President - Josh Blashill
Josh Blashill has been a member of the Amarillo Wind Ensemble for the past 16 years. In 2017 he
graduated from West Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s in Music with a specialty in Trumpet performance.
Josh has since obtained degrees in engineering and mathematics and currently works as a
Metallographer. In his spare time he enjoys playing basketball, fishing, running ultra marathons, and
spending time with his wife and 3 kids.
graduated from West Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s in Music with a specialty in Trumpet performance.
Josh has since obtained degrees in engineering and mathematics and currently works as a
Metallographer. In his spare time he enjoys playing basketball, fishing, running ultra marathons, and
spending time with his wife and 3 kids.
Vice President - Susan Nelson
Susan is the oldest clarinet player in the band. She is a retired school teacher who began playing the clarinet 65 years ago. A friend, George Aulbach, invited her to join the Amarillo College band about 18 years ago. She enjoys sharing music with others because it is fun. She feels blessed to share the vice president position with Sherre Brogdon.
Secretary - Phyllis Leetsch
Having grown up in an Air Force family, Phyllis has traveled throughout the United States as well as Puerto Rico. She began playing flute and piccolo in the 6th grade and continues to pursue her love of music with the Amarillo Wind Ensemble; being a member since 2011. Phyllis graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas and continued her education at McMurry College, studying Music Education and Physical Education. Before transferring to Amarillo she was at Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she was a member of the Mesilla Valley Concert Band and the Las Cruces Flute Orchestra. She is currently retired from the United States Post Office after working twenty-three years as a rural carrier. She has two sons and three wonderful grand-daughters. She also enjoys traveling, especially taking cruises to different countries.
Treasurer - James Baker
James was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated with honors in music from Tascosa High School. He married at an early age, and gave up his music to become a Dad, coach, and husband.
He is a CNC Supervisor at Amarillo Gear Company working in the mechanical and industrial engineering industry. Skilled in AutoCAD Mechanical, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, AutoCAD, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), and Operations Management. He is a strong information technology professional with a Continuing Ed Education focused in Engineering, College Math, Shop Floor Math, 3D Modeling, and AutoCAD from Amarillo College.
James hails from a diverse musical family. His father was a concert pianist, his mother and her family were fundamental in forming the Harmony Plains Singing School, located in Cone, Texas which started in 1963. He is an active participant each year in the continuing vocal music education programs that the school offers. His sister played Cello, both of his sons are very musically oriented, both performing at the state level. His youngest son Kyle plays Tuba and graduated with honors from WTAMU, and his oldest son James Lee is a very well known Americana/ Folk singer. He continues to record as a studio percussionist as well as performing locally with the Amarillo Wind Ensemble. He played professionally for 18 years, playing percussion in a great number of bands, the last of which was one of the most successful named "White Dove." That group toured the Southwest region performing Christian Folk and Rock music for thousands of people before disbanding in 1994. He has said for many years that playing his drums is his "Yoga."
He also is the Pastor at the Borger Primitive Baptist Church. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry in December of 2001, and has pastored that little flock since January of 2001. Singing is a huge part of his family history, and music performance seemingly has been a staple for
him and his family for generations. He hopes to be able to show people young and old alike that music can and does keep you young. Even if you don't think you have it in you to continue to play. You could not be more wrong. All it takes is the desire, and we will help you to find your voice again...Come play with us!
He is a CNC Supervisor at Amarillo Gear Company working in the mechanical and industrial engineering industry. Skilled in AutoCAD Mechanical, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, AutoCAD, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), and Operations Management. He is a strong information technology professional with a Continuing Ed Education focused in Engineering, College Math, Shop Floor Math, 3D Modeling, and AutoCAD from Amarillo College.
James hails from a diverse musical family. His father was a concert pianist, his mother and her family were fundamental in forming the Harmony Plains Singing School, located in Cone, Texas which started in 1963. He is an active participant each year in the continuing vocal music education programs that the school offers. His sister played Cello, both of his sons are very musically oriented, both performing at the state level. His youngest son Kyle plays Tuba and graduated with honors from WTAMU, and his oldest son James Lee is a very well known Americana/ Folk singer. He continues to record as a studio percussionist as well as performing locally with the Amarillo Wind Ensemble. He played professionally for 18 years, playing percussion in a great number of bands, the last of which was one of the most successful named "White Dove." That group toured the Southwest region performing Christian Folk and Rock music for thousands of people before disbanding in 1994. He has said for many years that playing his drums is his "Yoga."
He also is the Pastor at the Borger Primitive Baptist Church. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry in December of 2001, and has pastored that little flock since January of 2001. Singing is a huge part of his family history, and music performance seemingly has been a staple for
him and his family for generations. He hopes to be able to show people young and old alike that music can and does keep you young. Even if you don't think you have it in you to continue to play. You could not be more wrong. All it takes is the desire, and we will help you to find your voice again...Come play with us!
