Graduate Teaching Assistants Sam Acosta DMA, Trumpet Mr. Samuel Acosta is an accomplished trumpet player and educator born and raised in the Austin area. He began playing trumpet in 2008 and has since built a successful career as both a performer and teacher. Mr. Acosta earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance with a concentration in trumpet from Texas Tech University in 2020, followed by a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at UT Austin under the guidance of Professor Caleb Hudson. Mr. Acosta’s performance experience includes national appearances with collegiate ensembles at venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. He performs regularly with the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra in Colorado and is active as a freelance trumpeter in the Austin area. At UT Austin, he is a frequent performer with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Butler Opera Center. In addition to his performance career, Mr. Acosta has spent the past four years developing a thriving private trumpet studio in the Austin area. His students have achieved recognition in the TMEA All-State process and have earned numerous superior ratings at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble contest. He is excited to spend another year with the Longhorn Band team in roles with the Longhorn Band and the Longhorn Pep Band. Marcus Alvarado DMA, Percussion Marcus Alvarado is a percussionist, arranger, and composer currently based in Austin, Texas. Marcus serves as the Drumline Instructor for The University of Texas Longhorn Marching Band, directs the Longhorn percussion ensemble, and assists with The Longhorn Pep Band. Previously, he was the drumline instructor with The Baylor University Golden Wave Band and has also assisted in instructing the Drumline at the University of North Texas. He is a former member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and Rhythmic Force Indoor Percussion. Marcus completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The University of North Texas, where he was the first recipient of the Christopher Deane Percussion Scholarship and served as the Principal Timpanist of the UNT Symphony Orchestra. Marcus later earned a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from Baylor University. While at Baylor, he was a Teaching Assistant with the Baylor University Golden Wave Band and the Band division. Marcus is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at The University of Texas at Austin. Marcus frequently performs with the Waco Symphony Orchestra and is active both as a soloist, chamber musician, and ensemble performer. With a passion for performance and education, he continues to explore new repertoire, foster collaboration, and inspire audiences through his work. Rachel Marquez MM, Oboe Rachel Marquez is an oboist, educator, and composer based in Austin, Texas. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Oboe Performance at the University of Texas at Austin, where she also earned her Bachelor of Music under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Parker. As a performer, she has played with various ensembles including the UT Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and the New Music Ensemble. She has collaborated in many chamber groups and worked as a substitute oboist with ensembles such as the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra and the Round Top Festival Institute Orchestra. In summer 2023, she attended the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, further broadening her performance experience. She currently serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Longhorn Marching Band and as Band Librarian for the UT Wind Ensemble. Outside her university roles and academic pursuits, she maintains a developing private oboe studio, primarily teaching in the Austin area. In addition to her classical work, Rachel is also a songwriter and composer, creating original music in the indie rock and indie pop genres. Rachel brings curiosity, versatility, and a collaborative spirit to each project she undertakes, and she continues to explore new ways to connect with audiences both as a performer and educator. William Paladino DMA, Trumpet Will Paladino is a versatile trumpet player and dedicated music educator whose work bridges the worlds of performance and pedagogy. He holds a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music and a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Memphis. As a performer, Will plays professionally in musical theater productions, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, orchestras and more. Will prides himself in his versatility and range of styles. Will is also a passionate educator. He has taught middle school band, led private trumpet studios, and served as a teaching assistant at UT Austin, where he works with the Longhorn Band and co-directs the UT Longhorn Jazz Band. Maja Pechanach MM, Clarinet A native of Sussex, Wisconsin, Maja Pechanach (she/her) is entering her first year of her masters degree in Clarinet Performance at the University of Texas at Austin, studying under Professor Jonathan Gunn. She most recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance