This year will be the start of my eighth year of teaching, I am 28 years old and reside in Ben Wheeler, TX! I have spent the past 7 years at Van ISD and just recently took a job as the Middle School Band Director for Troup ISD! This will be my first year at Troup Middle School and I have to say that I am overly excited about the opportunity to work with the students here in Troup this year!
I will be directing the Troup Middle School Band, teaching beginner band, and assisting Mr. Castillo with the high school band! This is really going to be an exciting year for all of the Troup Tiger Bands!
I grew up in the very small mountain community of Unicoi in East Tennessee, it's the type of place where everyone knows everyone and they take care of each other! Towards the end of my 5th grade year my father took a job transfer to the great state of Texas! We loaded up a couple of UHaul trucks and made the long journey to the Lone Star State!
We ended up in Van, Texas and it was my home away from home! I graduated from Van High School in 2006. I was active in the Mighty Vandal Band, Journalism (Yearbook and Newspaper), UIL Academics, Business Professionals of America, and the National Honor Society. I was even nominated as Mr. VHS which was an award given to a student by the teaching staff for citizenship, academics, and involvement in activities!
After high school I enrolled at Tyler Junior College, Go Apaches!, where I was able begin the process of pursuing my degree in music education! I had some great mentors and teachers that helped me along the way; Tom Mensch, Heather Mensch, Adam Meyers, Kerry Baham, Larry Marta, Maria Guenette, and so many more! I had so many great experiences and made some lifelong friends while I was there, especially in the Apache Band!
After 2 years at Tyler Junior College I transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University to finish my Bachelor of Music Education with an instrumental concentration. I studied trombone with the great Deb Scott! During this time I was a member of the Lumberjack Marching Band, SFA Trombone Choir, Symphonic and Concert bands, Swingin' Aces Jazz Band, and various other small ensembles.
During my student teaching, which was at Van High School, I received an offer to stay as assistant the following spring semester! What a great opportunity that was! By the end of the school year I ended up taking the head director position at Van ISD and enjoyed every moment of that 7 year tenure!
I am excited to start this new adventure and new chapter of my life here at Troup Middle School!
I definitely love to travel, spend time with family and friends, and meet new people!