Western International Band Clinic
About Us
Just south of Fort Worth, Burleson High School is a 5A school in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex with around 1700 students. The 'Spirit of the Elks' Band has 130 students in 9th-12th grade and facilitates 2 concert bands, marching band, indoor drumline, and a year-round colorguard program. Fostered by a supportive administration, dedicated Directors, and a host of proud parents, the Spirit of the Elks is so excited to be performing in Seattle!
The recent successes of the band program include having students perform at WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic and Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
2023-2024 Wind Ensemble
We would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge last year's Wind Ensemble. The recording process took place in the Spring of 2024 and they were the students that allowed us to have the incredible experience of traveling to Seattle. Thank you to all of these current/former students that helped pave the way for this year's band!
Meet this year's wind ensemble!
Flutes (L to R):
Rachael P. - 12th Grade
Maria R. - 12th Grade
Izabella B. - 9th Grade
Madysen S. - 9th Grade
Sophie S. - 9th Grade
Caelyn D. - 9th Grade (not pictured)
Double Reeds:
Rori V. - 11th Grade
Dani V. - 9th Grade
Layla D. - 11th Grade
Dominick R. - 11th Grade
Clarinets:
Cristina M. - 12th Grade
Emily D. - 11th Grade
Stormy W. - 10th Grade
Aonjulie J. - 11th Grade
Jackson L. - 10th Grade
Gustavo C. - 10th Grade
Shaye H. - 9th Grade
Colin J. - 9th Grade
Keira C. - 10th Grade
Annaliese D. - 9th Grade (not pictured)
Saxophones:
Addison D. - 12th Grade
Ava G. - 11th Grade
Ethan N. - 12th Grade
Luke W. - 10th Grade
Jacob M. - 11th Grade
Belen S. - 10th Grade
Grahm A. - 12th Grade
Phoebe V. - 9th Grade
Solomon G. - 10th Grade
Trumpets:
Tanner L. - 12th Grade
Ellie M. - 12th Grade
Kaia S. - 12th Grade
Jason M. - 9th Grade
Lucas C. - 10th Grade
Horns:
Josh S. - 11th Grade
Nicole T. - 12th Grade
Ava R. - 10th Grade
Cwen C. - 9th Grade
Emily P. - 12th Grade
Sara V. - 12th Grade
Trombones:
Braeden L. - 11th Grade
Izzy Z. - 12th Grade
Caleb K. - 11th Grade
Cameron W. - 12th Grade
William B. - 10th Grade
Euphonium/Tubas:
Adrian C. - 11th Grade
Elijah C. - 12th Grade
Isaiah K. - 11th Grade
Percussion:
Roy A. - 11th Grade
Luke F. - 11th Grade
Jackson B. - 9th Grade
Isaiah C. - 12th Grade
Josh E. - 11th Grade
Gianna B. - 10th Grade
Blaise W. - 11th Grade
Carly S. - 12th Grade
Tommy B. - 12th Grade (not pictured)
Brandon Day - Director of Bands
Brandon Day is currently in his 6th year as Director of Bands at Burleson High School. His main duties include leading the Spirit of Elks Marching Band, the BHS Wind Ensemble. He also assists with Symphonic Winds as well as the Hughes and STEAM/GDDS Middle School Band classes.
Brandon went to the University of North Texas and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. Mr. Day has been involved with drum corps since 2006 and has taught on multiple brass staffs, including the Guardians, Troopers, and Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps.
Mr. Day is an advocate of the WGI activity. He started the Azle HS Indoor Winds program in 2018. In their first year of competition, Azle Winds won the 2018 WGI Scholastic Open World Championship in Dayton, Ohio. In 2019, the group went back to Dayton in World Class, earning 6th place in WGI Finals. They were also back to back NTCA Winds Champions (2018-Open Class and 2019-World Class). Mr. Day also served on the NTCA Executive Board from 2018-2023.