with a minor in German Studies from the University of Michigan under the mentorship of Dan Gilbert and Chad Burrow. While in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance, she performed with the Symphony Band, Concert Band, and University Philharmonia Orchestras under the direction of Jason Fettig, Michael Haithcock, Dr. Courtney Snyder, and Jayce Ogren. Maja was also a four-year member of the Michigan Marching Band, serving as the clarinet section leader for two years. She also was a member of the Fanfare Band, a smaller group of MMB students that represented the band in outside gigs, for three years, including being the conductor for one. Maja’s passion for teaching extends past her role in the marching band. She served as a teaching artist through the MSTARS program, giving band students at a Title One middle school in the Ann Arbor area free private and group lessons. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education and has participated in Michigan Collegiate NAFME events under the guidance of Dr. Colleen Conway. As a member of the Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, she has spread her love of music by serving both the Michigan Marching Band and band students throughout Southeast Michigan. Aside from clarinet studies, Maja has performed with student-led musical groups, most recently playing Reed 1 in The Hunchback of Notre Dame with MUSKET. She has also performed on Tenor Saxophone with the Blue Bop Jazz Orchestra and teaches piano lessons in her spare time. Maja is incredibly excited to continue her marching band career with the Longhorn Band in their 126th year. Go Blue, and Hook Em! Cody Ray DMA, Wind Conducting Cody Ray is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at the University of Texas where he studies with Prof. Jerry Junkin and serves as a Teaching Assistant for the University of Texas Bands. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (‘18) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, AL under the mentorship of Dr. Sue Samuels, Dr. Gene Fambrough, Dr. Cara Morantz, and Dr. Sean Murray, and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from the University of South Carolina (’24) studying under Dr. Cormac Cannon, Dr. Jay Jacobs, and Dr. Quintus Wrighten. Before graduate study, Cody served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Cairo High School in Cairo, GA from 2020-2022. Before coming to Cairo, he also served as Director of Bands at Sipsey Valley High/Middle School from 2019-2020 and Director of Bands at Sulligent High School from 2018-2019. During his time at UAB, he maintained an active performing career by performing with the UAB Wind Symphony, UAB Percussion Ensemble, the Sound of the Magic City, UAB Steel Band, and the UAB Pep Band. Throughout his professional career, he has emphasized his growth as a musician and conductor through active participation in conducting workshops and private lessons. Through these experiences, Cody has studied with Dr. Emily Threinen, Dr. Robert Carnochan, Dr. Jamie Nix, Dr. Kevin Sedatole, Professor Michael Haithcock, Dr. Damon Talley, Professor Craig Kirchhoff, Dr. Scott Boerma, Professor Jerry Junkin, Dr. Alexander Jiménez and Col. Thomas Palmatier. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, and the National Band Association. Alec Rodriguez DMA, Wind Conducting Alec Rodriguez is a conductor and music educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Band Conducting degree at the University of Texas at Austin, where he serves as a Graduate Assistant with the University Bands. In this role, he assists with all aspects of the wind band program, including conducting, ensemble administration, and undergraduate teaching support, while continuing to develop his scholarship and artistry. Prior to his doctoral studies, Rodriguez served as the Associate Director of Instrumental Music at Clovis High School in Clovis, California from 2022 to 2025. There, he conducted the Symphonic Band and String Orchestra, led all aspects of the percussion program, and was responsible for logistical operations including instrument inventory, transportation management, and facility coordination. From 2019 to 2022, he taught at Independence High School in Bakersfield, California, where he directed the Symphonic Band, led the school’s competitive marching band, and served as Director of the Indoor Percussion Ensemble, guiding the group to a first-place finish at the 2022 WGI Merced Regional in Open Class. Rodriguez earned his Master of Arts in Music – Conducting from California State University, Fresno, studying under Dr. Gary P. Gilroy and Steven McKeithen. He served as a graduate assistant with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Bulldog Marching Band while teaching full-time, graduating with distinction and a 4.0 GPA. He also holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the same institution. A passionate advocate for student-centered music-making, Rodriguez believes in cultivating rehearsal spaces that promote musical expression, technical excellence, and emotional authenticity. His educational philosophy is rooted in the idea that every ensemble, regardless of level, deserves thoughtful and intentional music-making experiences. He is deeply