KC Christensen has served as Director of Bands at Galena Park High School since the Fall of 2020. Their duties include overseeing the overall program, directing the marching program, conducting the Wind Ensemble, and teaching all woodwind classes. Additionally, Christensen works on the faculty of the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop on the campus of the University of Oklahoma.
Prior to joining the team at Galena Park, Christensen served as Associate Director of Bands at Cypress Springs High School. During this time, Christensen served as Fine Arts Department Chair, led the Marching Band, oversaw the Jazz program, conducted the Symphonic Winds, taught all woodwind classes and the Jazz Improvisation course, and conducted the Cypress Springs Saxophone Ensemble- a 2020 TMEA Convention performing ensemble.
Prior to their appointment at Cypress Springs, Christensen completed their Masters in Conducting at Oklahoma State University. Under Christensen’s direction, the Oklahoma State Saxophone Octet was accepted to perform at the 2016 Midwest Clinic in Chicago and the North American Saxophone Alliance National Conference.
Prior to their Masters degree, Christensen completed a BM in Music Education at Oklahoma State University, where they studied saxophone with Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert.
Christensen has a cat named "Cat," a wild husky named "Rayder," is a black coffee enthusiast, has run 13.1 miles twice, and enjoys reading and podcasts.
Office: 832-386-2827
Email: kchristensen@galenaparkisd.com
Tyler Bordelon is Associate Director of Bands at Galena Park High School. His responsibilities include assisting with all aspects of the program, conducting the Symphonic Winds, leading the top Jazz Band, assisting the Band of Gold Marching Band, and assisting with the Wind Ensemble, Concert Winds, and ensembles at Woodland Acres MS and Galena Park MS.
Mr. Bordelon is a Cypress native who graduated from Cypress Falls High School. He then graduated Cum Laude from Sam Houston State University in December 2017 with a degree in Music Education. During his time at Sam Houston, Tyler was very fortunate to be under the direction of wonderful music educators such as Dr. Matthew McInturf, Dr. Brian Gibbs, & Dr. John Lane.
During his first years of teaching, Mr. Bordelon was the Assistant Director of Band & Percussion Director at Davis High School in Aldine ISD during the 2017 - 2019 school year. During this time, he and his ensembles received both Excellent and Superior UIL ratings (First time in school history). Mr. Bordelon also helped the Symphonic Winds ensemble receive its first superior rating as well (First time in school history).
He has marched two years of DCI (Drum Corps International). He marched with The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps in 2014, and aged out with The Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps in 2015. During his years in college, Mr. Bordelon also received the First Prize for the USA in the Great Composers International Music Competition in 2017 for "Best Chopin Performance".
He has also written and arranged music for many different high schools in the state of Texas. He has also participated as a performer and educator for TCGC (Texas Color Guard Circuit).
Mr. Bordelon is proud to be a Salyers Percussion & Encore Mallets Artist.
Office: 832-386-2800 (2829)
Email: tbordelon@galenaparkisd.com
Nat Durrington acts as the Brass Specialist at Galena Park High School. Durrington provides support in all facets of the program, including teaching the brass classes, conducting the Concert Winds, assisting with the Band of Gold Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and ensembles at Woodland Acres Middle School and Galena Park Middle School.
Durrington hails from Aledo, Texas and graduated from Aledo High School. Durrington studied music education at Texas State under the tutelage of their trumpet studio professor, Dr. Robert Cannon, and the Director of Bands, Dr. Caroline Beatty.
Before being hired as the Brass Specialist at Galena Park High School, Durrington taught private lessons to more than 40 students across 4 schools, including Cobb Sixth Grade Campus, Cunningham Middle School, Woodland Acres Middle School, and Galena Park High School.
Durrington has marched DCI (Drum Corps International) for one year. They marched with the Boston Crusaders in 2022, where the Crusaders’ show, Paradise Lost, earned second place at DCI finals.
Email: ndurrington@galenaparkisd.com
Chad Berkstresser has been involved with the performing arts for over 30 years. As a performer, his passion for the marching arts started in high school as a member of the Heritage High School Color Guard and continued when he performed for Alliance of Miami and then won several World Championships as a member of the San Jose Raiders.
He has served as head designer and director of such groups of Carmel High School, Choctawhatchee High School, The Woodlands High School, Father Ryan High School, and Spring High School. He has worked with numerous DCI groups including the Blue Knights, Boston Crusaders, Phantom Regiments, and the Cavaliers. He has also worked with Cypress Indpendent WGI Color Guard and had the one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Lady Gage on her halftime performance at Super Bowl 2017.
Email: cberkstresser@galenaparkisd.com