Public Relations - Dick Snyder
Dick Snyder has been a member of Amarillo Wind Ensemble for 12 years. He is a lifelong trombonist, a member of the International Trombone Association and has attend many International Trombone Festivals. Favorite players he has enjoyed hearing in person are Dick Nash, Bill Watrous, Christopher Bill and Wycliffe Gordon. Most recently he has been a member of jazz bands at Amarillo College, West Texas A&M and the Amarillo College Brass Ensemble. He graduated from the University of Miami (FL) with a bachelor's degree in Music Merchandising and enjoyed a 40 year career in the retail/wholesale music and book industries.
Recruitment - Marci Criswell
Marci Criswell is responsible for recruitment and occasionally serves as Assistant Director of the Amarillo Wind Ensemble. She hapl;ayed oboe for the ensemble the past 5 years. Marci began playing oboe when she was in 7th Grade and played all the way through her Senior year of high school. Her Senior year she earned the honor of making the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band. After High School graduation, she started college at West Texas A&M, and got her Bachelor's in General Studies in 2009. In 2010 she enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate program at West Texas A&M to become a band director. In 2011 she received her first teaching position at River Road Independent School District. After three years, she changed schools and became the Band Director at Vega Independent School District where she currently still teaches. In 2016 she decided to go back to college and earned her Master's in Music Performance with an emphasis in Conducting. She graduated again from West Texas A&M in 2018 with her Master's.
Marci is currently living in Amarillo with her better half of almost three years, her two dogs, and one cat. All of those things she can't imagine life without. She has a nineteen year old son that has brought a ton of joy to her life. When Marci is not involved with something music related, you can typically find her in the kitchen cooking, outside playing with her dogs, or at a concert with her better half.
Marci is currently living in Amarillo with her better half of almost three years, her two dogs, and one cat. All of those things she can't imagine life without. She has a nineteen year old son that has brought a ton of joy to her life. When Marci is not involved with something music related, you can typically find her in the kitchen cooking, outside playing with her dogs, or at a concert with her better half.
Venue Liaison - Sherre Brogdon
Sherre plays clarinet in Amarillo Wind Ensemble and flute at The Church of Quail Creek. Before she was in sixth grade, she saw a band concert and the clarinet player had a solo. She thought it was the prettiest instrument and knew it was the one for her! She joined the community band at Amarillo College about 25 years ago, and came with the Amarillo Wind Ensemble when they split off. She really enjoy playing and has met many great people along the way, who also love music and enjoy playing it. She is currently sharing the Vice President position on the band counsel with Susan Nelson. As a side note, she was able to teach one of her grandkids to play clarinet, but after a few years she quit for volleyball. Bummer!!
She would really like to see the Amarillo Wind Ensemble grow. She believes that we have talent and we have a fun time, so if anyone would like to play, please join!!
She would really like to see the Amarillo Wind Ensemble grow. She believes that we have talent and we have a fun time, so if anyone would like to play, please join!!
Librarian - Wayne Wiley
Wayne would like to say that he has studied under the best private instructors known to exist and been formally trained in the finest musical institutions known to exist. Fortunately for us who know better, Wayne is not that big of a liar. Wayne originally started his musical career playing Cello in the 4th grade. He took up the tuba in addition to the cello when he hit the 8th grade. He continued both until he graduated High School at Tascosa High in 1976. He continued for one year at Amarillo College playing in their stage band. From that point on, he had hit a stopping point in his musical career since he no longer had a horn, nor a place to play. Thirteen years later, he got a call from the Rev. Rix Tillman . Rix had heard through the social grapevine that Wayne used to play tuba. Needing to build the sanctuary orchestra that he had adopted at San Jacinto Baptist Church, now known as The Church at Quail Creek, he gave Wayne a call inviting him to come and play in their group. Five weeks later, on March 25, 1998 Wayne moved his church membership to that church and has been there ever since. After a few years of this, Wayne felt the need to broaden his horizons just a bit and joined the Amarillo College Concert Band in addition to his playing at the church. There, he had the opportunities to play under the direction of Mo Trout, Alan Wenger, Jim Laughlin and Scott Beckett. Wayne also has been an key player in the annual Tuba Christmas events here in Amarillo and has played in each event held with exception of the very first. He has also been a member of the Amarillo Wind Ensemble since the organization was first formed at Amarillo College and continues to exist on it's own to this day. Wayne has served on the Amarillo Wind Ensemble board as the Vice-President/Personnel Director, President and currently as the Librarian. Wayne wishes to encourage anyone reading this of they are a former band student/musician and still have a desire to play in an organization such as this to please step forward and make your desires a reality by joining this group.
Conductor - Scott Beckett
A native of North Carolina, Scott holds degrees in music performance/music education and conducting from East Carolina University, and matriculated to do his Masters and Doctoral work in music performance at The Florida State University along with a Certificate of Theory Pedagogy. Scott studied extensively with Dr. Britton Theurer (East Carolina University) and Bryan Goff (Florida State University), and has also studied with James Thompson (Eastman), Vincent DiMartino (Centre College), Edward Tarr (Germany/Switzerland), Bill Pfund (University of Northern Colorado), Robert Nagel (New York), Crispian Steele-Perkins (England), and Dr. Steven Jones (Western Michigan University).
