Our Staff

Meet the team that makes camp happen.

Directors

Chauvin Aaron

Camp Director

Chauvin Aaron

Camp Director

Chauvin D. Aaron has eighteen years of experience as a music educator in Oklahoma and Texas. He serves as the Development Officer for University Bands at The University of Oklahoma Foundation. He is a graduate of Ardmore High School, The University of Oklahoma, and Lamar University with a BME, MME, and Principal Certification. He received the POE (Professional Oklahoma Educators) 2019 High School Educator Merit Award, 2022 Ardmore High School Teacher of the Year, graduated from Leadership Ardmore Class 29 in May 2022, and was member of Leadership Oklahoma Class 35. He served as 57th Drum Major for The Pride of Oklahoma in 2007 and enjoys playing clarinet, saxophone, and flute with the Southern Oklahoma Community Band, Circle the State with Song, and in the musicals for Ardmore Little Theatre. He is heavily involved in the community of Ardmore serving as a board member for the Ardmore Family YMCA, New Dimensions Literacy Council, and The Goddard Center for The Performing Arts. Mr. Aaron founded SOCA (Southern Oklahoma Community Arts, Inc.) in 2019, a non-profit focused on providing fine arts enrichment experiences for the community of southern Oklahoma. He attends McLish Church of Christ where he helps lead worship services and teaches bible classes. He enjoys going to the gym and traveling with his wife Jelana. His trip to South Africa with a People to People Music Delegation made him a better person and teacher. He is an active clinician and teaches music and leadership camps throughout Oklahoma and Texas. This is Mr. Aaron's seventh year as Camp Director and Drum Major Instructor at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Jack Francis

Camp Director

Jack Francis

Camp Director

Mr. Jonathan “Jack” Francis serves as the co-director of the Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy (TMALA). He is also the co-founder of the Red River Drum and Auxiliary Camp. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Mr. Francis has made significant contributions to numerous drumlines, including those at Ardmore, Pauls Valley, Bethel, Duncan, Madill, Holdenville, Antlers, Oklahoma Centennial All-Star Marching Band, and Comanche High School, where he has been a key figure since 2007. In his role, he oversees the drumline and percussion studio. Mr. Francis's vision is to create an accessible and enriching camp environment for students, allowing them to learn from esteemed staff members. His unwavering passion lies in helping students reach their full potential and achieve their aspirations. A devoted father, he places great importance on his family and attributes his success to his faith in God, whom he honors for the opportunity to lead the camp.

Band Leadership and Drum Major

Ryan Edgmon

Lead Marching Band Instructor

Ryan Edgmon

Lead Marching Band Instructor

Ryan Edgmon is proud to serve as Director of Bands and Instrumental Music Coordinator for Mustang Public Schools in Mustang, Oklahoma. Mr. Edgmon earned his degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2004, studying under Dr. Michael Raiber and Dr. Irvin Wagner. He is currently in his 21st year of teaching in Oklahoma, and his 16th year in his current position with Mustang Public Schools. Ensembles under Edgmon’s direction consistently experience success both musically and competitively. Four ensembles under Edgmon’s direction have been featured at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association January Conference: Jazz Ensemble I (2012) and the Wind Ensemble (2015, 2019, 2023). The Mustang High School Marching Band is a consistent “Top 6” Finalist at the Class 6A Oklahoma Bandmasters Association state competition, a Bands of America Super Regional Finalist (2015, 2019, 2021, 2022), Grand National Semi-Finalist (2018, 2021, 2022), Regional Finalist (2023, 2024), and a RegionalClass Champion (2023). Mr. Edgmon is the current President of the Oklahoma South Central Director’s Association and the Chairperson for the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Concert Band Festivals. Edgmon has also served as the President and Treasurer for Winterguard and Percussion of Oklahoma and as a Chairperson for the Oklahoma All-State Bands. Mr. Edgmon is a member of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Oklahoma Bandmaster's Association, Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity and is a Conn-Selmer Educational VIP. He is an active adjudicator and clinician, as well as a freelance visual designer for marching bands scattered across the Midwest. Mr. Edgmon serves as the Marching Band Instructor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Dr. Melissa Sawyer

Lead Drum Major Instructor

Dr. Melissa Sawyer

Lead Drum Major Instructor

Dr. Melissa Sawyer is Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Kansas, where she assists with the Marching Jayhawks and teaches within the School of Music. She also serves as Assistant Director of Midwestern Music Camp at KU. Sawyer is native of Edmond, Oklahoma and has taught middle school, high school, and collegiate band programs in Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, and Kansas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Arts in Wind Conducting from New Mexico State University. Sawyer served as the Assistant Director of Bands at New Mexico State University where she was Assistant Director of the Pride of New Mexico Marching Band and Symphonic Band. This is Sawyer's third year working with Drum Majors at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Chris Dickson

