Cait Burson - Executive DirectorCait Burson is an Assistant Band Director at Keller Middle School, in Keller ISD, where she team teaches the 3 performing ensembles as well as woodwind beginner classes. Cait was a part of the Keller Middle School Midwest Journey in 2023, as well as the Music for All journey in March of 2025.
Cait attended Sam Houston State University in her hometown of Huntsville, Texas where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. In her time at SHSU, she served as principal oboist for the SHSU Symphony Orchestra, and member of the Sam Houston Wind Ensemble. During her time in the Wind Ensemble she performed at the 2020 Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and was a part of the College Band Directors National Association performing Ensemble also in 2020. She served as Vice President of Fraternity Education of the SHSU chapter of the Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity, Logistics Coordinator for the Bearkat Marching Band, and Band Librarian the performing ensembles. Cait student-taught in Frisco ISD, in Frisco, Texas. She has also had the opportunity to work on staff for Bocal Majority Double Reed Summer Camps!
Cait is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Young Band Directors of Texas, a non profit organization that provides holistic support to members in the developing years of their career, with a focus on web-based resources and personal connection, YBDT functions as a link between Texas young band directors and the resources available to help them learn, live, and teach. She believes that music education is a rewarding and essential profession that fosters a strong sense of community among students and teachers. We have the opportunities to change lives one note at a time. Cait is an active member of Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Women Band Directors International and Young Band Directors of Texas.
Outside of the music world, Cait and her husband spend their weekends performing in the Fort Worth Community Band, and are huge Star Wars fans! They have three cats named Kylo Ren, Obi Wan, and Ezra Bridger.
Cait attended Sam Houston State University in her hometown of Huntsville, Texas where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. In her time at SHSU, she served as principal oboist for the SHSU Symphony Orchestra, and member of the Sam Houston Wind Ensemble. During her time in the Wind Ensemble she performed at the 2020 Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and was a part of the College Band Directors National Association performing Ensemble also in 2020. She served as Vice President of Fraternity Education of the SHSU chapter of the Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity, Logistics Coordinator for the Bearkat Marching Band, and Band Librarian the performing ensembles. Cait student-taught in Frisco ISD, in Frisco, Texas. She has also had the opportunity to work on staff for Bocal Majority Double Reed Summer Camps!
Cait is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Young Band Directors of Texas, a non profit organization that provides holistic support to members in the developing years of their career, with a focus on web-based resources and personal connection, YBDT functions as a link between Texas young band directors and the resources available to help them learn, live, and teach. She believes that music education is a rewarding and essential profession that fosters a strong sense of community among students and teachers. We have the opportunities to change lives one note at a time. Cait is an active member of Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Women Band Directors International and Young Band Directors of Texas.
Outside of the music world, Cait and her husband spend their weekends performing in the Fort Worth Community Band, and are huge Star Wars fans! They have three cats named Kylo Ren, Obi Wan, and Ezra Bridger.
William Phi - President
William Phi is the Associate Director of Bands at Elkins High School in Fort Bend ISD, where he leads the Symphonic Band, the "Gold'n Blues" Jazz Ensemble, and the Marching Band. He is entering his 3rd year in this position and his 4th year of teaching.
Originally from Houston, William graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor's of Music in Music Studies (Music Education). He studied flute with Dr. Adah Toland Jones, and voice with Professor Myra Vassian. During his time at Texas State, he performed in various ensembles, including Principal Flute in the Wind Symphony, Principal Flute in the Symphony Orchestra, Drum Major and Piccolo Section Leader in the Bobcat Marching Band, the Flute Choir, and the Morris Nelms Jazz Combo. He also served as the President of the Theta Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Mr. Phi completed his student teaching in Leander ISD at Vista Ridge High School with Mr. Bryan Christian. During his student teaching, he earned the TMEA Student Teaching Scholarship and the TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award.
Mr. Phi's professional affiliations include the Houston Flute Club, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, Young Band Directors of Texas, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching TV, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
William Phi is the Associate Director of Bands at Elkins High School in Fort Bend ISD, where he leads the Symphonic Band, the "Gold'n Blues" Jazz Ensemble, and the Marching Band. He is entering his 3rd year in this position and his 4th year of teaching.
