Pioneer Heritage Directors
Rachael Davis
Director of Bands
Director of Bands
Rachael Davis is the Director of Bands at Pioneer Heritage Middle School. Her responsibilities include directing Wind Ensemble, assisting with Symphonic and Concert Band, as well as teaching the beginning French horn, trumpet, and euphonium classes.
Ensembles under Mrs. Davis' direction have consistently earned Sweepstakes at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading contests as well as "Best In Class" in multiple festivals across the state of Texas.
Mrs. Davis was named Pioneer Heritage's Teacher of the Year for the 2019-20 school year.
Prior to working at Pioneer Heritage, Mrs. Davis served as the Director of Bands in Grand Prairie ISD, and Associate Director in Judson ISD in San Antonio. Mrs. Davis was awarded Teacher of the Year for Grand Prairie ISD for the 2014-15 school year.
Mrs. Davis is a native of Lewisville, Texas and an alumni of Texas State University.
Mrs. Davis graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas State University - San Marcos with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education, where she studied with Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt.
Mrs. Davis served as principal French horn of both the Wind Ensemble and the Symphony Orchestra, and as Drum Major of the Bobcat Marching Band.
While at Texas State, Mrs. Davis earned awards such as Most Outstanding Wind Ensemble Member and Most Outstanding Music Education Student.
Mrs. Davis' professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and the International Horn Society.
Mrs. Davis lives in Savannah with her husband, Reed, their 3 daughters, and their 2 dogs and 2 cats!
Ensembles under Mrs. Davis' direction have consistently earned Sweepstakes at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading contests as well as "Best In Class" in multiple festivals across the state of Texas.
Mrs. Davis was named Pioneer Heritage's Teacher of the Year for the 2019-20 school year.
Prior to working at Pioneer Heritage, Mrs. Davis served as the Director of Bands in Grand Prairie ISD, and Associate Director in Judson ISD in San Antonio. Mrs. Davis was awarded Teacher of the Year for Grand Prairie ISD for the 2014-15 school year.
Mrs. Davis is a native of Lewisville, Texas and an alumni of Texas State University.
Mrs. Davis graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas State University - San Marcos with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education, where she studied with Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt.
Mrs. Davis served as principal French horn of both the Wind Ensemble and the Symphony Orchestra, and as Drum Major of the Bobcat Marching Band.
While at Texas State, Mrs. Davis earned awards such as Most Outstanding Wind Ensemble Member and Most Outstanding Music Education Student.
Mrs. Davis' professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and the International Horn Society.
Mrs. Davis lives in Savannah with her husband, Reed, their 3 daughters, and their 2 dogs and 2 cats!
Jennifer Teed
Assistant Director of Bands
Assistant Director of Bands
Jennifer Teed is the Assistant Director of Bands at Pioneer Heritage Middle School. Her responsibilities include directing the Symphonic Band and teaching the beginning clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone classes.
Prior to working at Pioneer Heritage, Mrs. Teed served as the Assistant Director of Bands for three years at McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney ISD.
Mrs. Teed is a native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma and is an alumni of the University of Oklahoma, where she completed a Masters Degree in Clarinet Performance and a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. While at the University of Oklahoma, Mrs. Teed was a member of The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band under the direction of Mr. Brian Britt and served as principal clarinet of both the Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. William Wakefield, and the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Shames.
Mrs. Teed is a past OU Concerto Competition Winner and was the featured soloist for the Concerto Gala Concert with the University of Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra.
Mrs. Teed’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the International Clarinet Association.
Mrs. Teed lives in Aubrey with her husband, Brian Teed, who is the percussion director at Wakeland High School in Frisco ISD.
Prior to working at Pioneer Heritage, Mrs. Teed served as the Assistant Director of Bands for three years at McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney ISD.
Mrs. Teed is a native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma and is an alumni of the University of Oklahoma, where she completed a Masters Degree in Clarinet Performance and a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. While at the University of Oklahoma, Mrs. Teed was a member of The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band under the direction of Mr. Brian Britt and served as principal clarinet of both the Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. William Wakefield, and the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Shames.
Mrs. Teed is a past OU Concerto Competition Winner and was the featured soloist for the Concerto Gala Concert with the University of Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra.
Mrs. Teed’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the International Clarinet Association.
Mrs. Teed lives in Aubrey with her husband, Brian Teed, who is the percussion director at Wakeland High School in Frisco ISD.