Music Instructor

Chris Dickson

Music Instructor

Chris Dickson currently serves as assistant director of band at Sherman, TX and saxophone instructor for Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK. Chris started as a private instructor for local public schools while going to college at SOSU and still has a small studio of high school students to this day. After graduating from SOSU he received a master’s in Jazz Saxophone performance from the University of Central Oklahoma. He then spent 7 years as the assistant band director at Durant, OK and the head director at Bonham, TX for 2 years. Chris enjoys performing in multiple groups around Texoma and Dallas. As a private instructor, he has had multiple state level saxophonists in solo competitions, jazz competitions, and honor band auditions in both Oklahoma and Texas. Chris currently serves as a board member of the non-profit Jazz and More in Sherman (JAMS). In his free time he loves spending time with his wife and kids, playing video games, cooking, and fishing. He serves as Music Instructor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Sarah Hamel Cox

Music Instructor

Sarah Hamel Cox

Music Instructor

Mrs. Sarah Hamel Cox is a band director for Del City Middle School in Del City, OK. She received her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Education from Oklahoma City University. Outside of school, she teaches private lessons and volunteers with the Oklahoma Flute Society. Mrs. Hamel lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Seth, and their two cats. Mrs Hamel joined TMALA’s Band Leadership team in 2019 and looks forward to camp every summer!

Paul Nguyen

Music Instructor

Paul Nguyen

Music Instructor

Mr. Paul Nguyen has served at TMALA since 2019 and is thrilled to return in 2025 - his seventh season! He serves/has served in the roles of Marching Band Tech, Band Leadership Instructor, Technology & Logistics Coordinator, and Sound Engineer. Paul grew up in Oklahoma City, OK and recently moved to New Hampshire with his wife, Madison. They got married in October 2024. Music has been a significant part of Paul’s life since starting piano lessons from a very young age, joining band playing trombone in middle school, and continuing in his musical journey as an active performer and educator in the OK and New England (NH, MA) area. Outside of TMALA, Mr. Nguyen currently teaches music in the Nashua School District, NH, previously teaching in Putnam City, OK. He has also worked with the band programs at Londonderry HS, Timberlane HS, Yukon HS, and Carl Albert HS. Additionally, he is the Executive Director of N&C Music and Co-Conductor of the Timberlane Community Concert Band. He previously served as the Education Intern with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Education & Advocacy Intern with Music for All/Bands of America. Mr. Nguyen graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Education (Summa Cum Laude, Honors Program Graduate). Academic distinctions include the Letzeiser Bronze Medal (3rd in Class), Outstanding Senior & Outstanding Music Education Student in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, and Presser Undergraduate Scholar. Professional memberships include NAfME, NHMEA, OBA, OkMEA, MTNA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Pi Kappa Lambda.

Madison Fleming

Music Instructor

Madison Fleming

Music Instructor

Madison Fleming earned her degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2021, where she had the privilege of studying under esteemed instructors Dr. Bill Wakefield, Dr. Michael Hancock, Dr. Shanti Simon, and Dr. Suzanne Tirk. Currently, she is in her fifth year of teaching as an Assistant Band Director within the Mustang Public Schools. In her role within the Mustang Public School district, Ms. Fleming divides her time between teaching the Marching Band and Symphonic Band 3 courses at Mustang High School, assisting with the Central Middle School Wind Ensemble, and serving as the Head Director for the Meadow Brook Intermediate 6th Grade Band. Demonstrating her commitment to music education beyond the classroom, Ms. Fleming is an active member of the board of directors for the Daraja Music Initiative (DMI), a distinguished interdisciplinary non-profit organization dedicated to bridging music and conservation education for students in Moshi, Tanzania. As a board member, she undertakes annual trips to Tanzania to conduct summer courses in pocket clarinet, clarinet, general music, and conservation. Notably, Ms. Fleming authored the pocket clarinet curriculum packet utilized by DMI and served as an editor for the beginner clarinet curriculum packet. Ms. Fleming is dedicated to advancing music education and community outreach through her involvement with the Daraja Music Initiative. In addition to her contributions abroad, Ms. Fleming enriches the music education community in Oklahoma as a performer with the OKC Winds (2022-2024), has served as the Chairperson for the 9th Grade CODA ensemble (2024), and is set to take on the role of Chairperson for the 9th Grade OSDCA ensemble (2026). She serves as a Music Instructor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Aidan Nuñez

Music Instructor

Aidan Nuñez

Music Instructor

Aidan Nuñez is serving his 3rd year at TMALA as a Marching Band Tech. He currently works as a woodwind and visual field tech at Westmoore High School. He assists in design for Cushing High Schools Winter Guard program under the direction of his wife Rachel Nuñez. Aidan also runs a private Oboe studio. His students range from 8th-12th grade, score highly at OSSAA Solo and Ensemble contests and have made CODA and OSCDA honor ensembles. Aidan graduated from Mustang High School and is now completing his education as an Instrumental Music Education Major at Oklahoma City University. He performs with the OCU Wind Ensemble and OCU Symphonic Orchestra on Oboe/English Horn. He also served as OCU NAfME-C President from 2024-2025. Aidan serves as the Youth Worship Pastor and Youth Pastor, along side his wife Rachel, at their church in Oklahoma City. He enjoys playing pickleball and tennis. Aidan and his wife love to watch Hockey and travel.

