DIRECTORS

Anne Leo is in her 20th year of teaching and 11th as Director of Bands.  She received her Bachelor's in Music Education at Texas State University.  During her time at Texas State, Mrs. Leo studied flute with Dr. Adah Jones, performed in the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. John Stansberry and Dr. Rodney Schueller, and was inducted to the University Honors Society.  After graduating Cum Laude, Mrs. Leo continued her studies and obtained her Masters in Educational Administration at Lamar University and received her Principal's Certification.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Leo has help build a tradition of excellence and made history at several schools including earning the school's first UIL Division One Ratings at Waller Junior High School in Waller ISD, Gorzycki MS in Austin ISD, and Burnet MS in Austin ISD with both the Non-Varsity and Varsity Ensembles.  She kept the new found tradition alive by continuing to earn top ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest throughout her career.  In addition, Mrs. Leo conducted the Waller Junior High Wind Ensemble at the Music For All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis and the Gorzycki Middle School Symphonic Band in Washington DC earning Best Overall Band. The Pearson Ranch MS Band has won multiple Mark of Excellence awards and the Music For All Advocacy in Action award in it's short six year tenure. 

Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, Mrs. Leo comes from a long line of band directors.  Her brother is Director of Bands at PSJA High School and her, now retired, father was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Fraternity in 2012 and the RGV Band Director Hall of Fame in 2016.  Her sister-in-law, cousin, and uncle (now retired) continue to teach band at various schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Leo enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband, Billy, who is a band director in Austin ISD, 12 year old son Christian & 4 year old daughter Ava Claire.  They have traveled to several different countries together and plan to continue earning stamps in their passport books! 

Jonathan Pedersen is in his 16th year as a dedicated band educator. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas, where he refined his trumpet skills under Dr. Timothy Shaffer and Mark Nalley. As a student, he performed in the esteemed Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Nils Landsberg, Dr. Stephen Crawford, and Barbara Lambrecht, and enriched the UMHB Jazz Ensemble.

For 14 years, Mr. Pedersen served at Navarro Early College High School (formerly Lanier High School) in Austin ISD as Assistant Director. His extensive expertise transformed the band program, rebuilding it from the ground up. He played a pivotal role in achieving historic milestones, such as the school’s first UIL Division One Ratings in Concert and Sightreading in 20 years and in Marching in 30 years. Under his leadership, the band grew from 40 to 130 members, expanding from one concert ensemble to three, establishing a lasting legacy of excellence.

A proud Austinite, Mr. Pedersen cherishes family time. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Jillian, their 11-year-old daughter, Selah, and their 7-year-old son, Ezra.