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Welcome to the Danforth Junior High Band Website!
We're proud to be part of the Wimberley ISD tradition of musical excellence. This site is your go-to resource for everything related to the Danforth Band program — handbooks, forms, and student resources. Whether you're a student, parent, or supporter, we’re glad you’re here and excited for a great year of music-making together!
About the Directors
Mrs. Daniels - Head Band Director
Amanda.Daniels@Wimberleyisd.netAmanda Daniels is thrilled to begin her first year as Director of Bands at Danforth Junior High in Wimberley ISD. With more than 12 years of experience as a Texas band director, she brings a deep commitment to musical excellence, student leadership, and program growth.
Most recently, Ms. Daniels served as Head Band Director at Chapa Middle School in Hays CISD. Under her leadership, the program earned six UIL Sweepstakes Awards, a UIL Sightreading Award, and top honors including “Best in Class” and “Best Overall” at the 2024 TMF Music Festival. Her percussion ensemble was selected as a TMEA Invited Ensemble in 2024, and one of her students will perform at Carnegie Hall in 2025 as part of the Honors Performance Series. The Chapa band also saw a 22% increase in enrollment and a 40% rise in All-Region participation.
Before Chapa, she taught at Sam Houston Middle School (Irving ISD), O'Banion Middle School (Garland ISD), and Tolar High School. In each role, she led ensembles to UIL success and helped build lasting, student-centered band cultures.
Ms. Daniels holds a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Music in All-Level Instrumental Music from the University of Texas at Brownsville. Her accolades include winning the UTB Concerto Competition and the Bar Harbor Brass Week Competition. She has mentored seven student teachers from Texas State University and hosted the Region 18 Zone 1 All-District Auditions for four years.
Outside the band hall, Amanda enjoys ceramics, lifting weights, swimming, paddle boarding, and video games. She lives in San Marcos with her husband and their three beloved pets: cats Nitro and Helles, and their dog Deacon. She’s proud to join the Wimberley community and looks forward to making music with the Danforth band family.
Mr. Rieschling - Percussion/Assistant Band Director
Kory.Rieschling@Wimberleyisd.netKory Reischling is a musician and educator in the Texas hill country. He holds a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Studies from Texas State University. He will be entering his sixth year of teaching and was formerly the assistant band director at Goodnight Middle School in San Marcos, Texas. Before that he was the assistant band director and percussion director at Sanger High School in Sanger, Texas. He has experience teaching 6th-12th grade percussion, beginner flute, saxophone, horn, and low brass, and conducting high school and middle school non-varsity bands.
Mr. Reischling has performed in many ensembles during his education, notably the Texas State Wind Symphony and Rhythmic Force Percussion (WGI) where he played on the marimba line. The knowledge that he has gained from these ensembles has lead him to effectively prepare his students for concerts and contests. During his time teaching he has had many percussionists make the region band, has received high rankings in marching percussion, and his percussion ensembles have consistently received superior ratings at both the local and state level.
During his free time, Kory enjoys traveling and experiencing nature with his fiancé Reagan. He can often be found working with his hands on projects ranging from housework, to car maintenance, to guitar repair. The most important things to him are his friends, family, and pets.
Mr. Reischling is professionally affiliated with the Percussive Arts Society, the Texas Music Educators Association, the Association of Texas Small School Bands, and the Texas Bandmasters Association. He proudly holds an educator endorsement with Vic Firth and Zildjian.
Mr. Apolinar - Wimberley High School Band Director
Adam.Apolinar@Wimberleyisd.netAdam Apolinar is proud to begin his first year at Wimberley High School, bringing with him over a decade of experience in music education. A graduate of the Baylor University School of Music, Mr. Apolinar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in percussion.
Now in his 11th year of teaching, Mr. Apolinar plays an integral role in the Wimberley band program. His responsibilities include conducting and leading sectionals, directing the Jazz Band, supporting the visual ensembles, and maintaining the marching band. The 2025 season is already off to a strong start with a performance at the annual 4th of July Parade and preparations well underway for the upcoming marching season.
Before joining the WHS staff, Mr. Apolinar taught at Veterans Memorial High School, where his Indoor Concert Percussion Ensemble competed in both TCGC and WGI circuits—winning 4 out of 5 contests, including a State Championship through WGI. He has led numerous students to the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest, with many earning First Division ratings at the state level.
Mr. Apolinar also spent three years assisting with the high school bands while maintaining the Danforth Junior High program. Under his guidance, the Danforth Band earned three consecutive UIL Sweepstakes Awards and launched a thriving Jazz Band. From beginner concerts to UIL performances, his time at DJH helped lay a strong foundation for the current program.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Apolinar is an active performer and clinician. He has played with local community bands, performed at Baylor University’s “Clarinet Day,” and participated in multiple “Tuba Christmas” ensembles. He also volunteers as a percussion specialist during Region Clinic weekends.
In his free time, Mr. Apolinar enjoys cooking, playing board games, and disc golfing with his wife and their friends. He looks forward to continuing to serve and support the Wimberley music community at the high school level.
Resources
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