Percussion

Tony Tiger

Lead Percussion Instructor

Tony Tiger

Lead Percussion Instructor

Mr. Tiger is excited to kick-off another year leading the percussion group at TMALA! Mr. Tiger is a seasoned band director with more than 30 years teaching experience. The 2025 - 2026 season marks Mr. Tiger’s 11th year at Giddings ISD and will be his third year as the Director of Bands and the Head Director for the High School Band. Prior to this year, he served as the Giddings Middle School Band Director, earning sweepstakes awards and placing 4th in the Outstanding Performance Series for ATSSB. During the summer, he serves as a Director of Percussion for the Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy, a week long band camp that attracts students from all over Texas & Oklahoma, and focuses on improving marching, performance & leadership skills. Before relocating to Texas, he taught for over 20 years in Durant, Oklahoma for the award winning Pride of Durant High School band. He worked alongside OBA Director of the Year, Mr. Chris Gregg, and OkMEA Hall of Fame honoree, Mr. John Parnell. During his time there, the band program earned numerous sweepstakes awards and marching contest accolades. He also led the Durant High School Jazz Band to a state championship title. Mr. Tiger earned his bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he studied music education under the direction of Dr. James Wintle, Dr. Marc White and Dr. John Locognata. Outside of school, Mr. Tiger enjoys volunteering for SXSW, visiting friends and family back in Oklahoma, and eating BBQ! The success Mr. Tiger has enjoyed in his career is rooted in the enthusiasm he has for music education and creating a supportive learning environment for all of his students. “Being part of a band program teaches students the value of community while creating lasting memories from fun experiences, and helps them develop skills they will carry with them the rest of their lives.”

Jason Stinson

Percussion Instructor

Jason Stinson

Percussion Instructor

Jason Stinson is an active educator, arranger, clinician, adjudicator, and performer in the greater Tulsa area. He currently performs with the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra and the Tulsa Brass Band. Jason previously presented at the 2022 OkMEA Winter conference. His current position is the Percussion Coordinator for Muskogee Public Schools. Additionally, Jason has a small private studio of percussion students. Jason is also on staff with the Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy in Ardmore, Oklahoma. This camp facilitates over 400 drum majors, drumline, frontline, and color guard members from all across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas. His responsibilities for the camp include writing and arranging for multiple performing ensembles, teaching tenor sectionals and one of the multiple audition based drumlines, and coordinating the field percussion for the Leadership track. Jason received his bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. During this time, he studied under Dr. Ben Finley. Jason also received a master’s degree in Percussion Education from East Central University, studying under Dr. Nick Meyers. Jason is proudly endorsed as an educational artist with Black Swamp Percussion, Salyers/Encore Percussion, and DREAM Cymbals. Jason holds an elected officer position for the Oklahoma Chapter of PAS, and is an active member of multiple professional music organizations including the Percussive Arts Society, Oklahoma Band Master’s Association, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Eastern District Band Directors Association, and the National Association for Music Educators. Jason lives in Coweta, Oklahoma with his beautiful wife Kadie and their precious labradoodle, Dug

TJ Tolbert

Percussion Instructor

TJ Tolbert

Percussion Instructor

TJ Tolbert is an active percussion educator and performer in southern Oklahoma. He currently serves as Percussion Director and Assistant Band Director for Ardmore City Schools, where he oversees the curriculum for all percussionists grades 6-12. He also directs the AHS jazz band and maintains a private studio of percussion students. Outside of the classroom, he frequently performs locally as a freelance percussionist and drum set player. Mr. Tolbert serves as a Drum Line Instructor and Webmaster for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy. He received a master’s degree in secondary education (2021) and a bachelor’s degree in music education (2018) from East Central University in Ada, OK, where he studied with Dr. Nicholaus Meyers, Dr. Benjamin Finley, and Dr. Allen Correll. He endorses Salyers Percussion and Encore Mallets as a member of their education team. His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, National Association for Music Education, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Oklahoma Bandmasters Association, and the Oklahoma Education Association. In his free time, he enjoys traveling to national parks, camping, and spending time with his wife, Liz and son, Ellis.

