Joseph McPherson is proud to be entering his fourth year serving as a STEAM/GDDS Band Director. Prior to teaching in Burleson, Mr. Mac was the assistant director in Mason ISD in central Texas.

Mr. Mac grew up in Glen Rose, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's Degree in music education. During his time at Texas Tech, Mac was the principal trombonist for the Texas Tech Symphony Orchestra as well as the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He was lead trombone for the top jazz big band with whom he was awarded an outstanding soloist award at the Crescent City Jazz festival in New Orleans. He also participated in the Court Jesters basketball/volleyball band and was a section leader for the award winning Goin’ Band from Raiderland. While in Lubbock, Mr. Mac was on staff at Youth Orchestras of Lubbock and was honored to be chosen for the inaugural staff of the Lubbock Youth Wind Ensemble. He was also on staff at Texas Tech Band and Orchestra Camp for several years.

During his time in Mason, Mr. Mac taught 5th-12th grade band. He started two jazz ensembles, various community outreach programs, and a thriving student leadership program. While there, Mason bands increased almost 25% in size and ratings improved across the board.

In the summer of 2019, Joseph moved North to marry the love of his life. He currently resides in Fort Worth and spends his free time playing and watching basketball, playing xbox, and hiking with his wife Sarah and dog Luke.

Jason Viola is excited to begin his fourth year as a Band Director for the STEAM/GDDS bands. His duties include co-directing the Honors and Symphonic bands with Mr. McPherson. Mr. Viola also teaches the beginner double reeds, clarinet, trumpet, and french horn classes held at STEAM Middle School.

Mr. Viola received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Arlington. During his time at UTA, he performed in the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony, Trumpet Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, and Maverick Marching Band. During his final year at UTA, Mr. Viola served as a member of the undergraduate marching staff in the fall and performed with the Wind Symphony at TMEA in the spring.

Mr. Viola found his first position as a long-term substitute at Plano East Senior High, and took on the duties of an Associate Director of Bands. During his time at PESH, he led the Concert and Varsity bands, and assisted with the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. He took the combined Concert and Varsity bands to UIL where they received sweepstakes, assisted in hosting the Solo & Ensemble contest at PESH, and assisted in organizing the band trip to New York.

Mr. Viola currently resides near Downtown Fort Worth with his husky, Max, and his golden retriever/lab puppy, Buddy. During his spare time he likes to watch shows, documentaries, and play video games.

Brandon Day is currently in his 4th year as Director of Bands at Burleson High School. His duties include leading the Spirit of Elks Marching Band, the BHS Wind Ensemble, as well as assisting with Symphonic Winds, Hughes and STEAM/GDDS Middle School Band classes.

Brandon went to the University of North Texas and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. While at North Texas, Brandon was a member of the Brass Band, Concert Band, the "Funky Fresh" Basketball Pep Band, and the UNT Green Brigade. While in his last year with the Green Brigade, he was on the marching tech staff.

Mr. Day’s most recent position was Associate Director of Bands at Azle High School, where he taught for 5 years. While at Azle, his ensembles consistently received sweepstakes at UIL Marching and Concert & Sightreading. Mr. Day is an advocate of the WGI activity. He taught an Independent A Winds group for 2 years and also created the Azle HS Indoor Winds group. In their first year of competition, Azle Winds won the 2018 WGI Scholastic Open World Championship in Dayton, Ohio. In 2019, the group went back to Dayton in World Class, earning 6th place in WGI Finals. They were also back to back NTCA Winds Champions (2018-Open Class and 2019-World Class). Mr. Day is currently on the executive board for NTCA, serving as the Winds Member at Large.

Day has been involved with drum corps since 2006. He performed with Memphis Sound Drum & Bugle Corps in 2006 and the 2007 Div 3 Championship season. He also marched with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps in 2010. After performing, Mr. Day has taught on the brass staff of The Guardians, The Troopers, and the World Class Finalist Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps.

Mr. Day currently resides in Burleson with his wife, Brittany, their kids Norah and Parker, as well as their 12 year old Min Pin, Matilda

Brent Smith is the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Coordinator for the Centennial High School cluster in Burleson, Texas. His responsibilities include conducting the Wind Ensemble, Indoor Winds, and the Marching Band, as well as overseeing all aspects of the Centennial Band cluster. Mr. Smith serves as the administrator for the cluster's band, choir, dance, and theater programs. He oversees student instruction, curriculum development and implementation, and provides professional development for the Fine Arts faculty.

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Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from Baylor University, and is currently completing a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University. While at Baylor, Mr. Smith worked as a marching band staff member for the Golden Wave Band, where he was a technician for music and marching rehearsals, manager of bowl game trips and equipment, and communication liaison to high school students. In addition to his time at Baylor, he played third trumpet for the Waco Symphony Orchestra and had an established private lesson studio in the Waco area. He studied trumpet with Wiff Rudd and Mark Schubert, and conducting with Dr. Eric Wilson and Dr. Isaiah Odajima.

Prior to his appointment at Centennial High School, Mr. Smith served as the Director of Bands for Corsicana High School in Corsicana, Texas and as the Assistant Director of Bands for J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas. Bands under his direction have consistently received superior ratings in University Interscholastic League competition for Concert and Sight-Reading performances as well as marching contests. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the National Association for Music Education. Mr. Smith now lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife, Abby, and their dog, Coda.