Ms. Fonner is currently in ninth year of teaching, and third year as Director of Bands at Richardson North Junior High School. Prior to her appointment at Richardson North, she served as Assistant Director of Bands and Color Guard Director at Canyon High School (2015 – 2018) in New Braunfels, TX. From 2012 – 2015, Ms. Fonner was the Assistant Band Director and Woodwind Specialist at Frenship High School in Lubbock, TX.

Originally from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Ms. Fonner earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education with a concentration in oboe from as well as a Master of Music Education from Texas Tech University.

While attending Texas Tech University, she studied oboe and English horn with Professor Amy Anderson and performed extensively with the Texas Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Ms. Fonner was a three-year member of the Texas Tech “Goin’ Band From Raiderland” where she played saxophone.

Ms. Fonner is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association as well as the Texas Bandmasters Association. During the summer months, Ms. Fonner works with the Texas Tech Band and Orchestra camps.

Ms. Marnik is the assistant band director at Richardson North Junior High. Her responsibilities include directing the Symphonic Band, assisting with the Honors and Concert Bands, and teaching various beginner classes.

Ms. Marnik attended Texas Tech University where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in music education with a concentration in horn. While attending Texas Tech University, Ms. Marnik studied horn under Professor Christopher Smith. She also performed with the Symphonic and Concert Bands, TTU Horn Choir, Celtic Ensemble, and was a four-year member of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland.

Ms. Marnik is associated with Texas Music Educators Association, the International Horn Society, Tau Beta Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda. She remains connected to her alma mater by being on staff for the Texas Tech University Band and Orchestra Camp during the summer.

Ms. Jarinko will be starting her second year as Director of Bands at Parkhill Junior High School. Prior to appointment at Parkhill, she served as the Assistant Band Director and Woodwind Specialist at Watkins Middle School in Houston, TX.

Originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Ms. Jarinko is a graduate from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Flute Performance, summa cum laude. Additionally, she graduated from the University of Alabama with a Master of Music degree in Flute Performance. While at Alabama, she had the opportunity to work as an Adjunct Teaching Assistant for the Million Dollar Band, the Orchestral Librarian for the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and direct the University of Alabama Flute Choir.

During her college career, Ms. Jarinko studied flute from Dr. Diane Boyd Schultz and Dr. Lisa Garner Santa. She performed with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra, University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, University of Alabama Contemporary Ensemble, University of Alabama Opera Theatre, Alabama Choir School, “Goin’ Band from Raiderland”, Texas Tech Symphonic Band, and the Texas Tech Flute Choir. She has performed in a number of masterclasses with world-renowned flutists.

Ms. Jarinko's professional affliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster Association, as well as being selected as a lifetime member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.

Ms. Fujii is currently in her seventh year of teaching. Ms. Fujii began her career as an elementary, middle, and high school music teacher. It was during this time that Ms. Fujii discovered her passion for band and made the decision to become a band director. Since joining the Parkhill Hill Junior High Staff as Assistant Director of Bands she has loved every moment of it!

Ms. Fujii attended Baylor University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and studied flute under Dr. Helen Ann Shanley and Dr. Francesca Arnone. Ms. Fujii is a member of Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Flute Society.

Dimitrios Icossipentarhos is the Director of Bands/Fine Arts Coordinator for J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas. His responsibilities include conducting the Wind Ensemble and the Mighty Mustang Band, as well as overseeing all aspects of the Pearce Area Cluster Fine Arts Team.​

Originally from Austin, Mr. Icossipentarhos holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education degrees from Texas Tech University. During his time at Texas Tech, he performed with numerous ensembles, studied saxophone with David Dees, conducting with Dr. Sarah McKoin, and had his educational philosophy shaped through continuing interactions and coursework with Dr. Keith Dye.

Prior to his appointment at J.J. Pearce, Mr. Icossipentarhos served as Associate Director of Bands at Hebron High School in Lewisville ISD, Liberty High School in Frisco ISD, and Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School in DeSoto ISD. Bands under his direction have consistently received Sweepstakes Awards in University Interscholastic League competition for Concert and Sight-Reading performances. Mr. Icossipentarhos’ professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Kappa Lambda, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Dimitrios resides in Frisco with his wife, Amy, who is also extensively involved in music education serving as the Director of Bands at Westwood Junior High in Richardson ISD.

LeAndre Benton is the Associate Director of Bands at J.J. Pearce High School, where he serves as an instructor of the marching band, conducts the Wind Symphony, assists with other concert ensembles, and teaches beginner classes within the Pearce cluster. Mr. Benton is a native of Longview, Texas, and graduate of Longview High School. Mr. Benton was the Associate Director of Bands at Little Elm High School, in Little Elm, Texas.

Mr. Benton earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree with certifications in both vocal and instrumental music (K-12) from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he studied trombone under Dr. J. Mark Thompson and Andrew Eden, and conducting under Dr. Jeffrey C. Mathews. Mr. Benton, a trombonist and past member of the “Spirit of Northwestern” Marching Band, served as a trombone section leader, piccolo section leader, and drum major. Mr. Benton was also a member of the Northwestern State University’s Wind Ensemble, University Jazz Orchestra, University Men’s Chorus, Trombone Choir, and Tuba & Euphonium Ensemble.

Mr. Benton is an active trombonist in the DFW area, preforming recently in the Metropolitan Winds of Little Elm. He has also served as an adjudicator, band clinician, a summer camp conductor, and drum major instructor. In addition to music, he is also an NCAA Women’s Basketball Official, a former Texas High School Basketball Official, a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, International Trombone Association, and a Gamma Rho alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. Mr. Benton was selected twice by the UIL to officiate in the 2015 and 2016 Girls State Basketball Tournament, and the AAU Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has completed the 2nd edition of his fundamental studies book for band entitled “The Daily Regimen”. Mr. Benton enjoys officiating, traveling, arranging music, and spending time with family.

Ms. Neal is in her second year of teaching at J.J. Pearce High School. A graduate from Texas Christian University Ms. Neal earned a Bachelor of Music Education and studied horn with Heather Test. At Texas Christian University, Ms. Neal was a member of the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and the TCU Horn Ensemble, performing at venues such as TMEA and ABA. During her last two years, Ms. Neal served as the Drum Major for the TCU Horned Frog Marching Band.

Outside of TCU, Ms. Neal spent three summers performing in Drum Corps International. In 2016 she marched with Carolina Crown, winning both the Jim Ott Best Brass Performance and John Brazale Best Visual Performance awards. In both 2017 and 2018, Ms. Neal was a featured soloist for The Blue Devils and won the DCI World Championships in 2017. Ms. Neal’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi.

Mrs. Harrison is in her second year of teaching at J.J. Pearce High School. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree with certification in EC-12 instrumental music. She studied under Dr. Henry Howey on euphonium. At Sam Houston State University, Mrs. Harrison was a member of the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Matthew McInturf, Bearkat Marching Band, SHSU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, and the SHSU Tuba Quartet. She has performed at the American Bandmasters Association Convention and has participated in intercollegiate bands such as the College Band Directors National Association band and the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma National Intercollegiate band.

Mrs. Harrison has served in numerous leadership positions while at Sam Houston State University. These include the Wind Ensemble Librarian, Bearkat Marching Band Student Assistant of two years, and as the Tau Beta Sigma Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Service Coordinator. Mrs. Harrison’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. Katie is originally from McKinney, Texas and now lives in Garland, Texas with her husband, Alex. He is a middle school band director in Garland ISD.