Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2012
12
In Conclusion
As directors we are charged with the responsibility
of prioritizing what we do with our ensembles to
ensure successful performances. All of the procedures
and suggestions presented are currently in daily use
by the authors and with positive results. The driving
concept is to make everything we do in rehearsal
relevant and immediately applicable so that students
can connect the fundamentals to the actual content.
Bob Chreste is currently an associate band director at Cedar Park High School
in Cedar Park, TX. His duties included being the primary director of the Symphonic
Band and the Timberwolf Marching Band. Under his direction, the marching band has
won numerous BOA Regional class championships, been a fnalist at the 2010 BOA
Grand National Championships and was named the 2011 UIL 4A State Marching
Band Champion. Before coming to Cedar Park, Bob began is teaching career as an
associate band director at Berkner High School in Richardson, TX. Bob is also in his
ninth year on the brass faculty for the Carolina Crown Drum& Bugle Corps based in
Fort Mill, SC. Bob is also an active drill writer and marching band arranger in Texas
with his own small business, BC Band Solutions. Bob Chreste has an accomplished
performing background as well. In 2001 and 2002, he was the conductor and a
Achieving Maximum Potent ial Wi th Minimal Time: Effect ive Strategies for Marching Band
performer in the Tony and Emmy Award winning musical production, Blast! Prior
to that, Bob marched with the Cadets of Bergen County Drum & Bugle Corps from
1996 through 1998. His educational background includes receiving his Bachelor of
Music Education degree from the University of Houston in 2000 and his Master of
Music degree in Conducting from Sam Houston State University in 2003. While at
Sam Houston State University, Bob was a graduate teaching assistant under the
direction of Matthew McInturf. Bob’s professional affliations include the TMEA, TBA
and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Evan VanDoren began as Assistant Director of Bands at Cedar Park High School
in 2009. He received his Bachelor Degree in Music Edu-cation after graduating with
honors from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2009. While at Butler,
Mr. VanDoren was selected to the Dean’s List, selected as the Jordan College of Fine
Art’s Outstanding Future Music Educator, and selected as one of Butler’s Top 100
Students. While he attended Butler, Mr. VanDoren had the privilege of working with
the state and national champion Avon High School Marching Black and Gold. Mr.
VanDoren “aged-out” of the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 2008, with
eight years of DCI marching experience, including two years as Crown’s head drum
major. He was honored with the Jim Jones Leadership Award in 2007. In 2009 and
2010, he joined the brass instructional faculty at the Carolina Crown, during which
time the corps won its frst Jim Ott Award for Outstanding Brass Performance. Mr.
VanDoren is currently a member of the Madison Scouts Brass Faculty. Since he begun
his involvement at Cedar Park, the marching band has earned a top ten fnish at the
Bands of America Grand National Championships and the 2011 UIL 4A Marching
Band Championship. He is responsible for the Jazz Ensemble and the Concert Band,
both of which consistently receive superior ratings. Professional associations include
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, TMEA and TBA.
Congratulations to 2012
Malcolm Helm Memorial
Endowed Scholarship win-
ner
Stetson Begin
. He is
a senior Music Education
major at the University of
Houston with an intended
graduation in May 2013.
Stetson currently studies clarinet with Randall Griffin,
principal clarinet of the Houston Ballet. At U of H,
he performs with the Wind Ensemble II, under the
direction of Marion West. From 2008 to 2010, Stetson
was a member of the Spirit of Houston Marching Band
under the direction of David Bertman. He also serves
as a Moores School of Music Ambassador bringing
greater awareness to the school through participation
in recruiting events, assistance with auditions, and
communication with potential applicants.
Stetson is a 2008 graduate of College Park High
School in The Woodlands, Texas, and was a drum major
for three years. Stetson is also a current staff member at
the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. He teaches
private clarinet lessons at three campuses in the Conroe
ISD and serves as a marching/visual technician for the
College Park High School Marching Band. During the
summer, he hosts a self-designed leadership camp at
various high schools.
Stetson appreciates all the teachers that have guided
him and have had a significant impact on his life. Their
instruction and encouragement have been monumental
in his success. These teachers include: Mrs. Charlotte
Royall, Mr. John Benzer, Ms. Marion West, Mr. David
Bertman, and Mr. Eddie Green. Additionally, Stetson
thanks all his friends, and most importantly, his family
for their love and support.
Malcolm Helm Scholarship Winner