Meet the Titan Band Directors
(512) 943-5040 ext. 6486
Beginning in 2020, Amanda Blackstone has served as the Head Band Director at Tippit Middle School in Georgetown ISD. Under her direction, the Tippit Middle School Honors Band was named a TMEA Honor Band State Semifinalist in 2024. She also teaches several beginner band classes and assists with the Tippit Middle School Symphonic Band. Previously, she taught in Hutto ISD and Southlake Carroll ISD.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Mrs. Blackstone earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education from Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, she had the privilege of serving as both Assistant and Head Drum Major of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland.
As a music educator, Mrs. Blackstone strives to inspire a lifelong passion for music in her students. Through participation in band, she emphasizes the development of confidence, communication skills, and personal responsibility—qualities that support student success well beyond the classroom.
Mrs. Blackstone is an active member of the Texas Bandmasters Association and the Texas Music Educators Association and has presented clinics at both TBA and TMEA conventions. From 2017 to 2023, she served as Executive Director of Young Band Directors of Texas, a nonprofit organization she founded to build community and reduce burnout among early-career band directors.
When she is not teaching, Mrs. Blackstone enjoys dancing, lifting weights, and spending time outside with her husband and two cute pups. She loves to travel, play her flute, and enjoy live music or sporting events whenever possible.
Wynn Rice serves as the Associate Band Director at James Tippit Middle School. At Tippit, he directs the Symphonic Band, and teaches beginning band classes. Mr. Rice previously taught in Aldine ISD. He is really proud to be in Georgetown ISD, making music with great kids!
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.