Originally from Houston, William graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor's of Music in Music Studies (Music Education). He studied flute with Dr. Adah Toland Jones, and voice with Professor Myra Vassian. During his time at Texas State, he performed in various ensembles, including Principal Flute in the Wind Symphony, Principal Flute in the Symphony Orchestra, Drum Major and Piccolo Section Leader in the Bobcat Marching Band, the Flute Choir, and the Morris Nelms Jazz Combo. He also served as the President of the Theta Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Mr. Phi completed his student teaching in Leander ISD at Vista Ridge High School with Mr. Bryan Christian. During his student teaching, he earned the TMEA Student Teaching Scholarship and the TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award.
Mr. Phi's professional affiliations include the Houston Flute Club, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, Young Band Directors of Texas, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching TV, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Jacob Dellinger - Vice President
Jacob Dellinger is an Assistant Band Director/ General Music Teacher in Granger ISD. He previously served 2.5 years in Killeen ISD in multiple capacities. Jacob graduated with his Bachelors degree in Music Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2021.
Jacob has been involved with YBDT since 2020. First serving for a few years as a College Representative, then as the College Team Assistant, and served this past year as the College Team Lead. Now he proudly serves YBDT as the Vice-President.
With the UMHB Wind Ensemble, Jacob has performed in Estonia and Latvia. He is also a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi. He was recently featured in book written by Kappa Kappa Psi which can be found in the Library of Congress. Outside of work, Jacob loves spending time with his family, friends and his pets (he has two dogs named Scout and Lady and one cat named Goose).
Jacob Dellinger is an Assistant Band Director/ General Music Teacher in Granger ISD. He previously served 2.5 years in Killeen ISD in multiple capacities. Jacob graduated with his Bachelors degree in Music Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2021.
Jacob has been involved with YBDT since 2020. First serving for a few years as a College Representative, then as the College Team Assistant, and served this past year as the College Team Lead. Now he proudly serves YBDT as the Vice-President.
With the UMHB Wind Ensemble, Jacob has performed in Estonia and Latvia. He is also a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi. He was recently featured in book written by Kappa Kappa Psi which can be found in the Library of Congress. Outside of work, Jacob loves spending time with his family, friends and his pets (he has two dogs named Scout and Lady and one cat named Goose).
Austin Head - Treasurer
Mr. Austin Head is an Assistant Band Director at Paris Independent School District, where he assists ensembles throughout grades 6-12. He also leads the beginner band and primarily teaches low brass students from High School to Intermediate School.
Austin graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, Louisiana where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While at NSU, he performed with many ensembles, served in multiple roles for the Collegiate National Association of Music Education Chapter, and earned the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Music Department. Following his time at NSU, he student-taught in Pleasant Grove ISD in Texarkana, Texas under the mentorship of Mr. Jay Sutton.
Austin is currently serving as the Treasurer for Young Band Directors of Texas, and is thankful for all the opportunities and growth he has had with YBDT thus far. He is an active member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Association for Texas Small School Bands, and Young Band Directors of Texas.
Outside of work, Mr. Head enjoys spending time with his wife, performing with the Paris Municipal Band, singing in the worship team of his church, and organizing everything.
Mr. Austin Head is an Assistant Band Director at Paris Independent School District, where he assists ensembles throughout grades 6-12. He also leads the beginner band and primarily teaches low brass students from High School to Intermediate School.
Austin graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, Louisiana where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While at NSU, he performed with many ensembles, served in multiple roles for the Collegiate National Association of Music Education Chapter, and earned the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Music Department. Following his time at NSU, he student-taught in Pleasant Grove ISD in Texarkana, Texas under the mentorship of Mr. Jay Sutton.
Austin is currently serving as the Treasurer for Young Band Directors of Texas, and is thankful for all the opportunities and growth he has had with YBDT thus far. He is an active member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Association for Texas Small School Bands, and Young Band Directors of Texas.
Outside of work, Mr. Head enjoys spending time with his wife, performing with the Paris Municipal Band, singing in the worship team of his church, and organizing everything.
Hope Woodard - Public Relations Lead
I grew up in Flower Mound, TX, and attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where I first heard about YBDT. I started going to their clinics at TBA and TMEA and loved the community of young band directors and I’m excited to serve as PR assistant! I’m currently in my 4th year of teaching and 3rd year at Regents School of Austin as their Director of Bands. I play with the Austin Symphonic Band and I spend my free time shooting weddings, reading books, and playing tennis!
