Private Lesson Staff

Why Private Lessons?

Private lessons are a powerful way for students to grow as musicians and support the Bronco Band. These weekly one-on-one sessions offer focused instruction, advanced material, and personalized challenges not always possible in a full band class. Students build confidence, improve their skills, and deepen their understanding of their instrument.

Where and When?

We strive to make private lessons as convenient as possible for both students and parents. Private lessons are offered during band classes, before school, and after school, with scheduling coordinated based on the availability of both the student and the private teacher. A band director will assist in organizing lesson times. The Denton ISD–approved rate for private lessons is $20 per 30-minute session.

Kaitlyn Ritter, Flute

Kaitlyn Ritter is a dedicated flutist, an expressive performer, and an inspiring educator with a wide-ranging background in orchestral, chamber, and solo repertoire. Most recently, she performed as Principal Flute in the Aspen Choir and Orchestra productions of Lamb of God and Messiah and advanced to the final round for the Flute 3/Piccolo audition with the North Carolina Salisbury Orchestra. In 2024, she performed with the BYU Flute Choir at the National Flute Association Convention and served as a judge for the Pleasant Grove High School Solo and Ensemble Festival. She has held principal and co-principal positions with the BYU Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras, including a concert with guest artist Itzhak Perlman and a European tour through the Czech Republic, Austria, and Italy. Kaitlyn also recorded principal flute on The National Parks’ Orchestral Album and contributed to the Student Emmy-winning BYU animated short film The Witch’s Cat.

Kaitlyn is an active contributor to the music education community. She maintains a private flute studio where she teaches students ages 5 to 83, emphasizing individualized instruction and comprehensive musicianship. Her students have earned top honors at state competitions, including first prize in the 2025 Utah Flute Association Sonata Competition and superior ratings at the Utah State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Kaitlyn has also worked as a flute sectional coach at high schools across Utah and North Carolina, and in 2025, she served as a judge for the Utah Flute Association’s Sonata Competition at Westminster College.

A recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, Kaitlyn was named First Place Winner in the Dixie State Woodwind Competition, First Chair in the All-State Band, and a Concerto Competition Winner with the Lyceum Philharmonic Symphony. Her recording with the Lyceum Philharmonic on the Simple Gifts album reached #7 on the Billboard charts. She was also awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Interlochen Summer Music Camp, where she studied with leading artists including Alexa Still and performed in a high-level ensemble setting. She has consistently earned top honors in competitions throughout her academic career, including multiple solo and ensemble festivals and national-level auditions.

With a passion for both teaching and performing, Kaitlyn currently teaches flute privately in Denton, Texas, where she helps students develop confidence, artistry, and technical mastery. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering a love of music through thoughtful practice, individualized guidance, and a nurturing, goal-oriented environment.

Kaitlyn Ritter is currently pursuing a master’s degree in flute performance at the University of North Texas, where she studies with Terri Sundberg. She received her bachelor’s degree in flute performance on scholarship at Brigham Young University, where she studied with Dr. April Clayton and Christina Castellanos.. When she is not practicing, performing, or teaching, she enjoys running and playing the piano.

Wesley Wynn, Clarinet / Bass Clarinet

Mr. Wynn comes to us as a recent graduate from the University of North Texas, graduating with a degree in Music Education. While at UNT, he performed with the grammy nominated North Texas Wind Symphony, the UNT Concert Orchestra and was an inaugural member of the UNT Czech Dechovka Band on Eb clarinet. He has taught lessons in the DFW area for two years now and his students have been selected for admittance to the UNT College of Music and for top ensembles within their school programs. During his free time, Mr. Wynn enjoys hiking the US National Parks, spending time with friends and drinking lots of coffee!

Isabellé Carson, Saxophone

Isabellé Carson is a Master's student at the University of North Texas. She is studying for her M.M. in Saxophone Performance with a minor in Wind Band Conducting. After she concludes her degree at the University of North Texas, she plans on continuing her education at the University of North Texas for a D.M.A. in Saxophone Performance. Carson has been seen performing not only in the United States but also globally. She has performed in New York City, Brazil, and numerous other locations worldwide. Carson is known for their teaching methods to be kind but motivating. Carson strives to push each student to their highest with fostering a love for music.

Sheryl Ann, Horn

Sheryl Ann Cason is an accomplished French horn player and passionate music educator with 60 years of experience performing and teaching. She earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Horn Performance from University of North Texas and has performed with a variety of ensembles including the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, UNT Orchestra and Band, TAMU-Commerce Wind Ensemble, Garland Summer Musicals, and notable groups such as Mannheim Steamroller.

Before joining the band staff at Denton High School, she taught privately and worked with middle and high school programs across North Texas, helping young musicians develop strong fundamentals and a lifelong love for music. Her teaching style focuses on building confidence, musicianship, and technical skill in every student.

When she’s not in the classroom or rehearsal hall, Sheryl enjoys performing, mentoring fellow horn players, and supporting the vibrant music community in North Texas.

Brooklyn Davis, Trumpet

Brooklyn Davis has spent the last 3 years teaching private lessons in Denton ISD, going into her 4th year of teaching. She is pursuing a Music Education degree at the University of North Texas, having performed in the Brass Band and Wind Ensemble studying trumpet with Dr. Raquel Samayoa. She has performed in various ensembles, including the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, National Trumpet Competition, and St. Marks Brass Ensemble. She marched the 2022 season of Drum Corps International with Santa Clara Vanguard and the 2023-2024 seasons with Carolina Crown as a lead player, small ensemble/soloist, and section leader. She was a field technician for the 2023 Denton High School Marching Band, as well as the 2024 Flower Mound High School Marching Band, going into her second year with Flower Mound High School. She has a background in Classical, Jazz, and Baroque playing.

Thomas Spencer, Trombone / Euphonium

Thomas Spencer is a trombonist from League City, Texas. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of North Texas (UNT), where he studies with Professors Tony Baker and Steven Menard. At UNT, he performs with the Wind Symphony, the Trombone Consortium, and the Symphony Orchestra.

For the past two summers, Thomas has been awarded a trombone fellowship at the Texas Music Festival (TMF), where he studied with members of the Houston Symphony brass section and performed under a variety of distinguished conductors. He has also participated in summer programs such as the Pokorny Low Brass Seminar and the DC Trombone Workshop.

In addition to performing, Thomas has been teaching private trombone lessons at Denton High School for the past three years. He has also given lessons and masterclasses in the Houston area when in town. His students have achieved success at the All-State, Jazz All-State, and Area levels in the region band process, and have been accepted into music programs at institutions such as the University of Houston and the University of Texas.

Joan Martinez, Tuba

Joan Martinez is the Tuba and Euphonium instructor of Denton High School. He is an experienced educator teaching lessons and masterclasses all over the DFW Metroplex. He is currently earning his Bachelor degree in Music at the University of North Texas. During his time at UNT, he has studied Trombone under Professor Tony Baker and Dr. Timothy Owner. Joan has played with several UNT ensembles as well as take professional gigs all over DFW. Joan is also a Brass instructor in Fort Worth ISD and Low Brass Instructor in Plano ISD. On his free time, he loves to cook, play chess and is an aspiring grill master.