Michael Walker

Percussion Instructor

Michael Walker

Percussion Instructor

Michael Walker is an educator and performer based out of Oklahoma City. Originally from Kansas, he received his Bachelors in Music Performance from Fort Hays State University and his Masters in Percussion Performance from Pittsburg State University. Mr. Walker currently teaches at Crooked Oak Public Schools in Oklahoma City. Before that, he was Director of Percussion Studies at Durant Independent School District in Durant, OK for 7 years. When he’s not teaching, you can find him playing drumset around the southern Oklahoma and Dallas, TX area with his Brass Band ‘Smokin Aces’ and his jazz quartet ‘Three River Jazz’. He serves as an arranger and drum line instructor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Quinton Williams

Percussion Instructor

Quinton Williams

Percussion Instructor

Quinton Williams serves as Director of Bands at Lang Middle School in Dallas, Texas, where he orchestrates excellence across grades 6-8. Leading the Beginner Band, Percussion Ensembles, and Wind Symphony Band, Quinton cultivates a legacy of achievement. His students shine at UIL contests, Solo and Ensemble competitions, and All-City and All-Region Honor Bands, consistently earning top honors with Superior and Excellent ratings. With a dynamic background, Quinton previously shaped musical futures at Duncan Public Schools, excelling as Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion. There, he helped propel the high school band to a Sweepstakes Award and guided the middle school band to Superior Ratings at OSSAA Band Contests. His leadership also propelled the high school percussion ensemble to prestigious performances at state PASIC conventions and invited guest spots at universities, all while securing superior ratings at district and state levels. Before Duncan, Quinton ignited musical passion as an elementary music educator in Lawton, Oklahoma, and as percussion instructor at Cache High School, where he pioneered the percussion ensemble to Superior ratings at district and state competitions. Quinton Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Cameron University, where his talent and academic prowess earned him multiple prestigious scholarships. He later pursued a Masters of Science in Administrative Leadership, further enhancing his educational leadership. Based in Dallas, Texas, Quinton cherishes family life with his wife Brenda and their three children, Allyson, Amelia, and Quinton Jr., continuing to inspire and uplift through his dedication to music education. He serves as a drum line instructor at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Color Guard

Nicole Taylor

Lead Color Guard Instructor

Nicole Taylor

Lead Color Guard Instructor

Texas resident and Southeastern Oklahoma State University alumni, Nichole comes to us with over 20 years of colorguard experience. Specializing in starting and restarting colorguard programs, her primary teaching focus is on proper fundamental form and incorporating body movement. Currently an OSSAA sanctioned colorguard judge, Nichole spends her fall seasons judging at various invitational contests and doing clinics across Texas and Oklahoma providing feedback to prepare programs for their UIL, OBA, or OSSAA contests. Nichole is the Lead Color Guard Instructor and IT Specialist for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Casey Noel

Color Guard Instructor

Casey Noel

Color Guard Instructor

Casey Noel joined winter guard as a sophomore at Francis Scott Key High School in Union Bridge, MD. After High School she marched in the Pride of Oklahoma Color Guard for four years while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from University of Oklahoma. She has taught band and color guard in Oklahoma since 2008 and is currently the head band director and color guard coordinator at Haskell High School. The Haskell Winter Guard has been active in the Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma (WGPO) circuit since 2012. They have won many accolades including several class promotions, top three placements at Circuit Championships in 2021 and 2022, and receipt of the Ted Baker Sportsmanship Award in 2024. Casey was named WGPO Director of the Year in 2022. In the fall of 2024 she led the Haskell Band and Guard to win the OBA Class 1A State Championship. She served as Secretary on the Executive Board of WGPO from 2020-2024 and currently holds the office treasurer for the circuit. Casey has served as staff member for TMALA since 2019 and this will be her fourth year on the Color Guard Staff.

Sydney Ortiz

Lead Color Guard Instructor

Sydney Ortiz

Lead Color Guard Instructor

After nearly a decade of performing and coaching color guard, Sydney turned to yoga as her next outlet for movement and creativity. With a background in education, becoming a yoga teacher was a natural next step after committing to her own practice. She completed her 200-hour training in Boston with Julie Starr of Starr Yoga and loves creating playful, empowering classes that help students feel strong and confident. Now retired from yoga and coaching, Sydney stays active (and on her toes) thanks to her son, who keeps her playful spirit alive every day. Sydney serves as a Color Guard Instructor at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership.

