Behind the Baton: Recent Episodes
Shawn Knopp
Alex McMahon is an experienced music educator, conductor, and professional musician who has worked with students from elementary through high school. His teaching responsibilities have included concert band, jazz band, marching band, pep band, and beginning instrumental music. In addition to his classroom work, he has coordinated honor bands, professional events, and other large-scale music activities within his district.
Alex currently serves as president of the South Central Kansas Music Educators Association, where he helps oversee district activities, coordinate honor ensembles and professional events, support area music educators, and work with association leaders on programming, policies, and organizational planning.
He earned bachelor’s degrees in music education and trombone performance from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and a Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting from Wichita State University.
His professional interests include educational and music technology, and expanding access to music through creative teaching approaches.
Connect with Alex:
- Email: alexander.l.mcmahon@gmail.com
- KWCH News: "Andover 5th grader with dwarfism uses adaptive instrument to play in school band"
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- https://www.kwch.com/2026/04/11/andover-band-teacher-helps-create-adaptive-instrument-fifth-grader/
- Andover Public Schools Documentary
- https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14ixzfnD6J2/
Dr. Myra Rhoden serves on the faculty at the University of West Georgia where she conducts the UWG Symphonic Band and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Music Education.
As the founder of Athena Music and Leadership, Rhoden has created programs and opportunities to empower young women through music while equipping them with lifelong leadership skills that can be used in any profession.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a high school band director, Rhoden frequently serves as a guest conductor for state, regional, and university honor bands and is honored to have presented sessions at The Midwest Clinic, the Bands of America Summer Symposium, national, state and regional conferences, and for school systems and professional development clinics throughout North America. Her concert bands have performed at national and international venues while her marching bands have won numerous Grand Championships and earned finalist positions at Bands of America Regional and Super Regional competitions.
Rhoden has received national recognition for her contributions to music education including having the honor of being elected to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association, the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and the John Philip Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor. She has been awarded the Tau Beta Sigma Outstanding Service to Music Award, the Women Band Directors International Golden Rose Award, the 2018 Band Director of the Year from the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and multiple National Band Association (NBA) Citations of Excellence.
Connect with Dr. Rhoden
- mrhoden@westga.edu
- https://athenacamp.com/
- Myra's Book: Through My Music: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
Dr. Rachael Urquhart is the director of bands at Quakertown Community High School in Quakertown Community School District, Quakertown, PA. Her responsibilities at Quakertown HS include conducting the Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony and teaching keyboard and American music history as elective courses. Dr. Urquhart is also the director of the Quakertown Community High School Panther Marching Band.
Dr. Urquhart earned her Ed.D. in Policy, Planning, and Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2026, with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Urquhart’s dissertation was entitled Beyond Superpowers and Stereotypes: Female High School Band Directors Navigating Gendered Expectations in Leadership. Her research centered the leadership perceptions and career aspirations of female music teachers and highlighted the career obstacles and encouragements of female high school band directors (FHSBDs). She was a recipient of WCU’s Graduate Student Association and Graduate Council Award for Excellence in Scholarship and/or Creative Activity (2026).
She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (2011) and a Master of Music in Music Performance with a concentration in Wind Conducting (2016), both from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
In addition to Dr. Urquhart’s responsibilities as a public school band director, she is an involved member of Women Band Directors International (WBDI), especially at the state level. During the summers, Dr. Urquhart is the clarinet and band ensemble teacher at West Chester University’s Elementary/Middle School Summer Music Camp and a clinician with the drum major staff at Vivace Productions’ Incomparable Marching Band Workshop, West Chester University location. Dr. Urquhart is also a co-author of the book, Marching Band Techniques.
Rachael enjoys spending her time outside of being a band director with her incredible and supportive husband, Matt; her family, and her super cute mini Australian Shepherd, Kelby.
Connect with Dr. Urquhart:
- Email: rurquhart@qcsd.org
Ryan Runyan is the director of 5-12 bands at IKM-Manning High School in Manning, IA. A graduate of Simpson College in Indianola, IA, Ryan has 14 years of experience teaching ensembles such as marching, jazz, concert, and pep bands, as well as color guard and speech.
