
Caitlyn Burson - Executive Director
Cait Burson is a director at Keller Middle School, in Keller ISD, where she team teaches all ensembles as well as the woodwind beginner classes. This is her second year of teaching.
Cait attended Sam Houston State University in her hometown of Huntsville, Texas where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. Cait has had the opportunity to work on staff for Bocal Majority Double Reed Summer Camps! Cait has been a part of the Keller Middle School Midwest Journey in 2023, as well as the upcoming Music for All journey in March of 2025.
She started her journey with YBDT as a Collegiate Representative serving her colleagues on campus, and now serves as the Executive Director on the executive team! Cait 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 changes lives one note at a time.
Outside of the music world, Cait and her Husband Will, are huge Star Wars Fans! They have three Cats named Kylo Ren, Obi Wan, and Ezra Bridger
Cait Burson is a director at Keller Middle School, in Keller ISD, where she team teaches all ensembles as well as the woodwind beginner classes. This is her second year of teaching.
Cait attended Sam Houston State University in her hometown of Huntsville, Texas where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. Cait has had the opportunity to work on staff for Bocal Majority Double Reed Summer Camps! Cait has been a part of the Keller Middle School Midwest Journey in 2023, as well as the upcoming Music for All journey in March of 2025.
She started her journey with YBDT as a Collegiate Representative serving her colleagues on campus, and now serves as the Executive Director on the executive team! Cait 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 changes lives one note at a time.
Outside of the music world, Cait and her Husband Will, 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).

Melinda Coleman - Treasurer
Melinda Coleman is a graduate teaching assistant at the University of North Texas, pursuing a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting. As a TA, she assists with the Green Brigade Marching Band, guest conducts the UNT Concert Band, and helps administrate all facets of the Wind Studies area.
Previously, Melinda was an Assistant Band Director at Lubbock-Cooper High School in Lubbock, TX where she directed the Concert Band and assisted with the Pirate Pride Marching Band. While in Lubbock, she was an active performer with the Lubbock Civic Orchestra and Moonlight Musicals Pit Orchestra. A native of Palatine, IL, Melinda graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2020.
Melinda has been the YBDT Treasurer for the past three years and looks forward to another great school year with the Exec Team. Outside of the classroom, Melinda enjoys reading, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and playing with her cat, Ivy.
Melinda Coleman is a graduate teaching assistant at the University of North Texas, pursuing a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting. As a TA, she assists with the Green Brigade Marching Band, guest conducts the UNT Concert Band, and helps administrate all facets of the Wind Studies area.
Previously, Melinda was an Assistant Band Director at Lubbock-Cooper High School in Lubbock, TX where she directed the Concert Band and assisted with the Pirate Pride Marching Band. While in Lubbock, she was an active performer with the Lubbock Civic Orchestra and Moonlight Musicals Pit Orchestra. A native of Palatine, IL, Melinda graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2020.
Melinda has been the YBDT Treasurer for the past three years and looks forward to another great school year with the Exec Team. Outside of the classroom, Melinda enjoys reading, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and playing with her cat, Ivy.

Blake Sykes - Public Relations Lead
Blake Sykes is currently in his first year as Director of Bands at Mildred ISD and his sixth year overall in education. Prior to Mildred, Blake was the Head Junior High Director in Robinson ISD. His Varsity and Non-Varsity bands consistently earned superior ratings at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading and at various festivals in the metroplex. In addition to his role at the Junior High, Blake was heavily involved with the “Pride of the Blue” Marching Band and assisted them in their most recent appearance at the 2023 UIL State Marching Contest.
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 Lead.
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 first year as Director of Bands at Mildred ISD and his sixth year overall in education. Prior to Mildred, Blake was the Head Junior High Director in Robinson ISD. His Varsity and Non-Varsity bands consistently earned superior ratings at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading and at various festivals in the metroplex. In addition to his role at the Junior High, Blake was heavily involved with the “Pride of the Blue” Marching Band and assisted them in their most recent appearance at the 2023 UIL State Marching Contest.
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 Lead.
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.

Hope Woodard - Public Relations Assistant
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!