Burleson High School's concert and chamber ensembles have seen recent success, including invitations to the 2023 Music for All National Festival and the 2023 TMEA Convention.
He resides in Crowley with his wife Brittany, two children Norah and Parker, and their beloved Min Pin, Matilda and pug Walter.
Tyler Gerton - Associate Director of Bands
Tyler Gerton is currently in his 6th year at Burleson High School and is the Associate Director of Bands as well as the Fine Arts Learning Lead for BHS. His duties include directing Symphonic Winds as well as assisting with the Spirit of the Elks Marching Band, BHS Wind Ensemble, Hughes and STEAM/GDDS Middle School Band classes, and Contest and Event Coordination.
Mr. Gerton grew up in McKinney and graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Lamar University with a Master's Degree in Educational Administration. The summer after graduating High School he toured across England and France with the Dr. Brian West Percussion Ensemble and went on to spend the following four summers performing with Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2013 – 2016), aging out as a 3-time section leader and 2-time Percussion Captain. Mr. Gerton also performed with Vigilantes Indoor Percussion in 2016 when the ensemble was named the Winter Guard International Open Class Champion at the WGI World Championships. While at North Texas he performed with many different ensembles and held the title of Principal Percussionist of an orchestra for a year.
As an educator, Mr. Gerton was on staff with the Azle Marching Green Pride for 2 seasons then went on to student teach at Keller Central High School and Hillwood Middle School in Keller ISD. After aging out he immediately began teaching drum corps and has been on staff at Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps (2017) and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps (2018, 2019, 2020).
Mr. Gerton served as a Percussion Director in northeast Texas for two years before moving to Burleson. While in BISD, all bands under his direction have received UIL Sweepstakes, including receiving Burleson High School Concert Winds' first and second Sweepstakes in program history. In 2023 the Burleson High School Band had ensembles that performed at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention in San Antonio as well as the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis.
Mr. Gerton is an active clinician in DFW in his free time and currently resides in Burleson with his husband Travis and their two dogs Sasha and Sirius Lee.
Jack Baker - Percussion Director
Mr. Baker is currently in his 5th year as the Percussion Director at Burleson High School. Previously, he taught at Azle High School where he served as the Percussion Director for 5 years. During his tenure at Azle, the ensemble was a consistent medalist in WGI and NTCA circuit at the World Class level. He also was able to consistently have over 75% of the percussion studio advance to the UIL State Solo and Ensemble where 3 of his students received the outstanding performer award in a 2 year span, an award that is only given to the top 1% of soloist in the state of Texas.
Before working at Azle, Mr. Baker served as an assistant band director at Duiett Middle School where the ensemble placed 7th in the 2C Honor Band. Mr. Baker has instructed numerous groups across the state of Texas such as Austin Bowie High School in Austin, Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, and Claudia Taylor Johnson High School in San Antonio where he served as a student teacher.
Mr. Baker holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Texas State University and was in ensembles such as the PASIC Drumline, Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and the Bobcat Band Drumline. While at Texas State Mr. Baker marched three years in the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps Drumline and was section leader his last year there. Mr. Baker is an active member of TMEA, TBA, and is endorsed by Innovative Percussion and Evans Drumheads.
Katie Navarro - Color Guard Director
Katharine Navarro is serving in her 2nd year as the Colorguard Director for both Burleson High School (Burleson ISD) and Newman Smith High School (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD).
Most recently, Ms. Navarro served as the colorguard director at Rockwall Heath High School from 2021-2023. In 2021, the colorguard earned "Best Guard" in the 6A division of the Royse City Marching Invitational. In 2023, the varsity winter guard earned 3rd place in the Scholastic AA division of the North Texas Colorguard Association (NTCA) Championship. During those two academic years, her recruitment efforts led the guard's membership to grow from 8 to 28.