Marching Arts Directors' Expo

Cameron Green

Expo Facilitator

Cameron Green

Expo Facilitator

Cameron Green currently serves as the Director of Fine Arts & Bands in Gainesville ISD (TX). Over the past 13 years, Green has served multiple communities including Dallas, Stephenville, DeSoto, and Garland at both middle school and high school levels. Green attended Texas Christian University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Music Education- Instrumental (Tuba) and Texas A&M University - Commerce, now known as East Texas A&M University, where he earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration. He anticipates the completion of his Doctoral studies in Organizational Administration with and emphasis Leadership from Nova Southeastern University later this year. Ensembles under his leadership have earned superior ratings in UIL marching as well as concert and Sightreading contests, local and regional festivals. Additionally, countless students under Green’s leadership have earned seats in TMEA All-Region Bands and several have earned medals at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition. Green is particularly proud of the achievements of his students beyond high school, with students studying in universities around the country and/or entering successful careers. Beyond his work in education, Green loves to share life with his wife Kim and daughters, Charity and Caroline.

Administrative Staff and Camp Counselors

Anne Johnson

Camp Secretary

Anne Johnson

Camp Secretary

Anne Johnson is the Assistant Choir Director at Ardmore City Schools. She holds a Master’s degree in Voice from the University of Oklahoma (2023) and a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Oklahoma Baptist University (2020). Anne began her teaching career in elementary music and is now in her third year at Ardmore City Schools, where she teaches middle and high school choir. During her time there, she has served as music director for the school’s productions of Mamma Mia! and Once Upon a Mattress. In addition to her public school teaching, Anne has taught private voice lessons for eight years and served as an adjunct voice instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She has also been the Camp Secretary at TMALA since 2020.

Renita Dotson

Nurse

Renita Dotson

Nurse

Renita Dotson is a Registered Nurse and recently retired after working for Ardmore City Schools as a School Nurse for thirty-two years. She received her degrees from Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma and East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. She is a certified CPR instructor for the American Red Cross, teaching classes upon request. She loves to paint, sew, craft and grow flowers but her passion is helping and caring for others, especially children. Throughout her professional career she has worked for home health agencies, Mercy Hospital, and a PRN nursing facility but her greatest joy has been the many years she spent at Ardmore City Schools taking care of so many wonderful children. Over a thirty year span, she was blessed with so many gifts of kindness, caring, and compassion that her cup overflows. She serves on two boards in Ardmore providing community service to any child that is in need. She has served as LEAD Camp Nurse for Red River Auxiliary Camp and Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy for over 20 years.

Stephanie Burris

Nurse

Stephanie Burris

Nurse

Stephanie Ann Burris is a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit nurse for Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX. She graduated from Mesa High School in Mesa, AZ with honors. Stephanie attended Girl’s State as the singular female student selection for her school in the state of Arizona. She worked for several years as an Emergency Medical Technician for her Rural community in Atoka, Oklahoma. She went on later in life to finish her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma and was excepted to a highly competitive Residency Program for Cook Children’s. Since getting here BSN and RN, Stephanie has also acquired her specialty Certification in Pediatric Nursing and is currently working on becoming certified as a Critical Care Nurse. Her ultimate goal is to become a member of Cook Children’s Teddy Bear Transport Team as a flight RN. Stephanie stays busy raising her two sons, Pecos (12) who attends TMALA to play snare drum and Jackson (10). She enjoys living out in the country, being outdoors, cooking from scratch, wood working and Pinterest projects! She loves people and has the calling to help children and their families during their darkest times. She believes deep in her heart that while she may not be able to change the world, she can change it for one person at a time. She serves as a Camp Nurse for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Jason Hawkins

Media Specialist

Jason Hawkins

Media Specialist

Jason and Autumn Hawkins are a husband and wife team who specialize in videography and photography. They have two sons, Gavin 14 ( who attends TMALA for drumline) and Gibby who is 11. Aside from their media business they are both teachers at Comanche Public School. They are the children’s pastors at their church and also serve on the worship team. This will be their second year as staff at TMALA and they love it!

Autumn Hawkins

Media Specialist

Autumn Hawkins

Media Specialist

Macey Gregg Dickson

Security

Macey Gregg Dickson

Security

Macey Gregg Dickson is an elementary music teacher in Sherman. She is from Durant, Oklahoma and has a bachelors in instrumental music education from Oklahoma City University, and some masters work from Boston Cinservatory at Berklee in clarinet performance. She plays clarinet, flute, saxophone, and piano, but clarinet is her primary instrument. She has performed extensively including five countries in Europe, MIT, Boston University, University of Massachusetts, and New England Conservatory. If I’m not teaching music, she is consulting clients about life insurance in the evenings or chasing her toddler around! She has served as a Camp Counselor and Security at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Kallen Miller

Security

Kallen Miller

Security

Kallen, a proud graduate of Comanche High School from the class of 2009, previously attended the Red River Auxiliary camp in 2008. He had the privilege of studying under Mr. Francis from 2007 to 2009, during which he was appointed Drumline captain by Mr. Francis himself. When his alma mater sought a band director, he was invited to lead and assist the award-winning Drumline. Under his direction, the percussion ensemble garnered multiple accolades, including "Drumline of the Day" at Tiger Palooza, straight "ones" at the state percussion ensemble competition, and top honors at the district band contest. As a former media specialist for TMALA, Kallen is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the camp's needs.

