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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. |
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!
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!
Marshall Oman - Stephen F. Austin State University
Marshall Oman is a senior music education major at Stephen F. Austin State University where he studies percussion under Dr. Brad Meyer and Dr. James Vilseck. Throughout his college education, Marshall has performed under many ensembles including the wind ensemble, the “Lumberjack Marching Band”, the symphony orchestra, the percussion ensemble, the “Jacks of Steel” band, and the “Swingin’ Aces” jazz band.
Marshall has performed and competed in many national and state conventions including a performance at TMEA with the SFA Wind Ensemble and in the PASIC Concert Chamber Competition. He is also proud to have been a part of leadership roles throughout his college career and currently serves as the principal of percussion for the SFA Wind Ensemble.
In addition to performing, Marshall also teaches and gives private lessons to high school students in the east and central Texas area. He currently teaches at Hudson High School where he helps instruct the indoor percussion group and the percussion ensembles.
Outside of music, Marshall enjoys many hobbies such as playing video games, going to the gym, playing golf, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. He is looking forward to student teaching and to grow even more as an educator.
Marshall Oman is a senior music education major at Stephen F. Austin State University where he studies percussion under Dr. Brad Meyer and Dr. James Vilseck. Throughout his college education, Marshall has performed under many ensembles including the wind ensemble, the “Lumberjack Marching Band”, the symphony orchestra, the percussion ensemble, the “Jacks of Steel” band, and the “Swingin’ Aces” jazz band.
Marshall has performed and competed in many national and state conventions including a performance at TMEA with the SFA Wind Ensemble and in the PASIC Concert Chamber Competition. He is also proud to have been a part of leadership roles throughout his college career and currently serves as the principal of percussion for the SFA Wind Ensemble.
In addition to performing, Marshall also teaches and gives private lessons to high school students in the east and central Texas area. He currently teaches at Hudson High School where he helps instruct the indoor percussion group and the percussion ensembles.
Outside of music, Marshall enjoys many hobbies such as playing video games, going to the gym, playing golf, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. He is looking forward to student teaching and to grow even more as an educator.