Max Mollenkamp
Assistant Director of Bands
Assistant Director of Bands
Max Mollenkamp is in his first year of teaching as Assistant Director of Bands at Pioneer Heritage Middle School. His responsibilities include directing Concert Band and teaching the beginning flute, trombone, and tuba classes.
Mr. Mollenkamp, a native of Jefferson City, Missouri, is an alumnus of the University of North Texas. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in General, Choral, and Instrumental Music with Teacher Certification. While at UNT, Mr. Mollenkamp studied trombone with Professor Steven Menard and performed in a variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles including the Symphonic Band, Green Brigade Marching Band, 5 O’Clock Lab Band, Trombone Choir, West End Vocal Jazz, and University Singers. Under Professor Daniel Cook, he served as a Lead Field Technician with the Green Brigade and received the 2019 Director’s Award.
As an Undergraduate Research Fellow, Mr. Mollenkamp studied secondary music teachers’ experiences teaching English-language learner students. Outside of UNT, he marched for three summers with Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and worked as a counselor and teacher at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He currently teaches mellophone and euphonium with Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Mollenkamp’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and International Trombone Association.
Mr. Mollenkamp, a native of Jefferson City, Missouri, is an alumnus of the University of North Texas. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in General, Choral, and Instrumental Music with Teacher Certification. While at UNT, Mr. Mollenkamp studied trombone with Professor Steven Menard and performed in a variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles including the Symphonic Band, Green Brigade Marching Band, 5 O’Clock Lab Band, Trombone Choir, West End Vocal Jazz, and University Singers. Under Professor Daniel Cook, he served as a Lead Field Technician with the Green Brigade and received the 2019 Director’s Award.
As an Undergraduate Research Fellow, Mr. Mollenkamp studied secondary music teachers’ experiences teaching English-language learner students. Outside of UNT, he marched for three summers with Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and worked as a counselor and teacher at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He currently teaches mellophone and euphonium with Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Mollenkamp’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and International Trombone Association.
Scott Baldwin
Director of Percussion Studies
Director of Percussion Studies
Scott Baldwin is the percussion coordinator at Reedy High School, Pioneer Heritage Middle School, and Pearson Middle School. He received his BM and MAT in Music Education from the University of Louisville, and MM in Percussion Performance from the University of Florida. Mr. Baldwin marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps ('98) and Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps ('95-'97).
Prior to his appoint in Frisco ISD, Mr. Baldwin served as the Percussion Coordinator of the Hebron Cluster from 2002 to 2015. He coordinated all activities percussion related from grades 6-12 including marching percussion through the concert percussion ensembles. The group has performed with varies artists such as Gregg Bissonette, Steve Smith, Lalo Davila, Tommy Igoe, and Dave Samuels.
He is an active clinician, adjudicator and performer throughout the country. His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association and Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity. Mr. Baldwin is an educational endorser for Pro Mark Sticks/Mallets, Evans Drumheads, Pearl Drums/Adams Percussion and Sabian Cymals.
He resides in Aubrey with his wife Sarah and their two wonderful children, Rebecca and Elijah.
Prior to his appoint in Frisco ISD, Mr. Baldwin served as the Percussion Coordinator of the Hebron Cluster from 2002 to 2015. He coordinated all activities percussion related from grades 6-12 including marching percussion through the concert percussion ensembles. The group has performed with varies artists such as Gregg Bissonette, Steve Smith, Lalo Davila, Tommy Igoe, and Dave Samuels.
He is an active clinician, adjudicator and performer throughout the country. His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association and Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity. Mr. Baldwin is an educational endorser for Pro Mark Sticks/Mallets, Evans Drumheads, Pearl Drums/Adams Percussion and Sabian Cymals.
He resides in Aubrey with his wife Sarah and their two wonderful children, Rebecca and Elijah.
Liz Karney
Assistant Director of Percussion Studies
Assistant Director of Percussion Studies
Liz Karney is the Assistant Percussion Director of Reedy High School, Pearson Middle School, and Pioneer Heritage Middle School.
A proud Michigan native, Liz Karney is a versatile and joyful musician. She completed her bachelor’s studies at Michigan State University in Music Education, which cultivated her love for performing and teaching. While there, she studied West African music and dance abroad in Ghana, Africa. She went on to pursue a master’s degree in percussion at the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music. Through her master’s she worked as the Percussion Director of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, where she single-handedly established and conducted a competitive winter percussion ensemble. She has taught at numerous other schools throughout Michigan, and Denver.
