Amy Robinson is excited to begin her first year as the Director of Bands at Barwise Middle School. With over a decade of experience as an educator, saxophonist, and arts administrator, she has taught middle and high school band, jazz band, and color guard in Iowa Park, Arlington, and Krum, TX, and previously served as Education and Operations Director for the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. Amy holds two master’s degrees in Conducting and Saxophone Performance from Illinois State University and a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Slippery Rock University. As a performer, she has appeared at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, France; the Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium; and multiple North American Saxophone Alliance conferences. She also regularly performs with the WFSO Jazz Band.

Amy believes that band is a powerful tool for personal growth and that music brings lasting meaning and culture to our lives. She is passionate about helping every student experience the joy of music— something she hopes will stay with them for a lifetime. Amy lives in Wichita Falls with her husband, Corey, their two toddlers, Noelle and Theo, and two cats, Lucy and Buster.

Loy Studer is the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Legacy High School in Wichita Falls, Texas. He previously spent 18 years in the same role at S.H. Rider High School, overseeing thirteen performing ensembles. With 29 years of teaching experience, Mr. Studer has led award-winning groups in concert, marching, and orchestra, including appearances at the UIL State Marching Contest, Bands of America Regionals, and the Midwest Clinic. In 2023, the Rider Varsity Orchestra was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall as part of the Viennese Masters Series.

His students regularly earn All-Region, Area, and All-State honors, with dozens advancing to the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest and receiving Texas Music Scholar recognition. Rider ensembles have traveled nationally and internationally, and Mr. Studer’s seniors consistently earn over $1 million in college scholarships each year.

Beyond the band hall, he has served on numerous district and campus committees and was named “Honorary Mr. Raider” in 2010. Mr. Studer is a graduate of the University of North Texas and has taught in several North Texas districts. He and his wife, Jessica, an English teacher, have two daughters, Caleigh and Lilly. The Studer family loves traveling together—especially to Disney World.

Ben Cooper is the Associate Director of Bands at Legacy High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, and is entering his fourth year of teaching, having spent two years at McNiel/Rider and the past two years at Legacy/Barwise. A proud graduate of Oklahoma State University, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2022 (Go Pokes!). Over the course of his career, Mr. Cooper has taught middle and high school band, AP Music Theory, piano, and jazz band. This year, he will be teaching middle and high school band, AP Music Theory, guitar, and jazz band. In the inaugural year of Legacy High School, his performing group earned Sweepstakes honors at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation. In addition to teaching, he plays French Horn in the orchestra at First Baptist Church. 

In December, he will celebrate a joyful milestone by getting married. Outside the classroom, Mr. Cooper enjoys traveling, playing video games, staying active, and spending time with his two cats, Cap'n Crunch and Cocoa Puff. He is looking forward to the 2025–2026 school year and the opportunity to inspire students through the joy of music.