Directors

Email: demooreg@ltisdschools.org

Greg Demoore is the director of bands and fine arts department chair at Bee Cave Middle School. Originally from San Antonio, Mr. Demoore has been at BCMS since its opening year in 2019 and is proud to be a part of the Raider community. Mr. Demoore directs the Honors Band, Jazz Band, and beginner brass classes. Bands under Mr. Demoore's direction have received 1st division ratings, Best in Class Awards, TMEA  Area Honor Band Finalist, Mark of Excellence Commended Winner, and won overall festivals in central Texas. The BCMS Band has also commissioned new works for band by Carol Brittin Chambers and will be premiering a new work by Evan VanDoren in May 2025. Mr. Demoore previously taught in San Antonio for 4 years and received the first sweepstakes rating with the non varsity group on his campus in 18 years. Mr. Demoore received his undergraduate degree from Texas Lutheran University where he was a part of various performing ensembles and leadership positions. Mr. Demoore is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and a frequent attendee of the Midwest Clinic. Outside of band Mr. Demoore enjoys time with friends, serving at church, trying new food, and hanging out with his cat, Rey.  "Children are apt to live up to what you believe of them."  

Email: palesea@ltisdschools.org

Amy Palese has taught band at the middle school level for more than 17 years and is currently the Assistant Band Director at Bee Cave Middle School. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Mrs. Palese joined the team at BCMS in 2023 and is proud to be part of the elite team of music educators in Lake Travis ISD. At BCMS, Mrs. Palese directs the Symphonic Band and also teaches beginning flute, clarinet, saxophone, and double reed classes at BCMS. Bands under her direction have earned the UIL Sweepstakes award and superior awards at solo and ensemble festivals. Prior to joining the team at BCMS, she was the band director at Groveport Madison Middle School North, in Columbus, OH, and also taught as an Assistant Band Director in Buda, Texas, at Dahlstrom Middle School. Mrs. Palese earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. Mrs. Palese is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and annually works at The Midwest Clinic. When she is not teaching, you will find Mrs. Palese spending time with her daughter and husband, enjoying the outdoors, or reading a good book. 

Email: baptistab@ltisdschools.org

Brittany Baptista received her bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas. She also recently graduated with a master's degree from UNT in Educational Leadership. During her time at UNT, she was involved in classical and contemporary chamber ensembles, symphonic band, orchestra, Gamelan, and the 2 o'clock steel band.

During her musical career, she has performed at various events and venues, including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Meyerson Symphony Center. She has also played in concert with the Dallas Winds, Steve Smith, Tommy Igoe, Joel Rosenblatt, Gregg Bissonette, Lalo Davila, Ed Smith, Mark Ford, and Christopher Deane.  

Ms. Baptista shares her passion for music through teaching: she has taught all over the DFW metroplex, including Newman Smith High school, Boswell High School, Frisco Liberty High School, and Pearson Middle School. She also taught as a front ensemble technician at the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps and Vigilantes Indoor Percussion. This summer, Ms. Baptista will be an educator at the Girls March camp in Houston and the A&M Commerce Summer Percussion Camp & Director Symposium!

In her free time, Ms. Baptista enjoys bouldering, golfing, biking, and camping with her fiance, Dallas. She has two incredibly dramatic cats, KitKat and Layla, and an energetic puppy named Charlie. Ms. Baptista is so excited to be moving back to the Austin area to join the Lake Travis High School band family!