As an active performer/clinician, Scott has performed and lectured at such places as the Juilliard School, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Eastman School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, Carnegie Hall, the Peabody Conservatory, West Texas A and M University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Western Carolina University, Bowling Green State University, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Ithaca College, University of Illinois at Champaigne-Urbana, Temple University, Emory University, The Ohio State University, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, MENC conferences, International Trumpet Guild conferences, Williams College, National Association of College Wind & Percussion Instructors conferences, Florida Music Educators Association conferences, Wyoming Music Educators Conference, Texas Music Educators Conference, and was an Artist in Residence at “Sudler Flag” Award-winning Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida, and at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts for composer Robert Suderburg.
As a seasoned performer and soloist, Scott has performed with the East Carolina Brass, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Symphony, Albany Symphony, Cheyenne Symphony, Denver Symphony Orchestra, Carolco Motion Picture and Television studios, The Moody Blues, Three Mo’ Tenors, Mulgrew Miller, Grady Tate, Christian McBride, the Canadian Brass, Vennessa Rubins, Bob Mintzer, Maceo Parker, the Yellowjackets, Wynton Marsalis, and Vincent DiMartino.
Awards to his name include the John Thomas Boone Cultural Arts Award, the Marine Corp’s Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, First Prize at the ITG solo competition (1999), co-winner of the Adolf “Bud” Herseth mock orchestra trials, Finalist at the NTC National Competition, two-time winner of the East Carolina Concerto Competition and The Florida State University Graduate Concerto Competition.
His discography includes several recordings with The Florida State University Wind Orchestra, Jazz Directions II with the East Carolina Jazz Ensemble, numerous American and German television and film scores, and recorded three Concertos by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Ellen Taffe Zwilich on the Koch label, and recorded for NPR as trumpet soloist for “Story Time” with Angela Landsbury and John Lithgow.
In his pursuit of applying current technology to students for use in their careers and goals, Scott is an AVID Expert Instructor (ACI) for Pro Tools, the industry standard in the recording and live sound business, and has taken over 50 post-Doctoral courses in the field of audio, acoustics, audio for video, and live sound applications. In this pursuit of this area of study, Scott has been involved with the renovation and implementation of new recording equipment in various business and Religious spaces, changes in acoustic environments, and production of many albums that all involve student learning and engagement.
Currently, Scott is a the owner of Blessed Dynamics, a boutique microphone and cable company specializing in hand-made products, and part of the owner duo team and the Lead Instructor of courses for Pro Tools Certified Training Company.
As an active performer/clinician, Scott has performed and lectured at such places as the Juilliard School, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Eastman School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, Carnegie Hall, the Peabody Conservatory, West Texas A and M University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Western Carolina University, Bowling Green State University, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Ithaca College, University of Illinois at Champaigne-Urbana, Temple University, Emory University, The Ohio State University, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, MENC conferences, International Trumpet Guild conferences, Williams College, National Association of College Wind & Percussion Instructors conferences, Florida Music Educators Association conferences, Wyoming Music Educators Conference, Texas Music Educators Conference, and was an Artist in Residence at “Sudler Flag” Award-winning Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida, and at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts for composer Robert Suderburg.
As a seasoned performer and soloist, Scott has performed with the East Carolina Brass, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Symphony, Albany Symphony, Cheyenne Symphony, Denver Symphony Orchestra, Carolco Motion Picture and Television studios, The Moody Blues, Three Mo’ Tenors, Mulgrew Miller, Grady Tate, Christian McBride, the Canadian Brass, Vennessa Rubins, Bob Mintzer, Maceo Parker, the Yellowjackets, Wynton Marsalis, and Vincent DiMartino.
Awards to his name include the John Thomas Boone Cultural Arts Award, the Marine Corp’s Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, First Prize at the ITG solo competition (1999), co-winner of the Adolf “Bud” Herseth mock orchestra trials, Finalist at the NTC National Competition, two-time winner of the East Carolina Concerto Competition and The Florida State University Graduate Concerto Competition.
His discography includes several recordings with The Florida State University Wind Orchestra, Jazz Directions II with the East Carolina Jazz Ensemble, numerous American and German television and film scores, and recorded three Concertos by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Ellen Taffe Zwilich on the Koch label, and recorded for NPR as trumpet soloist for “Story Time” with Angela Landsbury and John Lithgow.
In his pursuit of applying current technology to students for use in their careers and goals, Scott is an AVID Expert Instructor (ACI) for Pro Tools, the industry standard in the recording and live sound business, and has taken over 50 post-Doctoral courses in the field of audio, acoustics, audio for video, and live sound applications. In this pursuit of this area of study, Scott has been involved with the renovation and implementation of new recording equipment in various business and Religious spaces, changes in acoustic environments, and production of many albums that all involve student learning and engagement.
Currently, Scott is a the owner of Blessed Dynamics, a boutique microphone and cable company specializing in hand-made products, and part of the owner duo team and the Lead Instructor of courses for Pro Tools Certified Training Company.