I grew up in Flower Mound, TX, and attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where I first heard about YBDT. I started going to their clinics at TBA and TMEA and loved the community of young band directors and I’m excited to serve as PR assistant! I’m currently in my 4th year of teaching and 3rd year at Regents School of Austin as their Director of Bands. I play with the Austin Symphonic Band and I spend my free time shooting weddings, reading books, and playing tennis!
Hanna Chaisson - Regional Team Lead
Hanna Chaisson is an Assistant Band Director at Peaster ISD in Peaster, TX.
She has been teaching for 3 years and graduated from the University of North Texas.
Hanna Chaisson is an Assistant Band Director at Peaster ISD in Peaster, TX.
She has been teaching for 3 years and graduated from the University of North Texas.
Zachary Johns - Regional Team Assistant
Zachary Johns the Assistant Band Director at Ferris High School. He is responsible for teaching the High School Symphonic Band and the beginning brass classes. He also assists with the Spirit of Ferris Marching Band and all other concert ensembles in Ferris. Zachary taught in Oklahoma for two years prior to coming to Texas. He is in his 6th year of teaching and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Music Education.
Zachary is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Association of Texas Small School Bands, Young Band Directors of Texas, and is also an Alumni of Kappa Kappa Psi.
In his free time Mr. Johns and his wife spend their free time renovating their house, making coffee, and hanging out with their two cats, Vireo and Theodore.
Zachary Johns the Assistant Band Director at Ferris High School. He is responsible for teaching the High School Symphonic Band and the beginning brass classes. He also assists with the Spirit of Ferris Marching Band and all other concert ensembles in Ferris. Zachary taught in Oklahoma for two years prior to coming to Texas. He is in his 6th year of teaching and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Music Education.
Zachary is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Association of Texas Small School Bands, Young Band Directors of Texas, and is also an Alumni of Kappa Kappa Psi.
In his free time Mr. Johns and his wife spend their free time renovating their house, making coffee, and hanging out with their two cats, Vireo and Theodore.
Taylor Young - Advisor Program Lead
I am currently the Assistant Band Director at Morales Jr. High in Uvalde CISD. I am in my 4th year teaching here and my 6th year overall. I primarily teach heterogeneous beginner band classes but I also assist with the other jr high ensembles as well as the high school marching band. I went to SFA for my bachelor’s in music education and I am currently wrapping up my final year of online graduate school through SFA. I started getting involved with YBDT starting out as an advisor through the advisor program. I then became one of the Central Regional Representatives and I am currently the Advisor Team Assistant. YBDT has brought me new friends and quality resources that helps me continually grow as a teacher. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and spending quality time with my boyfriend Dominic and our two dogs Moses and Piper.
I am currently the Assistant Band Director at Morales Jr. High in Uvalde CISD. I am in my 4th year teaching here and my 6th year overall. I primarily teach heterogeneous beginner band classes but I also assist with the other jr high ensembles as well as the high school marching band. I went to SFA for my bachelor’s in music education and I am currently wrapping up my final year of online graduate school through SFA. I started getting involved with YBDT starting out as an advisor through the advisor program. I then became one of the Central Regional Representatives and I am currently the Advisor Team Assistant. YBDT has brought me new friends and quality resources that helps me continually grow as a teacher. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and spending quality time with my boyfriend Dominic and our two dogs Moses and Piper.
Alison Grahn - College Team Co-Lead
Alison Grahn is a Band Director & General Music Teacher at Stewart Elementary School in Conroe ISD. Her primary responsibilities include teaching beginner woodwind classes and K-4 general music classes. This is Alison’s first year serving with YBDT, and she is so excited to work with such an incredible team.
Hailing from Gatesville, Texas, Alison graduated from Baylor University with her
Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music in May 2024. She studied flute with Dr. Charlotte Daniel, and music education with Dr. Kelly Hollingsworth and Dr. David Montgomery. In 2023, Alison received the Alfred F. Sturchio Scholarship through the Texas Bandmasters Association, and was honored with the TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award during her student teaching semester, Spring 2024.
During her time at Baylor, she performed with the Baylor University Golden Wave Band, Baylor University Symphonic Band, and Baylor University Wind Ensemble. Alison was fortunate to perform with the Baylor Wind Ensemble at the 2022 CBDNA Southwestern Conference, 2022 Midwest Clinic, and she is one of the performers on the Divine Mischief CD. Alison completed her student teaching in Leander ISD at Bush Elementary School with Patrice Chappell, and Leander Middle School with Liz Love, Jeremiah Ward, and Iliana Reyna.