McKean Akin

Camp Secretary

McKean Akin

Camp Secretary

McKean Akin is a passionate music educator and trumpet specialist entering his fifth year of teaching in 2025. He currently serves as Assistant Band Director at Durant High School, where he also attended high school. Before returning home to Durant, he taught in the band programs at Holdenville and Tishomingo. In 2020, he earned his degree in Music Education from East Central University. There he performed in many ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble and the Jazz band. This will be his first year on staff at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Jenna Pebworth

Camp Counselor

Jenna Pebworth

Camp Counselor

Jenna M. Pebworth is a dedicated educator entering her 9th year of teaching in the Music Classroom, with a rich background that spans 4 years of band instruction and 9 years of choir direction. Currently, she serves as the Middle School and High School Choir Director as well as the Alternative Education Instructor for Atoka Public Schools. With 13 years of total teaching experience, Mrs. Pebworth has worked with students ranging from early childhood to high school, fostering a love for music across various age groups. A proud graduate of Atoka High School (Class of 2006), After high school, Mrs. Pebworth was a member of the Oklahoma Baptist All-State Youth Choir and Orchestra, where she toured Chicago and had the honor of singing the National Anthem at a White Sox game—an unforgettable experience that solidified her passion for performing and connecting with others through music. Mrs. Pebworth earned her Undergraduate Degree in Instrumental Music with a Minor in Communication from SOSU Durant in 2012. She furthered her education with a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (Building Principal Level Emphasis M.Ed.) from SOSU Durant in 2020. During her time at SOSU, she was an active member of the Savage Storm Marching Band, playing both the Sousaphone and Bassoon for the Symphonic Band, as well as participating in the SOSU University Singers. She was also part of the Eta Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. Mrs. Pebworth has a heart for music ministry and is a traveling church musician, leading worship and singing songs about Jesus wherever she is called to serve. Prior to being a traveling Church Musician, Mrs. Pebworth served as the Director of Music at her home church in Atoka, Oklahoma. She is also a former member of the Oklahoma Baptist Singing Churchwomen. Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Pebworth is a wife to her husband, Matt, with whom she’s celebrated 16 years of marriage, and a mother to their two children, Zeke and Kaya. The family enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and playing guitar on the porch. In addition to her teaching and musical passions, this is Mrs. Pebworth’s first year as Lead Camp Counselor, though she’s been a staff member for the past three years at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy, and has previously brought students to camp during her four years as a band director. She can’t wait for another fun summer!

Daci Crockett

Camp Counselor

Daci Crockett

Camp Counselor

Daci Crockett is a 2004 graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University. She has taught band and color guard for 21 years. She spent 8 years in Aransas Pass, Texas, where she served as assistant director for six years and head director for two before moving home to Woodward, Ok. Daci currently serves as the head director for Woodward Public Schools, where she has been for 13 years. She has served as a Color Guard Instructor and Camp Counselor at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy since 2019.

Brenda Williams

Supervision Coordinator

Brenda Williams

Supervision Coordinator

Mrs. Williams serves as the Parent Support Specialist at Oran Roberts Elementary in Dallas ISD, where she is dedicated to strengthening the partnership between families and the school community. With a deep commitment to student success and family engagement, she works closely with local organizations to provide essential resources and meaningful programs that support the whole child. Her compassionate leadership and community-centered approach help ensure that every student feels valued and supported. Outside of her professional role, Mrs. Williams finds great joy in supporting her children in everything they do. Music is a central part of her family’s life, which is why her children attend Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas—a school known for nurturing creativity and artistic excellence. Mrs. Williams and her husband, Quinton, have been happily married for 15 years and take great pride in raising their three children—Allyson, Amelia, and Quinton Jr.—all of whom are thriving both academically and creatively. She serves as the Supervision Coordinator at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy

Sam Crosby

Camp Counselor

Sam Crosby

Camp Counselor

Mr. Sam Crosby is the Director of Bands in Holdenville, Oklahoma, a position he has held for the past 11 years. During his tenure at Holdenville the Golden Pride has earned the coveted OSSAA Sweepstakes Award four times (2017, 2022, 2023 & 2025). They have qualified for OSSAA State Contest for the past 10 years and have received the OSSAA Superior Rating for State Sight-Reading for the past 9 years. Under Mr. Crosby's leadership The Golden Pride was named the Glenpool Blue & Gray Grand Champions this past fall. As well as being named an OBA Finalist and earning 1st Place in 2A in Finals Competition. In February the Holdenville High School Band performed as an honor group at the CCOSA Principal's Convention. Mr. Crosby has taught four OkMEA All-State Band members and eleven OSSBDA Small School All-State Band members. Numerous Holdenville Band students have gone on to use their talents to perform with collegiate ensembles. Personally Mr. Crosby is married to the love of his life Brittany (15 years), who serves as the Golden Pride's Color Guard coach as well as a 6th grade teacher at Holdenville. They have two children, Brinna (12) and Hadley (9). They enjoy traveling to Orlando, Florida and going to Disney and Universal. Mr. Crosby serves as a Camp Counselor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Timothy Howell