Prior to her position at Rockwall Heath, Ms. Navarro served as the colorguard director of McMillen High School (2020-2022). Under her watch, the McMillen colorguard won the "Outstanding Guard" award at UIL (2021), and the winter guard won 1st place in the Regional AA division of the NTCA Championship (2022). Ms. Navarro was also the colorguard director at North Forney High School (2015-2020). In 2019, the North Forney marching band went to the State Open Class Marching Band Contest for the first time in the school's history.
As a competitive performer, Ms. Navarro has experience in both Drum Corps International (DCI) and Winter Guard International (WGI). Her DCI history includes one summer performing with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps (2012) and three summers with the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps (2013-2015), all of which earned World Class finalist placements. Her WGI experience began with the Independent Open Class group, White Gold (2011-2013), followed by a promotion to the Independent World Class group, Black Gold (2013-2014). Following her time at Black Gold, Ms. Navarro was a cast member in the then-new Independent World Class group, Colorguard Theatre Dallas (CGT-Dallas), wherein she performed from the group’s inaugural year (2014) through 2017, during which CGT-Dallas placed 5th in the WGI World Championship. Afterward, she was hired onto CGT-Denton’s staff as a flag technician (2017-2020), and later became a flag technician for CGT-Dallas (2020), as well.
Her primary mentor is Danny Martinez (2011-present).
Years of mentorship from these two got us here!
Jeff King
William Owens
William Owens
Jeff King is currently a band consultant, adjudicator, and clinician for students and directors across the United States. Recently, Mr. King served as an Adjunct Music Professor on the faculty of The University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to this appointment, Mr. King served as the Irving ISD Director of Fine Arts for 5 years, where he oversaw all aspects of the Fine Arts programs. Prior to his administrative duties in Irving, Jeff King was a Texas band director for 31 years. Most of his teaching career was spent in Duncanville ISD, with 26 years’ experience, culminating as Director of Bands for his last five years. In 2008, Mr. King was co-conductor of the Wind Ensemble with Tom Shine, which was selected as the Texas 5A (6A) High School State Honor Band. In 2019, Mr. King along with his Duncanville HS colleagues, were awarded the prestigious Exemplary High School Band Award given by the Texas Bandmasters Association. In July of 2024, Jeff was inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame.
Mr. King co-authored a band warm-up and technique book entitled Foundations for Superior Performance (A.K.A. The Blue Book) and The Complete Instrument Reference Guide for Band Directors. These texts are widely used throughout North America, Australia, Japan, and China. He has presented workshops in over 25 states as well as Canada. Some of his notable clinics include: The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference, National Association for Music Educators, Texas Music Educators Association, and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
From 2011-2018, Mr. King served on the Texas Bandmasters Association Board (TBA), proudly serving as TBA President in 2017.
Mr. King has music degrees from Southern Methodist University, (M.M. Trumpet Performance) and Baldwin-Wallace University (B.M.E), studying trumpet with James Darling and Mary Squire.
His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the International Bandmasters’ Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu.
William Owens
William Owens
William Owens
William Owens (b. 1963) received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1985 from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. A seasoned music educator, Mr. Owens is active as a composer, conductor, and clinician throughout the United States. Mr. Owens has written numerous commissioned and published works for middle school and high school concert bands. His music has been programmed at prestigious venues such as the Midwest Clinic and appears on required music lists both nationally and abroad. Principal commissions include those from the California Band Directors Association, the Chicago Public Schools Bureau of Cultural Arts, and the Texas University Interscholastic League. He is a winner of the ASCAPlus award and a two-time recipient of the Forrest L. Buchtel Citation for Excellence in Band Composition. Professional memberships include ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, and Texas MEA. Mr. Owens resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife Georgia.
program notes
Fanfare Forza - Brian Balmages
Fanfare Forza was written to celebrate the opening of the new performing arts center at Brainerd HS in Minnesota. This powerful fanfare symbolically brings all of the students together. The music is powerful, highly rhythmic, and constantly driving forward. Despite just being 3 minutes in length, the music has a clear arc and a substantial thematic, rhythmic and harmonic development.