Ryan has taught entirely in rural Iowa schools, teaching five years at West Marshall High School in State Center, IA, in addition to his nine years at IKM-Manning CSD in Manning, IA.
His passions include music, film,, and spending time with his wife and daughter at Disney World.
Connect with Ryan:
- Email: rrunyan@ikm-manning.k12.ia.us
Matt Treto is a Kansas-based music educator and percussionist from Augusta, Kansas. Since Fall 2025, he has served as the 5th–12th grade Band Director for Haven Public Schools in Haven, Kansas, where he teaches everything from beginning 5th grade band to high school concert band, guitar, and an emerging jazz ensemble. A graduate of Friends University and Butler Community College, Matt brings a student-focused approach to the podium.
Connect with Matt:
- Email: mtreto@havenschools.com
Ryan Partin just completed his 15th year of teaching and is the Director of Bands at Garden City High School in Garden City, KS. He oversees the marching band, 3 concert ensembles, and 3 jazz bands. His previous assignment was teaching 5-12 band in Ulysses, KS.
Ryan was a nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2017 and was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Bandmaster award, presented by Phi Beta Mu and the Kansas Bandmasters Association in 2018.
He is an active member of the Kansas Music Educators Association, serving in the previous positions of Southwest KMEA High School Band Chairperson and Southwest KMEA District President. He also serves on the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Festivals Committee.
In addition to his role as an educator, Ryan is also an active musician. He has been a member of Julie Groom’s Flatland Big Band since 2012 and plays various small-group jazz engagements throughout the year.
Ryan graduated from Kansas State University in 2024 with a Master of Music and from Wichita State University in 2011 with a Bachelor in Music Education and a Bachelor in Jazz Studies.
Connect with Ryan Partin
- E-mail: rpartin@gckschools.com
A graduate of South Portland High School, Kyle Smith has been the Band Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine since 2006. Prior to his appointment at Westbrook High School he was the Band Director at Biddeford High School.
The Westbrook Music Department has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for the outstanding musicianship that the musicians show. Recent honors include performances by the Wind Ensemble at Merrill Auditorium with the University of Maine Symphonic Band, and at the MMEA All State Conference (2009, 2011 with Mr. Samuel R. Hazo, and 2013 with Dr. Andrew Boysen.) In 2013 the Westbrook High School Wind Ensemble was selected as one of two performing ensembles to perform at the National Association for Music Education's (NAFME) All Eastern Conference.
Mr. Smith is the past Vice President of the Maine Band Directors Association, as well as the Instrumental Jazz Chair for the Maine Music Educators Association. He serves as a manager for jazz bands and concert bands for MMEA at the district and state levels.
Kyle is host of the acclaimed weekly podcast called "The Growing Band Director Podcast."
Mr. Smith received his Bachelors of Music in Music Education degree, by scholarship for musical excellence, from the University of New Hampshire. He earned a graduate degree scholarship and teaching assistantship for his masters degree in Music Education with a concentration in conducting from the university, studying under Dr. Andrew Boysen Jr. , Dr. William Kempster, and Dr. Thomas Keck.
Kyle lives in Westbrook with his wife Krystle, Director of Bands at Westbrook Middle School, his daughter Addison and son Jack.
Connect with Kyle Smith
- Email: Smithk@westbrookschools.org
- The Growing Band Director Podcast
- www.thegrowingbanddirector.com
- https://youtube.com/@thegrowingbanddirectorpodc7296?si=D2x-uunmLb-XLAam
Dr. Adam J. Gumble is the Director of Athletic Bands at West Chester University. Dr. Gumble’s primary responsibilities include directing the 324-member “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams Marching Band, “Sixth Man” Basketball Band, and WCU Concert Band. Since his arrival at West Chester University, the WCU Marching Band has performed in featured exhibition at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, was named the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Sudler Trophy (the “Heisman Trophy” for collegiate marching bands), performed halftime shows at multiple NFL playoff and regular season football games, and hosted Championship events for both USBands and the Cavalcade of Bands Association.
