Darren Myers is a dedicated music educator at Millard South High School, having served as Band Director since 2015 and previously as Assistant Band Director for 15 years, commencing his tenure at the school in 2000. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. Myers pursued his higher education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), where he earned a Master of Arts in Music Education. His commitment to professional development is evidenced by his participation in masterclasses, clinics, and conferences led by distinguished saxophonists such as Eugene Rousseau and Fred Hemke.

Beyond his responsibilities at Millard South, Mr. Myers is actively engaged in music ministry within his church. His contributions to the school community have been recognized through the Millard South Extra Mile Award (2011), and his early career achievements were acknowledged with the Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award from the Nebraska Bandmasters Association (2004). He was also nominated for the Schmitt Music Stores Music Educator of the Year and was inducted into the esteemed International Fraternity of Bandmasters, Phi Beta Mu, in 2021.

Mr. Myers maintains active membership in numerous professional organizations, including the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, Nebraska Music Educators Association, National Band Association, High School Band Directors National Association, and the American School Band Directors Association.

Growing up in Papillion, Nebraska, Mr. Simodynes graduated in 2004, having attended both Papillion-LaVista and Papillion LaVista South High Schools. He then pursued his passion for music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During his time there, he actively participated in a wide array of musical ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles, the Cornhusker Marching Band, Big Red Express Pep Band, Concert Choir, Varsity Men’s Choir, and served as a pit musician for the Big Red Singers. His university years also provided him with the opportunity to tour Europe multiple times with Midwest American Music Tours, performing in prestigious venues such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Before graduating, he completed his student teaching at Westside High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from UNL in 2010.

From 2011 to 2014, he taught elementary band and strings at several Lincoln Public Schools elementary schools. In 2015, he became the Instrumental Music Director at Philip H. Schoo Middle School, where he was responsible for instructing all band classes, the 7th and 8th grade orchestras, and beginning guitar. Expanding his role in 2017, he also took on the position of Assistant Band Director at Lincoln North Star High School, contributing to the Marching Band and co-directing the Wind Symphony. Simultaneously, he furthered his education at Peru State College, earning a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a special emphasis in instructional technology. From 2020-2022, he served as the Head Band Director at Gretna High School, where his bands achieved significant success, earning numerous first-place honors at various contests and festivals. Beyond his formal musical education and teaching experience, he has 18 years of experience as a self-taught guitar player. He has also shared his guitar expertise through private lessons and professional instruction at Guitar Center Omaha. In 2022, he accepted the position of Assistant Band Director at Millard South High School.

Jody serves as the Executive Band Assistant, bringing deep experience and commitment to the program.  As a parent of two students who have been part of the Millard South band program, she has spent multiple years supporting from the sidelines and behind the scenes.  Jody previously served on the Band Boosters Board as Co-Vice President followed by Co-President for a year and a half, giving her extensive insight into the operations, challenges, and celebrations that shape the band community.  Well-versed in the ins and outs of the program, she is excited to continue supporting the directors, students, and families.  In her role, Jody will oversee planning and organization, assist with finances, serve as a liaison with the Boosters, manage communications, and coordinate all aspects of NSBA.

Alex Albertson is a co-founder of and educator at Maple Music Studios in Omaha, NE. This studio offers classes in Steel Band, Music Production, Percussion Ensemble, Drumline, Piano, Guitar, and private lessons on any instrument. His percussion students have earned spots in the Iowa All-State Band and Orchestra every year since 2015, with many continuing on to become Master's Degree students at major universities. In addition to teaching, he is very active as a performer. These include playing drum set in a number of Omaha's musical productions, performing with the UNO Herd Drumline, the Nebraska Brass Band, and in various Concert Percussion Ensemble groups. He also enjoys designing music for a number of marching ensembles. Most notably, he was the lead show designer for the 2018-2020 Railmen Indoor Percussion, placing 4th in 2018 and 2nd in 2019 at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, OH.

Alex formerly worked for Logan-Magnolia Schools in Logan, IA as the 7th-12th grade band teacher from 2014-2024. Under his direction, the band program more than tripled in size and set multiple school records. These include the band's first Division 1 rating in Marching Band and a streak of Division 1 ratings in both Jazz and Concert Bands. In 2020, the high school concert band was selected to perform for the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference, representing all class 1A schools in Iowa. The Logan-Magnolia Jazz Band, "The 127," placed in the top 8 of 15 at the annual Iowa Jazz Championships each year since 2019. Alex is most proud of successfully campaigning for a 3rd full-time music teacher in the school district, dramatically expanding the access that students have to music instruction.

Alex earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Western Illinois University. During his time there, he was named a winner of the annual School of Music Concerto Competition, where he performed with the university's orchestra. He is also proud to be an alumnus of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and Rhythm X Indoor Percussion. 

Bennett Jandreau has been a percussionist for 12 years, and is a performer and educator based in Omaha, Nebraska. He holds a Bachelors of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of North Florida, and his Masters of Music from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Bennett is a full time musician and teaches percussion at Millard South High School, Piano and Drum lessons at Guitar Center, served as a returning guest lecturer at Peru State College, and recently signed on as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Concordia University. Bennett is a multiple time semifinalist at the Great Plains International Marimba Competition, placing 3rd in 2017.

Sean Higgins

Hello, my name is Maranda Vasquez. I attended Papillion La-Vista South High School from 2013-2017. I did all four years of Color Guard while there, doing fall and winter making a total of eight seasons. After graduating in 2017 I spun with an independent winter guard group called Railmen for three years, 2018-2020. After Railmen I started spinning with Dolce Independent winter guard in 2021. I started as a Color Guard tech at Gretna High School in the Spring of 2018. I worked at Gretna High School for four years. I currently work at a childcare center where I am the Lead teacher in the 2-3 years old classroom; I have been at the daycare for 8 years. I was so happy to start here at Millard South in 2022, and love seeing all the growth that happens over the years! 

Paige Pruett