Hunter Smith - Regional Team Lead
Hunter Smith has been involved with YBDT since 2020. He is a Clarinet player and Austin native who attended Vandegrift High School. Some honorable mentions from his years at Vandegrift include 4A State Marching Band Gold Medalist (2013), Head Drum Major (2015), and 5A State Marching Band Silver Medalist (2015). After high school, Mr. Smith attended the University of North Texas, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Clarinet.
During his time at UNT, Mr. Smith was a Drum Major of the North Texas Green Brigade for 2 years. Mr. Smith studied applied Clarinet under Professor Daryl Coad and Conducting under Professor Dennis Fisher and Dr. Nicholas Williams. He student taught in Leander ISD at Henry Middle School and Vista Ridge High School.
Prior to joining the Anderson Band Staff in 2024, Mr. Smith served in Lake Travis ISD as the Assistant Band Director at Hudson Bend MS for one year, and before that in Wylie ISD as the Assistant Band Director at Burnett JH and Harrison IS for two years.
His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster's Association, Cedar Park Winds, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Hunter Smith has been involved with YBDT since 2020. He is a Clarinet player and Austin native who attended Vandegrift High School. Some honorable mentions from his years at Vandegrift include 4A State Marching Band Gold Medalist (2013), Head Drum Major (2015), and 5A State Marching Band Silver Medalist (2015). After high school, Mr. Smith attended the University of North Texas, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Clarinet.
During his time at UNT, Mr. Smith was a Drum Major of the North Texas Green Brigade for 2 years. Mr. Smith studied applied Clarinet under Professor Daryl Coad and Conducting under Professor Dennis Fisher and Dr. Nicholas Williams. He student taught in Leander ISD at Henry Middle School and Vista Ridge High School.
Prior to joining the Anderson Band Staff in 2024, Mr. Smith served in Lake Travis ISD as the Assistant Band Director at Hudson Bend MS for one year, and before that in Wylie ISD as the Assistant Band Director at Burnett JH and Harrison IS for two years.
His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster's Association, Cedar Park Winds, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Josh Donnelly - Regional Team Assistant
Josh Donnelly is the assistant band director and percussion director at Robert Shoemaker High School in Killeen Independent School District. He leads the Sub-Nonvarsity bands, the Pandemonium Steel Drum Band, organizes the percussion program for the high school and its feeder middle schools.
Born and raised in the great state of Texas, Josh received his bachelors in music education from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied with the OU Percussion Studio and performed in the University Bands, Orchestra, and chamber ensembles across the Catlett School of Music. He returned to Texas for his first job teaching at Pilot Point Independent School District, where he was the assistant director for the 6-12 music program.
Josh received his masters in Wind Band Conducting in 2022 from Texas Christian University, where he studied under Bobby Francis. During his time he was able to lead the University Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Athletic Bands while also performing with the TCU Percussion Studio. Josh is a proud member of Young Band Directors of Texas, Texas Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Josh and his wife Courtney happily reside in Georgetown, Texas with their dog and cat, Chester and Shea, where they are running, exploring the city of Austin, and running Courtney’s business, Glow Boutique!
Josh Donnelly is the assistant band director and percussion director at Robert Shoemaker High School in Killeen Independent School District. He leads the Sub-Nonvarsity bands, the Pandemonium Steel Drum Band, organizes the percussion program for the high school and its feeder middle schools.
Born and raised in the great state of Texas, Josh received his bachelors in music education from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied with the OU Percussion Studio and performed in the University Bands, Orchestra, and chamber ensembles across the Catlett School of Music. He returned to Texas for his first job teaching at Pilot Point Independent School District, where he was the assistant director for the 6-12 music program.
Josh received his masters in Wind Band Conducting in 2022 from Texas Christian University, where he studied under Bobby Francis. During his time he was able to lead the University Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Athletic Bands while also performing with the TCU Percussion Studio. Josh is a proud member of Young Band Directors of Texas, Texas Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Josh and his wife Courtney happily reside in Georgetown, Texas with their dog and cat, Chester and Shea, where they are running, exploring the city of Austin, and running Courtney’s business, Glow Boutique!
Eddie Garcia - Advisor Program Lead
Eduardo Garcia Jr is in his seventh year of teaching and is in his third as the Head Band Director at Reed Middle School and Brandenburg Intermediate. At Reed, he serves as the director for the Symphonic 1 class and co-teaches the Symphonic 2 and 3 classes. At Brandenburg Intermediate, he is responsible for the flute, clarinet, saxophone, and double reed classes. Prior to Reed Middle School, Mr. Garcia taught at Spillane Middle School in Cy-Fair ISD. At Spillane, he was responsible for the Concert Winds class, as well as the beginning trombone, double reed, and clarinet class. His Concert Winds ensemble was a consistent received Sweepstakes at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, First Division and Best in Class award in 2022, and numerous first divisions in the CFISD Solo and ensemble contests. He also served at the East Region Representative for the Young Band Directors of Texas since 2018. Mr. Garcia earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas in 2018 and completed his Master's Degree in 2023 at Sam Houston State University. This year, he will serve as the Advisor Program Lead for YBDT. He has previously held the position of Regional Chair for East and North Texas from 2018-2023. He has also been involved as an Advisor for the Advisor program for 2022 and 2023. When not teaching, Mr. Garcia is active in his Yoga practice, traveling to new places, attending concerts, support UT sports and spending time with family and friends. |

Taylor Young - Advisor Program Assistant
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.

