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.

Hyungju Oh, Oboe

Hyungju Oh is pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of North Texas under the guidance of Jung Choi. She is also a substitute with various professional orchestras in Texas, including the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra.

Fiona Theriault, Bassoon

Fiona Theriault is a bassoonist studying at the University of North Texas to pursue her B.M in bassoon performance, with a minor in marketing. During her time at North Texas, Fiona has studied with Dr. Darrel Hale, and has performed with various groups such as the Wind Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pit and her Wind Quintet- The Crimsonettes. Over the last 3 years, Fiona has taught students throughout the DFW metroplex, from middle through high school. She’s worked with students to improve their playing abilities along with their reed making abilities. In March of 2025, Fiona competed in and was named a finalist in the IDRS Mid-South Eric Varner Young Artist competition. She was also a soloist at the Collaborative Piano Institute during the summer of 2024. In her free time, Fiona enjoys going line dancing and has started learning the baroque bassoon!

Stoney Shelton, Clarinet / Bass Clarinet

Stoney Shelton is a clarinetist and musician based in North Texas, known for a disciplined approach to practice and a deeply expressive musical voice. With a strong commitment to technical precision and artistic clarity, he spends extensive time refining his craft and exploring a wide range of repertoire. He is currently principal clarinetist of the Longview Symphony and the New Texas Sinfonia based in Tyler, Texas and has performed with the Texarkana Symphony, The North Texas Symphony Orchestra, the East Texas Chamber Winds, and is active in performing in churches in the Frisco area.

Alongside his work as a performer, Stoney is a passionate educator, working with students of varying levels to develop strong fundamentals, musical confidence, and individual artistry. His teaching emphasizes both technical excellence and thoughtful musicianship, encouraging students to engage deeply with the instrument while building a flexible and expressive sound. He has been teaching privately going on six years, and has throughly enjoyed his time being a positive influence in many students lives. 

Stoney received a Bachelors of Music in Instrumental Music Education with a Texas Teaching Certification from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Masters of Music in Music Performance from the University of North Texas. 

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.

Michelle Flowers, Low Brass

Michelle Flowers is an avid trombonist who has performed nationally and internationally in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany with a wide variety of ensembles ranging from opera and musical theater orchestras to jazz ensembles and even a circus band.  She performs widely throughout the DFW area and has been invited to perform around the country. 

In 2025, she made her Canadian debut premiering Charles Shadle’s Choctaw Sonata at the International Trombone Festival.  A regular presenter and performer at conferences and masterclasses across the country, she has performed at the International Trombone Festival as a performing artist member of the Cramer Choir and the International Women’s Trombone Choir, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the National Association of Winds and Percussion Association, and TMEA.  She writes a regular column for the ITA journal, Perspectives in Longevity, which puts her in contact with top trombonists from around the world.  With over a decade of experience, she has taught low brass on every level from beginner to Master’s degree and many of her students have gone on to professional musical careers.  She currently teaches at TCCD and has previously taught at TWU and SOSU. 

Michelle holds a Master’s and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas and received a Bachelor’s degree with University and Latin Honors from Brigham Young University.  When not making music, she is usually walking or hiking with her golden retriever.

Ryan Blankenship, Percussion

Ryan Blankenship is an American percussionist, performer, and educator based out of Denton, TX. He is currently a third-year student at the University of North Texas, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education.

In the fall of 2023, Ryan served as the Percussion Instructor at Valley View High School, where he imparted his knowledge on the marching and concert bands. As a private lesson teacher, Ryan has guided his students to multiple accomplishments, ranging from making the all-region band to a position in the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps. Additionally, Ryan served as a drumline technician for the UNT Green Brigade in the fall of 2023.

Ryan's Drum Corps journey began with the Casper Troopers in 2022 and continued into the 2023 season as the Drumline Section Leader. Ryan is currently a performer with the Santa Clara Vanguard for the 2024 season.

Ryan's performance experience extends beyond the marching arts into classical and chamber ensembles. He is currently a member of the UNT Symphony Orchestra, beginning in 2023. Ryan has previously been a part of the UNT Opera and performed in the UNT Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Paul Rennick.