Prior to his appointment at West Chester University, Dr. Gumble taught for 13 years in the Pennsylvania public schools as the Director of Bands at Hempfield High School and Associate Director of Bands at Quakertown Community High School.
Dr. Gumble has been a quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY Foundation’s Music Educator Award and has been nominated for “Who's Who Among America's Teachers” as well as multiple "Teacher Impact Awards" through Central Pennsylvania's NBC affiliate, WGAL.
Dr. Gumble graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 2005, a Master of Music Education Degree from Boston University in 2007, a Master of Music Degree in Wind Conducting from West Chester University in 2016, and a Doctor of Education Degree from West Chester University in 2022.
Connect with Dr. Adam Gumble
- Email: AGumble@wcupa.edu
- Instagram: @wcugumble
Dr. Frank Pérez serves as Director of Instrumental Music at Gloria Willis Middle School in Kansas City, KS. He formerly served as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Baker University, where he conducted the Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, taught low brass and music education courses.
Dr. Pérez has conducted honor bands throughout Midwest and presented clinics and workshops for music educators nationally and internationally. As a trombonist, he has performed with the La Jolla Symphony, L.A. Guild Opera, Des Moines Big Band, De Soto Brass Band, and KC Bone Connection. He co-founded and co-conducts Trombone Christmas Kansas City.
Dr. Pérez is Immediate Past-President of the Kansas Bandmasters Association, KMEA Representative for the Society for Music Teacher Education, and a Conn-Selmer and Denis Wick performing artist & clinician.
Connect with Dr. Pérez
- Website: https://www.frankperezmusic.com
- Photography: https://www.facebook.com/FrankPerezDigitalImages
- Email: fperez@alumni.usc.edu
Chris DeVona is the Assistant Director of Bands at James Madison University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band, directs the basketball Pep Band, and works with the Marching Royal Dukes. In addition to his ensemble responsibilities, Chris also teaches conducting and marching band procedures courses. Prior to joining the band team at JMU, Chris was on faculty at Eastern University (PA), and he taught high school and middle school band/orchestra in his home state of Connecticut.
In addition to his teaching, Chris’s works as an author span from educational literature to research in the wind band field. His recent textbooks include Small Band, Big Sound, a resource guide for music educators, as well as Expanding the Canon, a conducting excerpt book that foregrounds music by living composers. Chris’s research primarily addresses score interpretation and connections with contemporary music analysis; his articles are published in the Journal of Band Research and the journal of the International Conductor’s Guild.
When not working with the JMU bands, Chris travels frequently as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for concert and marching ensembles. During the summer and fall seasons, Chris stays actively involved with marching band and drum corps, most recently serving in leadership roles on the staffs at the Blue Knights and Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps.
Chris holds undergraduate degrees from the Hartt School and the University of Hartford in music theory and mathematics, and he completed his M.M. in conducting at West Chester University (PA).
Connect with Chris DeVona
- Books
- Small Band, Big Sound by Chris DeVona
- https://giamusic.com/resource/small-band-big-sound-book-11191
- Expanding the Canon by Andrew Yozviak and Chris DeVona
- https://murphymusicpress.com/products/t-100
- Small Band, Big Sound by Chris DeVona
- Facebook
- https://www.facebook.com/chris.devona.7
Micah Bolton is the Director of Bands at Goddard High School, currently in his third year, where he works with students across intermediate, middle school, and high school levels. An active percussionist, educator, and conductor, he is highly sought after as a private instructor and percussion coach for schools, camps, and honor bands. He also maintains an active performing schedule as a member of the Wichita Wind Symphony.
Micah is a graduate of Friends University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education and was recognized as a Kansas Teacher of Promise. He resides in Wichita with his wife, Madison, and their dog, Marilyn.
