You won't remember everyone in your math class, but you'll remember every member of your band program.
Music leaves an imprint on you that will last the rest of your life.
Ryan Demkovich is the newly appointed Director of Bands at Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. Most recently, Ryan spent five years as Director of Bands at Stephen F. Austin High School in Fort Bend ISD. In his time at SFA, the band was a consistent Bands of America Regional and Super Regional Finalist and consistently qualified for the UIL State Marching Band Contest. He was also fortunate enough direct the SFA Symphony Orchestra at the 2018 Midwest Band and OrchestrClinic and conduct the SFA Percussion Ensemble at the 2021 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.
Ryan is originally from Jenison, Michigan and received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Michigan University. He moved to Houston in 2007 to attend the University of Houston where he received a Master’s Degree in Conducting and had the privilege to study under David Bertman, Eddie Green, John Benzer, and Tom Bennett.
Ryan marched in the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps in 2003 and was a 2-time World Champion when he marched with the Cavaliers from 2004-2006. His drum corps experience continued with the Cavaliers Brass Staff from 2007-2009 and then he spent the last 13 years as a visual instructor at the Santa Clara Vanguard. Ryan is also on the faculty of SASI - The Leadership People and is an active adjudicator for Bands of America and UIL. Ryan currently resides in Houston, Texas with his fiancé Cyndi and his dog Biscuit. He spends his free time as a season ticket holder for the Houston Rockets, doing Crossfit, and enjoying Houston’s amazing culinary scene.
Philip Aaron Gantt is a native of Wagener, SC. He has seventeen years teaching experience. For the last four years he has been the director of bands at Lexington high school. Prior to his tenure at Lexington Mr. Gantt was an Associate Director at Rouse High School (Leander, TX) from 2015-2018, Director of Bands at Spartanburg High School (Spartanburg, SC) 2009-2015, and an Associate Director at Spartanburg High School from 2005-2009. He received his Masters of Music in Education from the University of South Carolina in 2005 and Bachelor’s of Music in Education from Furman University in 2003. His primary instrument is the Saxophone and his teachers have included Dr. Cliff Leaman, Dr. Matt Olson, and Sam Skelton. His ensembles have received consistent superior ratings at SCBDA and UIL marching and concert events. In addition to his band director duties Mr. Gantt is active in the WGI and DCI communities. Currently he is part of the color guard staff for the Boston Crusaders. When he is not busy doing band Mr. Gantt likes to lay down and hang out with his cats, Alfredo, Lana, and Jezebel.
The feeling when you walk off the field after leaving everything on it, is the moment you realize you are capable of things bigger than yourself.
Mr. Barker is a recent graduate of the University of Houston, earning a Bachelors in Music Education, studying with David Bertman, Cory Meals, Dana Pradervand, Cameron Kubos, and Mark Hughes. During his time at UH, Mr. Barker was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. He also taught at several schools in the area including The Woodlands, and Friendswood High School as a marching technician. Mr. Barker was also a member of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps as a trumpet player from 2016-2018 and is now on the brass staff, and serves as the corps production assistant with the design team.
Outside of teaching, Mr. Barker is an active composer and arranger. He also enjoys taking walks with his rescue dog Lucy, and finding the next terrible Netflix series. Mr. Barker’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. He is excited to begin his first year of teaching at Pearland High School in the fall!
Jordan Barker
Associate Band Director
Practice does not make perfect;
Perfect practice makes perfect.
Clay Jasper is the Director of Percussion for Pearland High School and it’s four feeder schools – Alexander, Sablatura, PJHE and PJHW. Mr. Jasper’s duties include teaching all high school percussion classes, Indoor Drumline, Percussion ensembles, 6th grade beginner percussion, overseeing junior high percussion, as well as Conducting the PHS Cadet Band in the Spring for UIL Concert/Sightreading. Mr. Jasper began his percussion education career in 2008 and has enjoyed a successful career including WGI World Class Indoor Drumlines, State Marching Band Finals, and performing on stage at the Midwest Clinic. Mr. Jasper has lived in Pearland since 2016 with his wife Kimberly, daughters Eisley and Leila, and absolutely loves being part of the Pearland community.
Clay Jasper endorses Salyers Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Ludwig/Musser.
We are excited to announce Jacoby Taylor as the Pride of Pearland Color Guard Director, we can't wait to learn more about him! Stay Tuned.