Red Rock Mountain - Rossano Galante
This composition is an episodic work that paints a musical portrait of a beautiful mountain landscape. Brass fanfares and soaring wind lines begin the piece, transitioning into an emotional section depicting the mountains at dusk. As the sun rises and sheds light on its peaks, the music becomes lyrical and rhythmically incisive, culminating in a heroic brass finale that depicts the full grandeur of the mountains.
Rumba de la Tumba - JaRod Hall
Journey into the unknown with this wildly creative piece, inspired by the playfully dark film scores of Danny Elfman. Rumba de la Tumba is based on an irresistible Latin-flavored groove while also giving a lighthearted nod to the world of the macabre.
Riptides - Katahj Copley
The deepest point ever reached by man is 35,858 feet below sea level, which happens to be the deepest known point on Earth’s ocean floor. Around 700 feet below sea level, light disappears; therefore, the rest of the journey to the bottom of the hydrosphere is in complete darkness through the unknown.
I realized how fearful the ocean can be and how little we know about it. I began composing Riptides to depict my exploration of the Ocean. The piece begins with a call to the sea and develops into its melody, which is surrounded by a scheme of danger. As Riptides continues, the energy races through this quality of danger and fear, represented by a mermaid call. The piece is built on eccentric percussion instruments such as the conch shell horn, ocean drums and thumb rolls on the timpani and bass drum. Decorated elements such as dissonant textures and glissando techniques are used, differing from any other piece I have written thus far. As the frantic thrill continues to the pivotal point of the piece, Riptides takes a voyage to the deepest parts of the unknown -- of the unfamiliar.
After the Darkness... - William Owens
After the Darkness... was thoughtfully written to honor and lift up the ten beautiful lives (eight students and two teachers) that were taken by a senseless act of violence in the early morning of May 18, 2018 on the high school campus at Santa Fe, Texas. As you read these notes, I ask your indulgence as I convey while in the process of creating this piece, I felt heartrending sadness for the victims alongside intense loathing toward the malevolent forces in our society that continually induce such anti-social acts.
Through the music of After the Darkness..., I wish to offer a glimmer of hope for the happy and nurturing families forever changed, hence the title. While the work honors the memories of those lost, it is also a plea for reassurance and guidance through the darkest time imaginable, as we struggle to understand how and why this travesty has befallen us.
Loosely based on the hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, the piece begins with much mystery and tonal dissonance, as we still ponder this awful occurrence. Sudden “bursts” of percussion serve as “surges” of anger and disbelief. After this introduction of discord and confusion, the music morphs into a haunting, mournful song, as to illustrate our deep state of grief.
The Santa Fe High School Band and community of Santa Fe request that before performing the piece, a moment of silence be observed to honor those taken:
Jared Black, 17
Christian Riley Garcia, 15
Glenda Perkins, 64 (substitute teacher)
Sabika Sheikh, 17 (exchange student from Pakistan)
Cynthia Tisdale, 63 (teacher)
Shana Fisher, 16
Aaron Kyle McLeod, 15
Angelique Ramirez, 15
Christopher Stone, 17
Kimberly Vaughan, 14
This piece comes with a very heavy heart; not so much as a composer but rather an educator, having worked with children for nearly 40 years. I especially extend my deepest condolences to the parents...Forthrightly, you weren’t supposed to outlive your children and my heart is very much with you. And while this tragedy leaves us all with a most unfillable void, I am hopeful that this homage set to music will bring some small measure of comfort.
Chasing Crimson - Dakota Pederson
Crimson, the deep and rich shade of red, is captured and eloquently displayed in this relentless composition. Chasing Crimson, an aggressive composition by Dakota Pederson, uses a traditional form and melody while incorporating creative harmonies with some dissonance. From measure one, audiences will be captivated by the memorable melody that showcases the power of a strong trombone section.