committed to building inclusive, well-rounded music programs that empower students to discover their musical identities while engaging with a diverse range of repertoire and perspectives. In the marching arts, Rodriguez is a sought-after educator and consultant. He is currently the Front Ensemble Coordinator for Blue Devils B Drum and Bugle Corps, where he oversees instructional design, staffing, and pedagogy for the front ensemble. He has also served as a front ensemble consultant with Red Wave Indoor Percussion and previously taught with Golden Empire Drum and Bugle Corps and Bakersfield College Indoor Percussion. Rodriguez’s research interests center on expanding the wind band repertoire to reflect diverse cultural and personal identities, with a particular focus on elevating LGBTQIA+ voices in composition and programming. His long-term goal is to serve as a Director of Bands or Music Education at the collegiate level, where he can merge conducting, pedagogy, scholarship, and advocacy to influence the next generation of music educators. Jimmy Santos-Rivera MM, Wind Conducting Jimmy Santos-Rivera (he,him) is pursuing his Master’s in Music in Wind Conducting and serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas at Austin. In this position, he assists with conducting and administrating the university’s concert bands, athletic bands and conducting courses. Santos earned his Bachelor’s in Arts in Music Education with a minor in percussion from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. His birthplace, upbringing, and career has been developed in the island. Prior to moving to Austin he worked eight years in the Department of Education with a teaching position in the Escuela Especializada en Bellas Artes Pablo Casals. There he taught concert band, percussion and music theory. He served as a substitute player in the percussion section of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, section percussion player in the Puerto Rico Wind Symphony and Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2019, Santos enlisted as a member of the 248th Army Band in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Currently serving as a percussion player in the marching band, jazz and latin music ensemble, brass ensemble and principal conductor in the concert band. Some of his mentors include: Carlos Ávila, Eddy Marcano, Karlo Flores and Carmen Acevedo. Colton Townsend DMA, Percussion Colton Townsend is a composer, performer, and educator based in Austin, Texas. Colton’s compositions and arrangements have been premiered by the UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee Percussion Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee New Music Ensemble, University of Arkansas Wind Ensemble, University of Arkansas Percussion Ensemble, Bentonville High School Jazz Ensemble, Fayetteville High School Percussion Ensemble. As a performer, Colton has multiple years of Winter Guard International and Drum Corps International experience at both the Open and World Class levels and has premiered dozens of new compositions for percussion. His teaching experience includes Teaching Assistantships at both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Texas at Austin, where he is currently studying. His teaching experience also includes Westlake High School, Bentonville High School, Fayetteville High School, and Cooper Elementary School. His festival and conference activity includes New Music on the Point, Vu Symposium, SPLICE Summer Institute, June in Buffalo, Du Vert À l’Infini PluComp, highSCORE, and Nief-Norf summer festivals. He enjoys exploring new ideas all the different facets of music and strives to create fun and entertaining experiences for the artists, audiences, and students he interacts with. Colton is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Percussion Performance at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Master’s of Music with a dual concentration in Composition and Theory and Percussion Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he received the Distinguished Graduate Student Fellowship Award for the final year of his degree. He earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from the University of Arkansas, where he also earned numerous awards and graduated as a Fulbright College Highest Distinction Scholar. Emily Warren DMA, Wind Conducting Emily Warren attends the University of Texas at Austin, where she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Wind Conducting. As a teaching assistant, she works with the university’s athletic and concert bands, assisting with administrative duties and conducting the ensembles. Additionally, she teaches courses in conducting and wind band literature. Prior to her graduate studies, Emily lived in Massachusetts where she spent four years as a public school music educator. She is a specialist in electroacoustic repertoire for wind ensemble and has been invited to present her research internationally. Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Kansas, where she studied under the direction of Dr. Paul Popiel. She is an active member of various professional music organizations, including CBDNA, TMEA, IGEB, and is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi.