Connect with Micah Bolton
- Email
- micahboltonmusic@gmail.com
If you leave your growth to randomness, you’ll always live in the land of mediocrity. ~Brendon Burchard
Good decision-making comes down to two things:1. Knowing how to get what you want2. Knowing what’s worth wanting~Shane Parrish in “Clear Thinking”
If you have a “to-do” list, do you also have a “stop doing” list? ~ Jim Collins in “Good to Great”
We waste time and energy stewing and stressing over the past instead of moving forward in hope. ~Ryan Leak
People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures. ~Frederick M. Alexander
Don't match the energy. Set the standard. ~Ryan Leak
Check out Ryan's podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ryan-leak-podcast/id1523090326?i=1000704276203
Dr. Brad Persinger is the Director of Bands for the Decatur Community Schools in Oberlin, Kansas. He has taught in Kansas, Colorado, and Montana and in the fall of 2025 he will begin his 32nd year of teaching.
In 2012, Brad was recognized as the Montana VFW Teacher of the Year and also received the Montana VFW Citizenship Education Award. In 2013, he was recognized as the VFW District 5 Teacher of the Year.
Connect with Dr. Persinger
- Email
- bpersinger@usd294.org
"Excellence is the culmination of thousands of details executed perfectly.” ~Will Guidara
Ethan Wagoner just completed his 10th year of teaching and serves as the Director of Bands at Derby Middle School, as well as an assistant band director at Derby High School in Derby, Kansas.
In 2023, Ethan was selected as the Derby Public Schools secondary nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year. He also was nominated and featured in School Band and Orchestra + Magazine as the Kansas representative for 50 Music Teachers who Make a Difference.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Wagoner is an active composer and performer. Ethan is commissioned each year to compose and arrange works for marching bands throughout the state, and has composed numerous works for concert band and percussion ensemble. Ethan also performs regularly with the Wichita Wind Symphony.
Connect with Ethan Wagoner
- Email
- ethanwagonermusic@gmail.com
- Website
- https://www.ethanwagonermusic.com/
The success of my day is based on the seeds that I sow, not the harvest that I reap. ~John C. Maxwell
Jordan Northerns is the Director of Bands at Circle Middle School and Circle High School in Towanda, Kansas. He just completed his 19th year in education and was recently recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Circle Public Schools.
Connect with Jordan Northerns
- Email
- jnortherns@usd375.org
The success of my day is based on the seeds that I sow, not the harvest that I reap. ~ John C. Maxwell
Sunday Spark: Inspiring Insights for a Bright Week Ahead
"Our success is connected. Your success is our success."
Annie Adams is in her sixth year K-12 vocal and instrumental for Thunder Ridge Schools in Kensington and Agra, Kansas. She earned her bachelor’s in music education at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS and her master’s in clarinet performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Annie taught band for two years in Oklahoma before moving to North Carolina. After graduate school, Annie worked in Scotland and then taught private lessons on clarinet, fiddle and guitar in North Carolina for 12 years. In 2018, Annie returned to Kansas with her family to teach for Thunder Ridge.
Annie enjoys spending time with her two boys and husband, working on family projects, and adventure racing. She performs fiddle locally with her dad and has recently jumped into horse ownership and horse training.
Connect with Annie Adams
- Email
- aadams@usd110.net
I had the privilege of leading a professional development workshop for music educators in the Northwest part of Kansas. In attendance were band, choir and orchestra directors as well as general music teachers at the elementary level; all are from predominantly small and rural schools. And...some teach K-12 Music - wow!
During our time together I asked the participants three questions:
- What does success look like in small and/or rural schools?
- What advice would you give your first-year teacher self?
- How will you define success for your program? It’s May, school is over…"we were successful because of this" … what is that for you?
The music educators in this episode are amazing...I hope you are able to find some inspiration from their stories.
~Shawn
Brandon J. Lesando is the Director of Bands at Blue Valley Southwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, Chair of East Central Kansas Music Educators Association HS honor bands, and the President-Elect of the the Kansas Bandmasters Association. While at Blue Valley Southwest, Lesando has presented clinics on program and project management, brass pedagogy, band travel and planning, and ensemble sound concepts, and has commissioned three new works for the wind band medium. Under his direction, the Blue Valley Southwest Band program has flourished into performing on regional and national stages as a 2-time Bands of America Regional Finalist medaling in class AA and earning a caption award in music, 2 large ensemble and 4 chamber ensemble appearances at the annual Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop and a 2-time featured stage performer at Music for All concert band festivals.
