Staff
Derek Twombly
Derek Twombly is the Odessa Director of Bands. Derek grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri and graduated from Blue Springs South High School in 2009. Attending Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, Derek graduated in 2013 with a bachelor's in K-12 Instrumental Music Education. Derek graduated in 2021 with his Master's in Educational Leadership. Receiving his first teaching job north of Odessa in Wellington-Napoleon, Derek taught 5 years developing the marching, jazz, concert, and middle school band programs. This is Derek's sixth year teaching at Odessa. Derek's specialty is oboe and woodwind instruments. Derek will lead the high school symphonic ensemble, high school jazz ensembles, pep band, 7th grade band, and 6th grade woodwinds.
Travis wittman
Travis Wittman is the Odessa Assistant Director of Bands. This is his third year teaching in Odessa, he previously taught 6-12 Band at Wellington-Napoleon. Mr. Wittman holds his bachelor's degree in K-12 Instrumental Music Education from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Mr. Wittman's primary instrument is the tuba but he has a strong grasp of all brass instruments Mr. Wittman will lead the high school concert band, middle school jazz band, 8th grade band, and 6th grade brass.
Paige Bockes
Paige Bockes is the Odessa Color Guard Director. This is her first year working as head director. Paige also works as an educator at McQuerry Elementary in Odessa. Paige grew up in Blue Springs, MO, and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 2019. Studying at the University of Central Missouri, Paige graduated in 2023 with a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education with an additional minor in Music. She has performed with the UCM Fall and Winter Guard teams, including writing some choreography for their shows.