Camp Counselor

Timothy Howell

Camp Counselor

Timothy Howell began his teaching career two years ago in music education in Oklahoma. He is the Director of Bands at Coalgate Public Schools in Coalgate, Oklahoma. He is a graduate of Glenpool High School, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a BA in music and minor in general business. He received The Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Teacher of Today award in May 2025. He is an alumnus of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, a member of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Oklahoma Education Association. In his free time, he is at home playing with his two cats Forte, and Treble and he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He serves as a Camp Counselor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

TJ Partin

Camp Counselor

TJ Partin

Camp Counselor

Mr. Thomas Partin, also known as TJ, is a 2018 graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He has taught band and drum lines for 7 years. He was the Band Director for Morrison Public School for five years before moving to Woodward, OK. Mr. Parton currently serves as the Assistant Band Director at Woodward Public Schools, where he has been for the last 2 years. He serves as a Camp Counselor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Marydell Koval

Camp Counselor

Marydell Koval

Camp Counselor

Marydell Koval has completed her fifth year of teaching music in the State of Oklahoma. After graduating with her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2019, she has been on staff as one of the Assistant Band Directors and the Percussion Instructor for Elgin Public Schools. Ms. Koval also lead teaches the 8th Grade Band and middle school jazz band. She is very active in the Southwest region of Oklahoma. She has served as a percussion chair for the 7th Grade SWOBDA Honor Band, 8th Grade SWOBDA Honor Band, and was named the new Percussion Coordinator for the SWOBDA All-Region Honor Band for the 2025-2026 school year. She has also been on staff for the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Band Camp as a percussion assistant for various bands as well as teaching elective courses, such as Music Composition and Intermediate Music Theory. Ms. Koval is a member of the Salyers Percussion Education Team and a brother of the Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity. In her spare time, Ms. Koval enjoys playing video games, Baldur's Gate 3 and the Final Fantasy series being among her favorites, painting hyper-realistic paintings of fruit, cooking, and (if her bank account says "yay") attending various anime and pop culture conventions. She serves as a Camp Counselor for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Interns

Dalaan Bassett

Intern

Dalaan Bassett

Intern

Dalaan Bassett has two years of experience as a music educator in Oklahoma. He serves as the Director of Bands and Choirs of Comanche Public Schools. He is a graduate of Sulphur High School and East Central University with a BME. He served as section leader of ECU’s Low Brass from 2021-2023. He enjoys playing euphonium with the Chisholm Trail Community Band based out of Duncan, singing bass with the Southwest Pride Barbershop Choir based out of Lawton, and taking piano lessons with Hodgson Voice Studio based out of Duncan. He and his fiancé Sarah Graf enjoy attempting escape rooms and taking care of their animals. This is his second year as an Intern supporting the low brass at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Adontavis Fisher

Intern

Adontavis Fisher

Intern

Tavis Fisher is a 2019 graduate of Haskell High School, where he competed with Zephyrus Winter Guard, placing first at the WGPO Championships! He also marched DCI Drum Corps with Zephyrus Drum & Bugle Corps in the summer of 2022, aging out, as well as Resistance Indoor Percussion during the winter season! Formerly the Color Guard Director for Morris High School, he is currently directing at Oklahoma Baptist University. He serves as an Intern for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Aldan Gallaway

Intern

Aldan Gallaway

Intern

Aldan Gallaway is a senior physics major at East Central University where he studies under Dr. Nicholaus Meyers, Hunter Gross, and Derek Johnson. At ECU, he is the current percussion section leader and has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, African Ensemble, Steel Ensemble, and the Pride of Tigerland. During his time in the physics department, he has been funded to do research through the ECU McNair, NASNTI, LSAMP, and Honors Programs. This will be his second year working the TMALA camp and is excited to get started!