As a performer, Ms. Karney has enjoyed premiering new percussion works throughout Michigan, Denver, and Princeton, New Jersey. Through winning the 2019 Lamont School of Music Solo Honors Competition, she performed Joseph Schwantner’s “Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra” with the Lamont Wind Ensemble. She has also performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Boulder Symphony Orchestra, along with numerous collegiate orchestras and ensembles; including singing with the MSU salsa band. Liz has been privileged to perform for such notable artists as Steve Reich, Bob Becker, She-e Wu, Sō Percussion, and Sandbox Percussion.
Ms. Karney is passionate about discovering new techniques for mentally healthy and productive practice. She has led research in applying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques to remedy negative practice processes and strives to apply it by fostering healthy habits in her students.
Liz has been commissioned to write works for her students and Lamont musicians, including an orchestral piece recorded by the Lamont Symphony Orchestra.
Outside of music, she enjoys spending time outdoors, painting, and playing with her cat, Amelia.
A proud Michigan native, Liz Karney is a versatile and joyful musician. She completed her bachelor’s studies at Michigan State University in Music Education, which cultivated her love for performing and teaching. While there, she studied West African music and dance abroad in Ghana, Africa. She went on to pursue a master’s degree in percussion at the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music. Through her master’s she worked as the Percussion Director of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, where she single-handedly established and conducted a competitive winter percussion ensemble. She has taught at numerous other schools throughout Michigan, and Denver.
As a performer, Ms. Karney has enjoyed premiering new percussion works throughout Michigan, Denver, and Princeton, New Jersey. Through winning the 2019 Lamont School of Music Solo Honors Competition, she performed Joseph Schwantner’s “Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra” with the Lamont Wind Ensemble. She has also performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Boulder Symphony Orchestra, along with numerous collegiate orchestras and ensembles; including singing with the MSU salsa band. Liz has been privileged to perform for such notable artists as Steve Reich, Bob Becker, She-e Wu, Sō Percussion, and Sandbox Percussion.
Ms. Karney is passionate about discovering new techniques for mentally healthy and productive practice. She has led research in applying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques to remedy negative practice processes and strives to apply it by fostering healthy habits in her students.
Liz has been commissioned to write works for her students and Lamont musicians, including an orchestral piece recorded by the Lamont Symphony Orchestra.
Outside of music, she enjoys spending time outdoors, painting, and playing with her cat, Amelia.
Reedy High School School Directors
Gavin Smith
Director of Bands, Reedy High School
Director of Bands, Reedy High School
Gavin Smith is the Director of Bands at Reedy High School. Mr. Smith grew up in south Texas in a suburb of Corpus Christi. After high school, he completed his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University. During his time at Texas Tech he had the opportunity to perform as lead trumpet with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.
Mr. Smith's first teaching position was in Holliday ISD as the Assistant Director of Bands, focusing on the beginning brass, percussion, 7th grade band, Symphonic Band (the second ensemble), and the marching band. He completed his Masters in Music Education and Conducting from Kansas State University, where he was a Graduate Teaching Assistant focusing on marching band, pep band, concert ensembles, and multiple courses.
After completing his Masters, he moved to Nashville, TN to work at Vanderbilt University for eight years. During his tenure he was charged with the marching band, pep band, multiple concert ensembles, and overseeing the music education degree program for undergraduate and master level students. Mr. Smith completed his second year at Illinois State University where he has been in charge of overseeing the entire band program. During this time, the band program traveled and performed across the Midwest and Ireland, where the marching band traveled and performed across the country during St. Patrick’s week. He is married to his wife, Melanie, and they have a two children and their dog.
Mr. Smith's first teaching position was in Holliday ISD as the Assistant Director of Bands, focusing on the beginning brass, percussion, 7th grade band, Symphonic Band (the second ensemble), and the marching band. He completed his Masters in Music Education and Conducting from Kansas State University, where he was a Graduate Teaching Assistant focusing on marching band, pep band, concert ensembles, and multiple courses.
After completing his Masters, he moved to Nashville, TN to work at Vanderbilt University for eight years. During his tenure he was charged with the marching band, pep band, multiple concert ensembles, and overseeing the music education degree program for undergraduate and master level students. Mr. Smith completed his second year at Illinois State University where he has been in charge of overseeing the entire band program. During this time, the band program traveled and performed across the Midwest and Ireland, where the marching band traveled and performed across the country during St. Patrick’s week. He is married to his wife, Melanie, and they have a two children and their dog.