The Thunderer - John Phillip Sousa
The Thunderer March by John Philip Sousa. Sousa developed and dedicated the song for Columbia Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar. He joined the Masonic organization earlier in his career and wished to compose a unique song for the body prior to the Twenty-fourth Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment. "The Thunderer" was likely referred to Myron M. Parker, a fellow member of Columbia Commandery, who was organizing the conclave.
The piece is in much the same manner as most of Sousa's music; however, it is one of his first "distinctly American-sounding marches."
current Middle school directors
Rebekah Rosenboom - Hughes MS Director of Bands
Jacquelin Lum - Hughes MS Assistant Band Director
Jacquelin Lum - Hughes MS Assistant Band Director
Rebekah Rosenboom is the current Head Band Director at Hughes Middle School. Her duties include leading the Symphonic Band, assisting with the Honor Band, and teaching the beginner brass classes: trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba.
Mrs. Rosenboom received her Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Tech University. During her
Rebekah Rosenboom is the current Head Band Director at Hughes Middle School. Her duties include leading the Symphonic Band, assisting with the Honor Band, and teaching the beginner brass classes: trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba.
Mrs. Rosenboom received her Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Tech University. During her time at Tech, she was a member of the award winning Texas Tech Trombone Choir, Symphonic Band, Court Jesters basketball band, and Goin’ Band from Raiderland.
Mrs. Rosenboom started her career in Lorena ISD before moving to Houston. In Houston, she taught for 9 years in Klein ISD and then decided to make the change to move back to the DFW to be closer to family. Most recently she was the Band Director at Loflin Middle School in Joshua ISD where her students were able to experience success despite the challenges of the last few years.
In her free time, Mrs. Rosenboom enjoys working out with Camp Gladiator, hiking, building legos, playing her bass trombone, and being a huge Star Wars and Harry Potter nerd.
Jacquelin Lum - Hughes MS Assistant Band Director
Jacquelin Lum - Hughes MS Assistant Band Director
Jacquelin Lum - Hughes MS Assistant Band Director
Jacqueline Lum is excited to start her 3rd year teaching at Hughes Middle School in Burleson ISD. Ms. Lum is the Assistant Band Director at Hughes Middle School, where her duties include teaching all beginner woodwind classes, directing the Symphonic Band, and assisting with the Honors Band.
Ms. Lum comes to us from A.D Wheat Middle Schoo
Jacqueline Lum is excited to start her 3rd year teaching at Hughes Middle School in Burleson ISD. Ms. Lum is the Assistant Band Director at Hughes Middle School, where her duties include teaching all beginner woodwind classes, directing the Symphonic Band, and assisting with the Honors Band.
Ms. Lum comes to us from A.D Wheat Middle School in Cleburne ISD where she taught a variety of beginner classes and multiple performing ensembles. Ms. Lum began her career as a long-term substitute for Acton Middle School in Granbury ISD and then Hughes Middle School in Burleson ISD where she assisted with their UIL, prepared her own group to perform at the North Texas Festival of Distinction, and taught beginner classes.
Ms. Lum graduated Cum Laude from The University of Texas at Arlington where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music. While at UTA, she spent her summers being on instructional staff at Legacy High School, Castleberry High School, Ranchview High School, and Burleson High School.
In 2018, Ms. Lum marched Mellophone with the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps. Ms. Lum’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Tau Beta Sigma.
She resides in Burleson, Texas with her partner and puppy, Poppy. In her spare time Ms. Lum likes to do anything crafty, go on walks and hangout with friends and family.
Joseph McPherson - STEAM MS Director of Bands
Hunter Corder - STEAM MS Assistant Band Director
Hunter Corder - STEAM MS Assistant Band Director
Joseph McPherson is proud to be entering his 6th year serving as a STEAM/GDDS Band Director. Prior to teaching in Burleson, Mr. Mac was the assistant director in Mason ISD in central Texas.
Mr. Mac grew up in Glen Rose, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's Degree in music education. During his time at Texas Tec
Joseph McPherson is proud to be entering his 6th year serving as a STEAM/GDDS Band Director. Prior to teaching in Burleson, Mr. Mac was the assistant director in Mason ISD in central Texas.
