the symphonic band and wind ensemble as a saxophonist. Jack was also a four year member of the Bearkat Marching Band serving as student assistant under Dr. Brian Gibbs. Jack is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Assistant Regional Coordinator for Young Band Directors of Texas.
When Jack isn't working he enjoys crossfit, baseball, and in general loves to be outdoors. Jack resides happily in Dallas, Tx with his wonderful girlfriend Meghan and three dogs Sandy, Remy, and Beaux.
Garrett Wallace - Regional Team Assistant
Garrett Wallace serves as Assistant Band Director at Running Brushy Middle School in Leander ISD. He is currently in his third year of teaching. Garrett’s responsibilities include teaching the beginner Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone classes, directing the Sub-NV Concert ensemble, leading the Jazz Ensemble, and presiding over the RBMS Private Lesson program.
Prior to this appointment, Garrett attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. While in attendance at UMHB, Garrett performed with the UMHB Wind Ensemble, UMHB Jazz Ensemble, UMHB Saxophone Ensemble, and the Blackshirt Cru Spirit Band, where he served as Field Commander for 3 football seasons.
Garrett lives in Leander, Texas with his wonderful wife, Mariah. Together, they are proud pet parents of their Vizsla puppy, Jaxx and cat, Carrie. Their favorite activities include hiking, finding the best local restaurants, and traveling.
Garrett Wallace serves as Assistant Band Director at Running Brushy Middle School in Leander ISD. He is currently in his third year of teaching. Garrett’s responsibilities include teaching the beginner Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone classes, directing the Sub-NV Concert ensemble, leading the Jazz Ensemble, and presiding over the RBMS Private Lesson program.
Prior to this appointment, Garrett attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. While in attendance at UMHB, Garrett performed with the UMHB Wind Ensemble, UMHB Jazz Ensemble, UMHB Saxophone Ensemble, and the Blackshirt Cru Spirit Band, where he served as Field Commander for 3 football seasons.
Garrett lives in Leander, Texas with his wonderful wife, Mariah. Together, they are proud pet parents of their Vizsla puppy, Jaxx and cat, Carrie. Their favorite activities include hiking, finding the best local restaurants, and traveling.
Aranka Barbe - Advisor Program Lead
Aranka Barbe serves as assistant band director in Whitesboro ISD, teaching both the high school and middle school Junior-Varsity bands and the beginner brass classes.
She graduated from the University of North Texas with a concentration in horn in 2020 and spent seasons marching with the Boston Crusaders and Academy Drum and Bugle Corps'. Her dream is to make the world a brighter, more compassionate place, one band kid at a time, making excellent music along the way.
When she is not teaching, Aranka enjoys playing D&D, being outdoors, and taking her pit-bull mix, Apollo, for walks in the park.
Aranka Barbe serves as assistant band director in Whitesboro ISD, teaching both the high school and middle school Junior-Varsity bands and the beginner brass classes.
She graduated from the University of North Texas with a concentration in horn in 2020 and spent seasons marching with the Boston Crusaders and Academy Drum and Bugle Corps'. Her dream is to make the world a brighter, more compassionate place, one band kid at a time, making excellent music along the way.
When she is not teaching, Aranka enjoys playing D&D, being outdoors, and taking her pit-bull mix, Apollo, for walks in the park.
Aaron Beaver - Advisor Program Assistant
Aaron Beaver is currently an Assistant Band Director at Floresville High School in Floresville, TX. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from West Texas A&M University and his Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Nebraska. Aaron has worked as an educator, performer, and conductor in various parts of the country including Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, and Connecticut.
Along with assisting with the Mighty Tiger Marching Band, Aaron teaches the Non-Varsity Concert Band, Applied Music, and beginning low brass at Floresville Middle School. Outside of school, he has been the resident conductor with Equinox New Music Collective, a group dedicated to the performance and outreach of new music, and is currently serving as the YBDT Advisor Program Assistant.