Brooke Olivarez - College Team Lead
Ms. Brooke Olivarez is the newest Assistant Band Director at Grand Lakes Junior High in Tomball ISD and is excited to serve YBDT! Originally from Cypress, TX, Brooke graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with her Bachelor of Music in Music Education with Summa Cum Laude Honors. She was a member of the Stephen F. Austin Oboe Studio and was a founding member of the Woodwind Quintet of the Pines and the Senior Wind Octet. Brooke was the principal oboist in the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin. Ms. Olivarez was also a proud member of the Lumberjack Marching Band where she served on staff as the Head Operations Manager. While at SFA, Brooke also help found the SFASU YBDT Chapter in addition to her involvement in Tau Beta Sigma. Professionally, Brooke has performed with the Longview Symphony Orchestra, the East Texas Chamber Winds, and the Sugar Land Winds. She has also performed under the batons of Maestro Jung Ho-Pak, Dr. Frank Ticheli, and Colonel Jason Fettig.
While at Stephen F. Austin State University, Brooke was consistently recognized for her academic success on the Dean's and President's Honor Roll Lists. In April of 2022, she presented her research, A Modern Take on Baroque Oboe Reed Making, at the SFA Undergraduate Research Conference. She was also a finalist in the 2022 Concert and Aria Competition at SFASU. Outside of her musical and academic achievements, she is awarded as a Texas Music Educators Association Scholar in 2020. In 2023, after a nationwide search, Brooke received the Outstanding Student Leaders Scholarship from the National Council of Tau Beta Sigma. Ms. Olivarez is also the recipient of the Prodigious Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award.
A first generation graduate, Ms. Olivarez is passionate about furthering student's educations. As a music educator, Ms. Olivarez strives to instill a love for music in her future students. Above all, Brooke endeavors to not only teach students how to create music, but she seeks to help them discover the beats of their own hearts. In her leisure time, she loves to explore the outdoors with her dog, Coda, who absolutely hates the oboe. Ms. Olivarez enjoys spending time with her loved ones and friends. She will also never let you forget that she is the world's biggest Taylor Swift fan. She is very excited to continue to serve Young Band Directors of Texas as the College Team Lead!
Ms. Brooke Olivarez is the newest Assistant Band Director at Grand Lakes Junior High in Tomball ISD and is excited to serve YBDT! Originally from Cypress, TX, Brooke graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with her Bachelor of Music in Music Education with Summa Cum Laude Honors. She was a member of the Stephen F. Austin Oboe Studio and was a founding member of the Woodwind Quintet of the Pines and the Senior Wind Octet. Brooke was the principal oboist in the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin. Ms. Olivarez was also a proud member of the Lumberjack Marching Band where she served on staff as the Head Operations Manager. While at SFA, Brooke also help found the SFASU YBDT Chapter in addition to her involvement in Tau Beta Sigma. Professionally, Brooke has performed with the Longview Symphony Orchestra, the East Texas Chamber Winds, and the Sugar Land Winds. She has also performed under the batons of Maestro Jung Ho-Pak, Dr. Frank Ticheli, and Colonel Jason Fettig.
While at Stephen F. Austin State University, Brooke was consistently recognized for her academic success on the Dean's and President's Honor Roll Lists. In April of 2022, she presented her research, A Modern Take on Baroque Oboe Reed Making, at the SFA Undergraduate Research Conference. She was also a finalist in the 2022 Concert and Aria Competition at SFASU. Outside of her musical and academic achievements, she is awarded as a Texas Music Educators Association Scholar in 2020. In 2023, after a nationwide search, Brooke received the Outstanding Student Leaders Scholarship from the National Council of Tau Beta Sigma. Ms. Olivarez is also the recipient of the Prodigious Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award.
A first generation graduate, Ms. Olivarez is passionate about furthering student's educations. As a music educator, Ms. Olivarez strives to instill a love for music in her future students. Above all, Brooke endeavors to not only teach students how to create music, but she seeks to help them discover the beats of their own hearts. In her leisure time, she loves to explore the outdoors with her dog, Coda, who absolutely hates the oboe. Ms. Olivarez enjoys spending time with her loved ones and friends. She will also never let you forget that she is the world's biggest Taylor Swift fan. She is very excited to continue to serve Young Band Directors of Texas as the College Team Lead!

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.