Mr. Mac grew up in Glen Rose, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's Degree in music education. During his time at Texas Tech, Mac was the principal trombonist for the Texas Tech Symphony Orchestra as well as the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He was lead trombone for the top jazz big band with whom he was awarded an outstanding soloist award at the Crescent City Jazz festival in New Orleans. He also participated in the Court Jesters basketball/volleyball band and was a section leader for the award winning Goin’ Band from Raiderland. While in Lubbock, Mr. Mac was on staff at Youth Orchestras of Lubbock and was honored to be chosen for the inaugural staff of the Lubbock Youth Wind Ensemble. He was also on staff at Texas Tech Band and Orchestra Camp for several years.
During his time in Mason, Mr. Mac taught 5th-12th grade band. He started two jazz ensembles, various community outreach programs, and a thriving student leadership program. While there, Mason bands increased almost 25% in size and ratings improved across the board.
In the summer of 2019, Joseph moved North to marry the love of his life. He currently resides in Fort Worth and spends his free time playing and watching basketball, playing xbox, and hiking with his wife Sarah and dog Luke.
Hunter Corder - STEAM MS Assistant Band Director
Hunter Corder - STEAM MS Assistant Band Director
Hunter Corder - STEAM MS Assistant Band Director
Hunter Corder is excited about beginning his 2nd year as an Assistant Band Director for the STEAM/GDDS band program. His duties include directing the Symphonic Band and teaching beginning flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, and tuba classes.
Mr. Corder grew up in Azle, Texas, where he was a member of the inaugural Azle Indoor Winds
Hunter Corder is excited about beginning his 2nd year as an Assistant Band Director for the STEAM/GDDS band program. His duties include directing the Symphonic Band and teaching beginning flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, and tuba classes.
Mr. Corder grew up in Azle, Texas, where he was a member of the inaugural Azle Indoor Winds program. After graduating high school, he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas, receiving the Summa Cum Laude honors. Throughout his time at UNT, he was a performing member of the Wind Ensemble, the North Texas Green Brigade Marching Band, and UNT’s Flute Choir. Additionally, Mr. Corder was a marching technician for the Azle Marching Band and Azle Indoor Winds during college. During his last semester before receiving his degree, Mr. Corder completed his student teaching at Aledo ISD under the guidance of Joey Paul, Joey Qualls, Jake Albin, Alan Olmos, Dexx Moore, Mike Robinson, and Mark Eastin.
Mr. Corder currently resides in Azle, Texas. When not at school, he spends his free time reading, listening to music, binging shows on Netflix, and spending time with family and friends.
Former middle school Directors
Stephanie Bosch
Stephanie Bonebrake
Stephanie Bonebrake
Stephanie Bonebrake
Stephanie Bonebrake
Stephanie Bonebrake
Byron Myles
Stephanie Bonebrake
Shane Johnson
Shane Johnson
Megan Williams
Shane Johnson
Megan Williams
Megan Williams
Megan Williams
Michelle Casso
Megan Williams
Megan Williams
Jason Viola
Richard Falls
Richard Falls
Richard Falls
Richard Falls
Richard Falls
Alan Sypert
Richard Falls
Alan Sypert
Other Notable burleson isd accomplishments
Burleson High School
Centennial High School
Centennial High School
- 2022, 2024 WGI World Championship Finalist Indoor Drumline
- 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Music Showcase Ensemble
- 2023 Music for All National Festival
- 2023 Mark of Excellence National Winner
Centennial High School
Centennial High School
Centennial High School
- 2017-Present WGI World Championship Finalist Indoor Drumline
- 2017 WGI PSO Champion
- 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 UIL State Marching Band Competition
- 2019, 2023, 2024 UIL State Marching Band Finalist
Kerr Middle School
Centennial High School
Kerr Middle School
- 2022 Midwest Clinic Percussion Ensemble
- 2024 Music for All National Festival