Bryn Roberts
Associate Director of Bands, Reedy High School
Associate Director of Bands, Reedy High School
Bryn Roberts is the Assistant Band Director at Reedy High School. Prior to Reedy, Mrs. Roberts was an Assistant Band Director and the Color Guard Director at Westlake High School in Austin for seven years. Before going to Westlake, Mrs. Roberts taught for three years in Brenham ISD.
During Mrs. Roberts time at Westlake, the Westlake marching band has advanced to the UIL State Marching Contest four times, making finals three of those times. They have also made the finals at the BOA San Antonio Super Regional four times. In 2012, they won the Sudler Shield recognizing outstanding marching bands. The Westlake Wind Ensemble was selected to play at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in 2013. In addition, all four Westlake concert bands have received Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest for the past six years, and all four bands performed at Carnegie Hall in 2009 and 2013.
Mrs. Roberts graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Tech University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music. During her time at Texas Tech, she served as principal flautist of the Symphonic and Wind Ensemble and Color Guard Captain of the Goin' Band from Raiderland. Mrs. Roberts also performed with the Texas Tech Flute Choir and the Symphony Orchestra, and she was the winner of the Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition 2003. In 2014, Mrs. Roberts received her Master of Music Education, also from Texas Tech.
Mrs. Roberts' professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, National Flute Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Tau Beta Sigma. She is married to Justin Roberts, a software engineer, and they live in Frisco.
During Mrs. Roberts time at Westlake, the Westlake marching band has advanced to the UIL State Marching Contest four times, making finals three of those times. They have also made the finals at the BOA San Antonio Super Regional four times. In 2012, they won the Sudler Shield recognizing outstanding marching bands. The Westlake Wind Ensemble was selected to play at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in 2013. In addition, all four Westlake concert bands have received Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest for the past six years, and all four bands performed at Carnegie Hall in 2009 and 2013.
Mrs. Roberts graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Tech University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music. During her time at Texas Tech, she served as principal flautist of the Symphonic and Wind Ensemble and Color Guard Captain of the Goin' Band from Raiderland. Mrs. Roberts also performed with the Texas Tech Flute Choir and the Symphony Orchestra, and she was the winner of the Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition 2003. In 2014, Mrs. Roberts received her Master of Music Education, also from Texas Tech.
Mrs. Roberts' professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, National Flute Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Tau Beta Sigma. She is married to Justin Roberts, a software engineer, and they live in Frisco.
Frisco High School School Directors
David Simon
Director of Bands, Frisco High School
Director of Bands, Frisco High School
David Simon joins the staff at Frisco High School in 2017 after serving eleven years as an assistant director at Marcus High School, in Flower Mound, TX. Concert ensembles at Marcus under Mr. Simon’s direction consistently earned superior division ratings at the University Interscholastic League’s Concert and Sight-reading contest. His other duties included leading the basketball pep band, assistance with the Marching Band, and administration of the student leadership program. Mr. Simon graduated from Baylor University, in Waco, TX. Originally from Austin, he attended Leander High School, and was a four-year member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. He resides in Carrollton with his wife Addie, who serves as Director of Bands at Pearson Middle School in Frisco.
Matt Courtney
Associate Director of Bands, Frisco High School
Associate Director of Bands, Frisco High School
Matt Courtney is the Associate Director at Frisco High School. Mr. Courtney is a native of Lewisville, TX and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. While at OU, he participated in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, Jazz Band and was a member of the OU Trumpet Studio. He was also a member of Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi music fraternities. Matt was a student of Karl Sievers, William Wakefield, Michael Raiber and Brian Britt. Mr. Courtney previously taught all levels in Jay Public Schools (OK) from 2011-2016. Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Meghan and his two sons.
Heath Dillard
Director of Percussion, Frisco High School
Director of Percussion, Frisco High School
Mr. Dillard is the percussion director for the Frisco High School cluster. His teaching responsibilities include: drum line and percussion ensemble classes at Frisco High School, assisting with band classes and teaching sectionals at Hunt middle school, and teaching beginner percussion classes at Hunt Middle School. Mr. Dillard also serves as the percussion arranger for the Frisco High School marching band. Under Mr. Dillard’s direction, the Frisco High School percussion program has been very successful, winning their division at the Lone Star Classic drum line contest in 2009 and the Lewisville Drumline Competition in 2016.