Lesando is a graduate of the University of North Florida where he studied horn and euphonium and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree, Cum Laude. He is currently pursuing his Master of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado – Boulder and was named Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year in 2018 for the East Central District of the Kansas Music Educators Association.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Lesando enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2004. His assignments included serving as a submarine nuclear weapons technician onboard the USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740 GOLD) and as a Navy Formal Schools instructor for incoming students and fleet sailors at the Trident Training Facility in Kings Bay, GA. In 2011, Lesando was Honorably Discharged from active duty as a Missile Technician, 1st Class (Submarines) with awards for achievement, volunteer service, and good conduct.
Connect with Brandon Lesando
- Email
- blesando@bluevalleyk12.org
Dr. Melody Causby is Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to coming to The University of Southern Mississippi, Causby was on the faculty at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina for three years, first as the Assistant Director of Bands, then as the Interim Director of Bands. During her eleven years of public school teaching, the programs she ran grew in size and quality, and she served her district and state band organizations in several leadership capacities.
Dr. Catheryn Shaw Foster currently serves as Assistant Professor of Practice of Music Education at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Her responsibilities include working with graduate students in the Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program. She taught public school in Georgia, serving as the Director of Bands at Lowndes Middle School in Valdosta and the Assistant Director of Bands at Perry High School in Perry. During this time, Foster was an active member of Districts VIII and XI, serving as the District Chair, as well as the Honor Band Coordinator for District VIII.
The Rural Band Director Alliance is a newly formed national organization for rural band directors. Teaching band in a rural area comes with different challenges and rewards that are often only understood by other rural band directors. The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive and uplifting community for band directors in rural areas. This group is intended to be a safe place for rural band directors to share their struggles, experiences, and advice.
Connect with Melody & Catheryn
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Email
- Melody.Causby@usm.edu
- csfoster@vt.edu
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Rural Band Director Alliance
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/207618192221782/
Dr. Bill Thomas is the Director of Bands at Shawnee Mission West High School and the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Shawnee Mission Public Schools.
Connect with Bill
- Email:
- billthomas@smsd.org
Brandi & Clayton Kaus teach 6-8 band and choir at Augusta Middle School in Augusta, KS. Brandi and Clayton have a combined 43 years in education.
Connect with Brandi & Clayton
- Email:
- bkaus@usd402.com
- ckaus@usd402.com
Chris Harris is the Director of Bands at Owasso High School in Owasso, Oklahoma. With 31 years in education and 19 of those in the Owasso program, Chris has had multiple bands invited to perform at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Convention and his groups have earned 25 Sweepstakes Awards from the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association Music Contests.
Connect with Chris Harris
- Email: chris.harris@owassops.org
- Website: https://www.owassobands.com/
Kristi Vetter is the Director of Bands at Beloit Junior/Senior High School in Beloit, KS and has been in music education for 30 years. Kristi is the recipient of teaching awards from the Kansas Music Educators Association and the Kansas State Department of Education.
Connect with Kristi Vetter
- Email: kvetter@usd273.org
Kyle Hopkins is the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at McPherson College in McPherson, KS. Kyle has been in education for 24 years and has taught beginning band through college.
Connect with Kyle Hopkins
- Email: hopkinsk@mcpherson.edu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.hopkins.1804
Victoria Griffitt is the Director of Bands at Derby North Middle School in Derby, KS. Victoria has been in education for 20 years and has taught beginning band through high school.
Connect with Victoria Griffitt
- Email: vgriffitt@usd260.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.griffitt
Jennifer Antonetti is the Director of Bands a at Topeka High School in Topeka, KS. Jennifer has been in education for 15 years and has taught elementary general music and band for grades Pre-K through college. Jennifer is also co-founder of BatonSync, an intuitive management app for music teachers.
Connect with Jennifer Antonetti
- Email: jantonetti@tps501.org
- BatonSync: https://www.batonsync.com/
As I have traveled around the midwest conducting honor bands, adjudicating festivals, and providing clinics for bands, I have had the good fortune to meet many amazing band directors and music educators.
These directors have inspired and encouraged me to be a better person, and because of that, I want you to hear their stories as well!
Connect with Shawn:
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @shawnknopp