When he’s not preoccupied with school and music, Aaron enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, exercising, and spending time with his dog, Sammy.
Aaron Beaver is currently an Assistant Band Director at Floresville High School in Floresville, TX. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from West Texas A&M University and his Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Nebraska. Aaron has worked as an educator, performer, and conductor in various parts of the country including Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, and Connecticut.
Along with assisting with the Mighty Tiger Marching Band, Aaron teaches the Non-Varsity Concert Band, Applied Music, and beginning low brass at Floresville Middle School. Outside of school, he has been the resident conductor with Equinox New Music Collective, a group dedicated to the performance and outreach of new music, and is currently serving as the YBDT Advisor Program Assistant.
When he’s not preoccupied with school and music, Aaron enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, exercising, and spending time with his dog, Sammy.
Taylor Gaskins - College Team Lead
Taylor Gaskins is in her third year as the Assistant Band Director at Wayside Middle School in Saginaw, Texas. Taylor team-teaches three concert bands and teaches the beginning flute, double reed, clarinet, and saxophone classes. Her favorite thing about teaching middle school band is getting to interact and bond with all of her students through music and all the laughter that comes along the way.
Taylor graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a degree in Music Education in May 2019. While at UNT, Taylor studied clarinet with Daryl Coad and performed with the North Texas Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Isosceles Chamber Music Initiative.
This is Taylor’s fourth year with YBDT and her third year as the College Team Lead. Her duties include brainstorming with and managing YBDT’s College Representative program and organizing professional development events.
When she’s not in the band hall, Taylor can be found volunteering in her church's music ministry, in a coffee shop with a chai latte and a writing project, or recreating her grandmother’s pie recipes.
Taylor Gaskins is in her third year as the Assistant Band Director at Wayside Middle School in Saginaw, Texas. Taylor team-teaches three concert bands and teaches the beginning flute, double reed, clarinet, and saxophone classes. Her favorite thing about teaching middle school band is getting to interact and bond with all of her students through music and all the laughter that comes along the way.
Taylor graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a degree in Music Education in May 2019. While at UNT, Taylor studied clarinet with Daryl Coad and performed with the North Texas Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Isosceles Chamber Music Initiative.
This is Taylor’s fourth year with YBDT and her third year as the College Team Lead. Her duties include brainstorming with and managing YBDT’s College Representative program and organizing professional development events.
When she’s not in the band hall, Taylor can be found volunteering in her church's music ministry, in a coffee shop with a chai latte and a writing project, or recreating her grandmother’s pie recipes.
Craig Adams - College Team Assistant
Craig Adams currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands at Curtis Middle School in Allen ISD. His responsibilities include conducting Symphonic Band II, Jazz Band, teaching beginning brass classes, co-conducting the Symphony Orchestra, and assisting the Allen Eagle Escadrille. Craig started teaching in Allen ISD in 2020.
Craig graduated from Baylor University where he received his bachelor's degree in Music Education. He served as a drum major for the Golden Wave Band for two years, and was an active part of the organization throughout his college career.
Craig is also actively involved in the marching arts. He performed lead mellophone in the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and currently serves on the brass staff of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.
In his free time, Craig loves to read, exercise, be outdoors, study scores, and compose music.
Craig Adams currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands at Curtis Middle School in Allen ISD. His responsibilities include conducting Symphonic Band II, Jazz Band, teaching beginning brass classes, co-conducting the Symphony Orchestra, and assisting the Allen Eagle Escadrille. Craig started teaching in Allen ISD in 2020.
Craig graduated from Baylor University where he received his bachelor's degree in Music Education. He served as a drum major for the Golden Wave Band for two years, and was an active part of the organization throughout his college career.
Craig is also actively involved in the marching arts. He performed lead mellophone in the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018 and currently serves on the brass staff of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.
In his free time, Craig loves to read, exercise, be outdoors, study scores, and compose music.