Amanda Blackstone is the Director of Bands at James Tippit Middle School. In this role, she directs the Tippit Middle School Honors Band and teaches beginning band classes. This is her 6th year as a band director. Before coming to Georgetown ISD, Mrs. Blackstone taught in Hutto ISD and Southlake Carroll ISD. She is excited beyond measure to grow and serve with these wonderful students!

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Mrs.Blackstone went to Texas Tech University where she majored in Music Education. While at Tech, she had the honor of serving as head drum major in the Goin' Band from Raiderland. She is currently working on earning a masters degree in Music Education through distance learning with Texas Tech.

When she is not teaching, Mrs. Blackstone enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and dog. She also enjoys trying new recipes at home and practicing and performing on her flute.

Her professional affiliations include: the Texas Bandmasters Association and the Texas Music Educators Association. Amanda Blackstone is the founder and executive director of Young Band Directors of Texas, a nonprofit organization that works to provide community and reduce burnout in young directors.

Contact information

Amanda Blackstone

blackstonea@georgetownisd.org

512-943-5000 x6486

Wynn Rice is the Associate Band Director at James Tippit Middle School. At Tippit, he directs the Symphonic Band, and teaches beginning band classes. Mr. Rice is beginning his 5th year of teaching, having previously worked in Aldine ISD in Houston, Texas. He is incredibly excited to start working and growing with the Titan Band!

Mr. Rice grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Bowling Green State University where he majored in Music Education with a focus on Instrumental Music. At BGSU, he had the opportunity to perform with multiple groups, including the Falcon Marching Band, Jazz Lab Band, and Wind Symphony. For the past two years, Mr. Rice has been attending The University of Texas at Austin where he earned his Master’s Degree in Music and Human Learning, while also teaching low brass lessons in the Georgetown and Round Rock areas.

Outside of the band hall, Mr. Rice enjoys reading, cooking, practicing his trombone, and keeping up with sports, mostly football and hockey.

He is also a member of the Texas Music Educators Association.

Contact information

Wynn Rice

ricea@georgetownisd.org

512-943-5000 x6486

Andrew Blezinger serves as Associate Director of Bands and Percussion Director for East View High School in the Georgetown Independent School District. He is beginning his 9th year as a percussion instructor/director and is very excited to be joining the GISD team!

Mr. Blezinger grew up in Sulphur Springs, Tx and received his Bachelor's in Music Education from Texas A&M University at Commerce. While in school he performed with the 'Pride" Marching Band, The "Panimation" Steele Drum Band, Wind Symphony, and the Brazilian and chamber percussion ensembles. Outside of school, Mr Blezinger was a front ensemble member of Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps (2004-2006) and Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps (2007-2008). As a teacher, Mr Blezinger served as the assistant percussion instructor for Sherman High School, where the band made the UIL State Marching Band finals in 2011, and has served as the director of percussion at Little Elm, Ranchview and Arlington High School since 2012. While teaching, he has been able to perform as a church percussionist, a member of the Metropolitan Winds, and member of the Nebulas cast (an electronic-percussion-theater group in Wichita Falls during the summer of 2012) as well as adjudicate in the DFW area.

While not teaching or performing, Mr Blezinger enjoys riding his bike and spending time with his wife and puppy as they find great places to hike, enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals, and cheering on his favorite sports teams (GO RANGERS, COWBOYS, STARS and SPURS!!).

Mr Blezinger serves on the Health and Wellness Committee for the Percussive Arts Society and holds affiliations with TMEA, PAS, and Salyers Percussion.

Contact:

blezingera@georgetownisd.org