Damian Hernandez

Intern

Damian Hernandez

Intern

Damian Hernandez is originally from Bakersfield, California and is currently in his last year as an undergraduate Music Education student at the University of Oklahoma, where he has been studying with Dr. Andrew Richardson, Dr. Benjamin Holmes, Dr. Emily Salgado, and Dr. Connor Stevens. While at the University of Oklahoma, Damian has performed with many of the ensembles at the OU School of Music: OU Symphony Band, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, OU Steel Band, OU Brazilian Ensemble. As an active solo and chamber percussionist, Damian has also performed at different events outside of The University: OKPAS Day of Percussion, Ladies Music Club of Oklahoma City, Great Plains International Marimba Competition, OKMEA Winter Conference. In the marching arts, Damian has performed with the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and Resistance Indoor Percussion. With a strong passion for music education, Damian has been serving as the Percussion Director for the Noble High School Band since 2022 and is actively teaching private lessons in the Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa areas. His students have accumulated a variety of accolades at district, regional, state, and World Class DCI levels. His summer time also sees plenty of teaching opportunities at different organizations such as K101 Classic Bowl, Texoma Marching Arts & Leadership Academy, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and various high school band camps throughout Midwest and Central Oklahoma. He serves as an Intern at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Derek Johnson

Intern

Derek Johnson

Intern

Derek Johnson went to Oklahoma State University to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He then went on to The University of Oklahoma to obtain his Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance. Once he graduated he became the Adjunct professor at East Central University. He now is the assistant band director at McAlester High School. He serves as an Intern for Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Reece Middick

Intern

Reece Middick

Intern

Reece Middick is a senior music education major at East Central University. He was adjunct for the pride of coalgate school year 2024-2025. This summer will be his third year to be a part of Camp TMALA as an intern. He has been a part of a competitive collegiate brass band for three years at ECU. He has been a part of ECU campus ministries for the past four years. The campus ministry he attended was Chi Alpha. He was a leader, worship team member, and was president this past year school year.

Rachel Nuñez

Intern

Rachel Nuñez

Intern

Rachel Nuñez is going on her 4th year as the Cushing High School Color Guard Director. She also designs and teaches for the Cushing High School winter guard program. Cushing High School competed in WGPO for the first time and placed top 10 in Oklahoma Scholastic Regional B. Rachel Nuñez graduated from Mustang High School and completed an Elementary Education Degree at Oklahoma State University. She is passionate about teaching and will be teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at Hefner Middle School. Rachel is also pursuing her masters degree in Theology and Biblical Studies at Southwestern Christian University. She attends The Rock Assembly Of God and serves as the youth pastor alongside her husband Aidan Nuñez. She sometimes plays the Bass guitar for youth worship as well. Rachel enjoys serving and leading this next generation with her husband. She serves as a Color Guard Intern at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Piper Quinn

Intern

Piper Quinn

Intern

Piper Quinn is a student at East Central University and graduated from Pauls Valley High School in 2023 where I she was a percussionist in the band for 8 years. She went to Red River Drum and Auxiliary Camp in 2018 as a student and continued attending TMALA until she graduated high school. During this time, she had the privilege of studying under Mr. Francis and was in the Small School All-State band for three years. Piper is pursuing an accounting degree, as well as a minor in music under the direction of Dr. Nick Meyers. She is thrilled to be a part of the TMALA staff as an intern and cannot wait to give back to an organization that really helped shape her into the musician she is today.

Mia Stellflug

Intern

Mia Stellflug

Intern

Mia Stellflug recently completed her sophomore year at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she is studying music performance under Dr. White. She has been a percussionist since moving to the United States in 2016. In recent years, she has begun taking private lessons in both classical and jazz piano. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in percussion performance at either East Texas A&M University or UT Arlington, while continuing to play jazz piano. In high school, she earned first chair in both the SWOBDA and Shortgrass Honor Bands, and performed with the OSSBDA during her sophomore year. As a college freshman, she was selected to perform for the National Association of Schools of Music. During her sophomore year of college, she also performed with the 2025 OKMEA Intercollegiate Band. She also serves as the pianist for her student-led jazz combo, “The Alley Cats.” When she’s not busy, Ms. Stellflug enjoys overanalyzing the lore of her favorite video games, sketching whatever comes to mind, watching true crime documentaries, and arranging popular songs in the style of Gregorian chant. If money were no object, she would spend her days sailing the open sea aboard her own private ship. She is serving as an intern at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Jacob Williams

Intern

Jacob Williams

Intern

Jacob Williams (JWilly), a music education major at East Central University in his 5th year… a super senior. Jacob is an active percussionist and drummer for many groups and ensembles in school, church, and other events around the state. Jacob loves seeing how students grow in music and hopes he can be a light in their path to exceed in their passion. He serves as an Intern at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy.

Katherine White

Intern

Katherine White

Intern

Katherine White is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University where she earned a Bachelors degree in Instrumental Music Education. Her future plans are to teach middle school and high school band and eventually pursue her masters. Recently she has taken up crocheting and it has quickly become one of her most favorite ways to relax! She is looking forward to her second summer at TMALA and getting to work with all of the fantastic staff and students!