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Kyle Winn, Director of Bands
Mr. Winn joined the Iowa Colony Band in the summer of 2024 as the program's second Director of Bands. Previous to his time at Iowa Colony, Winn served as the Director of Bands at Klein Collins HS in Houston, TX. Originally from Owasso, OK, Winn received his undergraduate and MME from the University of Oklahoma where he studied instrumental conducting under Dr. William Wakefield.
Winn has been a member of the administrative staff of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps since the 2016, serving as the Tour Director for the Corps. In 2014, he founded the WGI PIW group Monarch Independent where he currently serves as Executive Director.
Email: kwinn@alvinisd.net
Tyler Burkham, Assistant Band Director
Mr. Burkham is the Assistant Band Director at Iowa Colony High School. Prior to teaching in Alvin ISD, he was the Assistant Director/Percussion Director for Van ISD, an active clinician and arranger for multiple marching band and indoor percussion programs in Southeast Texas, and served as Assistant Band Director/Percussion Director for Orangefield ISD in Orangefield, Texas.
Originally from Lindale, Texas, Burkham is a proud graduate of Lindale High School where he learned under the tutelage of Mr. Steven Moore. He received Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Lamar University in the Spring of 2019.
Burkham spent a plethora of years involved in the pageantry arts where he had the privilege of being a member of Monarch Independent Percussion for the 2016 & 2017 seasons, and served on the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps Administrative Staff from 2017-2024 in various roles, most recently being the Tour Manager for the corps.
Burkham enjoys spending his free time with his wife, eating ramen, playing card and board games, and playing with his cats, Thor and Loki.
Email: rburkham@alvinisd.net
Tatiana Higgins, Color Guard Director
Ms. Higgins is the Iowa Colony High School Color Guard Director. Ms. Higgins has several years of experience in the marching arts. She was first introduced to the world of marching color guard as a student of Ridge Point High School.
Prior to her arrival at Iowa Colony High School, Ms. Higgins spent 4 years as a member of many World Class WGI and DCI ensembles. In her DCI experience, she was a member of the DCI Finalist Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps for their 2022 season as an age out. In her WGI experience, Ms. Higgins was a member of Undaunted Independent in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
In her educational career, Ms. Higgins has taken on several roles in both the marching and winter setting. She was a consultant, drill designer and choreographer for many winter ensembles. In her most recent position, Ms. Higgins was the Color Guard Director at Cypress Lakes High School for 2 years. While at Cypress Lakes, she was privileged to have grown a successful bronze medalist winter guard program.
Ms. Higgins is enjoying her time as the Director of Color Guard at Iowa Colony High School, and is enthusiastic about taking the color guard program to new heights with the partnership of Mr. Winn, Mr. de Kanter, and Mr. Burkham.
Email: thiggins@alvinisd.net
Zachary de Kanter, Percussion Director
Mr. Zachary de Kanter is the Director of Percussion at Iowa Colony High School. Before joining Alvin ISD, he earned his Music Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA), in Nacogdoches TX. While completing his degree program, Mr. de Kanter honed his teaching skills working with percussion students in various high schools throughout Houston and East Texas, including Angelton HS, Lufkin HS, Palestine HS, and College Park HS. During his time at SFA, Mr. de Kanter participated in many orchestras and ensembles, including the university Wind Ensemble, Lumberjack Marching Band (LMB), Steel Band, and a multitude of different percussion ensembles. He also maintained a solo repertoire, which he performed regularly during in-studio classes and lessons.
As a native from The Woodlands, TX, Mr. de Kanter discovered his passion and his desire to teach music while attending College Park High School in the Conroe ISD system. Reflecting on his journey, he says, "over the course of my entire education, my band teachers and directors had such an impact on me. I would not, and probably could not, have been so fortunate to be in this career, without their guidance and direction. They certainly fueled my passion for music and a strong desire to "pay it forward". I want to be that impactful for my students."
In his spare time, Mr. de Kanter enjoys spending time with his wife, relaxing weekends with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, and savoring a delicious meal.
Email: zdekanter@alvinisd.net
Meredith De Leon, Assistant Band Director
Mrs. De Leon is the newest Assistant Band Director at Iowa Colony High School. Before joining the Pioneer Band, she worked as an Assistant Band Director in Victoria ISD for four years.
Born and raised in Baytown, Texas, Mrs. De Leon graduated from Goose Creek Memorial High School in 2015 and later went to receive her Bachelors in Music Education at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in 2021.
Mrs. De Leon was a member of the 2018 Crossmen DBC and has spent many years teaching and participating in the marching arts at local schools and in the Lamar University Marching Band.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time at home watching anime with her husband and two fur babies, Charlotte and Akame. Mrs. De Leon is also a foodie who loves painting, the gym, and the Legend of Zelda.
Email: mdeleon2@alvinisd.net
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