Alison lives in Magnolia with her wonderful husband, Zack, and their pets: Daisy, Bubbles, and Indigo. They enjoy cooking for friends, hosting game nights, and traveling whenever they get the chance! Alison continues to be involved with the Baylor School of Music as the camp administrator for their yearly High School & Middle School Band and Orchestra Camps.
Alison’s professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Young Band Directors of Texas and National Association for Music Education.
Alison Grahn is a Band Director & General Music Teacher at Stewart Elementary School in Conroe ISD. Her primary responsibilities include teaching beginner woodwind classes and K-4 general music classes. This is Alison’s first year serving with YBDT, and she is so excited to work with such an incredible team.
Hailing from Gatesville, Texas, Alison graduated from Baylor University with her
Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music in May 2024. She studied flute with Dr. Charlotte Daniel, and music education with Dr. Kelly Hollingsworth and Dr. David Montgomery. In 2023, Alison received the Alfred F. Sturchio Scholarship through the Texas Bandmasters Association, and was honored with the TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award during her student teaching semester, Spring 2024.
During her time at Baylor, she performed with the Baylor University Golden Wave Band, Baylor University Symphonic Band, and Baylor University Wind Ensemble. Alison was fortunate to perform with the Baylor Wind Ensemble at the 2022 CBDNA Southwestern Conference, 2022 Midwest Clinic, and she is one of the performers on the Divine Mischief CD. Alison completed her student teaching in Leander ISD at Bush Elementary School with Patrice Chappell, and Leander Middle School with Liz Love, Jeremiah Ward, and Iliana Reyna.
Alison lives in Magnolia with her wonderful husband, Zack, and their pets: Daisy, Bubbles, and Indigo. They enjoy cooking for friends, hosting game nights, and traveling whenever they get the chance! Alison continues to be involved with the Baylor School of Music as the camp administrator for their yearly High School & Middle School Band and Orchestra Camps.
Alison’s professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Young Band Directors of Texas and National Association for Music Education.
Shayla Smith - College Team Co-Lead
Shayla Smith is an Assistant Band Director at Tays Junior High School in Katy ISD. She has been teaching for two years and graduated from Sam Houston State University.
Shayla Smith is an Assistant Band Director at Tays Junior High School in Katy ISD. She has been teaching for two years and graduated from Sam Houston State University.
Bishop McGee - Podcast Coordinator
Bishop McGee is an Assistant Director of Bands at Victoria East High School in Victoria ISD, where he assists in leading the marching band and directs the non-varsity concert band and jazz band. His is also fortunate to teach beginner woodwinds, brass and directs the non-varsity concert band at STEM Middle School. McGee previously served as the Percussion Director and Assistant Band Director at Goliad ISD, working with students in grades 6–12. McGee is in his 5th year of teaching and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Saxophone Performance.
McGee is currently serving as the Podcast Coordinator for Young Band Directors of Texas and is passionate about supporting young educators through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and community.
McGee is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, the Texas Jazz Educators Association, Young Band Directors of Texas, the North American Saxophone Alliance, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Bishop McGee is an Assistant Director of Bands at Victoria East High School in Victoria ISD, where he assists in leading the marching band and directs the non-varsity concert band and jazz band. His is also fortunate to teach beginner woodwinds, brass and directs the non-varsity concert band at STEM Middle School. McGee previously served as the Percussion Director and Assistant Band Director at Goliad ISD, working with students in grades 6–12. McGee is in his 5th year of teaching and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Saxophone Performance.
McGee is currently serving as the Podcast Coordinator for Young Band Directors of Texas and is passionate about supporting young educators through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and community.
McGee is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, the Texas Jazz Educators Association, Young Band Directors of Texas, the North American Saxophone Alliance, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Amanda Blackstone - Founder
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 10th 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 continued to earn a Master's in Music Education through Texas Tech's summer programs.
As the founder of Young Band Directors of Texas, Amanda has had the privilege
of presenting in-person and virtual clinics at TBA, TMEA, and CEDFA conventions. She believes that music education is a rewarding and essential profession that fosters a strong sense of community among students and teachers.
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 10th 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 continued to earn a Master's in Music Education through Texas Tech's summer programs.
As the founder of Young Band Directors of Texas, Amanda has had the privilege
of presenting in-person and virtual clinics at TBA, TMEA, and CEDFA conventions. She believes that music education is a rewarding and essential profession that fosters a strong sense of community among students and teachers.