Kelly Wykoff – Director of Bands – wykoffk@friscoisd.org
Ms. Kelly Wykoff is in her 14th year of teaching in Frisco ISD. She directs the marching band, conducts the Wind Ensemble, and directs Jazz Ensemble 1. The Lebanon Trail High School Band is a consistent Texas UIL “Sweepstakes” Winner and finalist in local marching competitions. In 2019, the marching band advanced to the 5A State Marching Contest, achieving 8th place overall. In 2018, the Lebanon Trail Wind Symphony was named “Runner-Up” in the Texas Music Educators Association 4A Honor Band Contest. Before she came to Lebanon Trail, she served for 8 years as Associate Director at Centennial High School in Frisco. During her tenure at Centennial, Ms. Wykoff’s non-varsity and sub non-varsity bands achieved consistent Sweepstakes ratings.
Originally from San Antonio, Ms. Wykoff graduated with a degree in Music Education with a concentration in trumpet from Texas Tech University. During her time at Texas Tech, she performed with the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Goin’ Band from Raiderland, and Court Jesters basketball band. In the summer of 2007, she performed with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.
Ms. Wykoff is also an active drill writer, adjudicator and clinician in the North Texas area. She resides in Plano with her husband Mark, and their three cats, Murphy, Marbles, and Arroyo.
Matthew Schaul – Associate Director of Bands – schaulm@friscoisd.org
Mr. Matthew Schaul is proud to serve as the Associate Director of Bands at Lebanon Trail High School. His duties include conducting the Symphonic Winds and Concert Band, as well as instructing the wind section and leading the visual fundamentals program for the Trail Blazer Marching Band. The Trail Blazer Marching Band has been named Grand Champion of several regional marching contests and performed in the 2019 and 2021 5A State Marching Contest, finishing in 8th place in 2019. Mr. Schaul’s concert bands achieve consistent Superior ratings at the UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest. Additionally, the Lebanon Trail High School Symphonic Winds were named a 2019 Citation of Excellence Winner. Prior to his appointment at Lebanon Trail High School, Mr. Schaul served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Richardson High School in Richardson, TX and student taught in Birdville ISD at Haltom High School with Greg Hull and North Oaks Middle School with Tony Smith.
Mr. Schaul holds a Master of Music in Music Education from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor’s degree of Music Education from Texas Christian University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. During his time at SMU, he studied with Lynne Jackson, Frank Troyka, Dr. Jack Delaney, Dr. Sarah Allen, and Dr. Tom Tunks. While at TCU, he served as Drum Major of the Horned Frog Marching Band for two years and conducted at the 2011 Poinsettia Bowl and the 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Mr. Schaul performed in the TCU Wind Symphony under the direction of Bobby Francis, the TCU Symphonic Band under Brian Youngblood, and the TCU Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble under Richard Murrow.
Mr. Schaul performed with the 2010 and 2011 Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps from Denver, CO, serving as the tuba section leader during the 2011 season. He also performed with the 2015 Blue Devils International Corps as a member of the tuba section. This ensemble, composed of 97 recent performers of the 19-time world champion Blue Devils and over eight other world class corps, traveled and performed throughout several countries in Europe, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Switzerland. The culmination of this tour was a two-week residence at the Basel Tattoo, the second-largest tattoo festival in the world.
Mr. Schaul has served on the staff of the TCU Music & Leadership Experience Summer Band Camp for the past nine years. For the past seven years, he served on the camp instructional staff as one of the leadership directors, all of whom were former TCU Drum Majors.
Mr. Schaul’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Mikayla Probst – Associate Director of Bands – probstmi@friscoisd.org
Ms. Mikayla Probst serves as Associate Director of Bands at Lebanon Trail High School. Prior to her appointment at Lebanon Trail, she student taught in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD at Colleyville Heritage High School with Gary Barnard and Colleyville Middle School with Lauren Jones.
A native of Frisco, Ms. Probst graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Christian University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During her time at TCU, she served as Drum Major of the TCU Horned Frog Marching Band for one year, Flute section leader for two years and Vice President of Membership for Kappa Kappa Psi for one year. She was also a Finalist for the TCU Concerto Competition in 2018. Ms. Probst performed in the TCU Wind Symphony under Bobby Francis, the TCU Flute Choir under Dr. Shauna Thompson, and the TCU Steel Band under Dr. Brian West and Mr. Jeffery Hodge. Her notable performances with the TCU Wind Symphony include the ABA Convention in 2017, the CBDNA Convention in 2019, and the TMEA Clinic and Convention in 2020.
Ms. Probst has served on the staff of the TCU Band and Leadership Experience Summer Band Camp for three years. She was also a main instructor for the Centro Fox Flute and Trombone Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico in 2019.
Ms. Probst’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi.
Benji Baker – Percussion Director – bakerbe@friscoisd.org
Mr. Benji Baker is an active performer, educator, and arranger in the percussive community throughout United States and Internationally. His performance career has seen multiple appearances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) with various ensembles and as a participant in the marching competition. His arrangements have been performed by numerous ensembles across the United States, including clients such as the University of North Texas Green Brigade and various successful high school band programs nationwide.
Mr. Baker’s drum corps experience began at the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2009-11) and continued with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2012-15). He served as section leader for both ensembles and performed with SCV at PASIC in both 2012 and 2015. After aging out he served on staff with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps as a front ensemble technician. Additionally he has served as front ensemble caption head and music designer for Roots Percussion Independent. He is currently the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Music City Drum and Bugle Corps from Nashville, TN.
In recent years, Mr. Baker joined the cast of the Tony and Emmy Award winning Broadway Show, “Blast!” (www.blasttheshow.com) He has performed three tours in Japan with the company as “Percussion Swing” with regularly sold out crowds.
Mr. Baker has been fortunate enough to study with great percussionists such as Mark Ford, Paul Rennick, Sandi Rennick, Christopher Deane, Dr. Robert Schietroma, Dr. Eric Willie, Ed Smith, Jeff Ausdemore, and Ralph Hardimon. He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society and the Texas Music Educators Association. Mr. Baker holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music Degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Mr. Baker is proud to be sponsored by Innovative Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Dynasty/Titan.
Matthew Tremmel – Assistant Percussion Director – tremmelm@friscoisd.org
Mr. Matthew Tremmel serves as the Assistant Percussion Director for the Lebanon Trail HS cluster, including Clark and Fowler MS.
Mr. Tremmel attended the University of Kentucky, studying with James Campbell for his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. At UK he was involved in nearly all aspects of the music program, performing with the Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, Wind Symphony, Marching Band, Orchestra, Choirs, and Gamelan ensemble. He has written and arranged for percussion ensemble, including several pieces played at public performances and senior recitals at UK, and various high schools throughout Kentucky and Texas.
Mr. Tremmel’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, and Kappa Kappa Psi.
Seth Thomas – Color Guard Director – thomasset@friscoisd.org
Mr. Seth Thomas is eager to begin his new role as Color Guard Director at Lebanon Trail High School. Mr. Thomas was a part of the inaugural Winter Guard season at LTHS and he is ecstatic to return and be a part of the Trail Blazer Family.
Seth Thomas is a native of North Texas, after graduating from Whitesboro High School he went on to be a designer and director of the color guard program. Mr. Thomas was a part of the band’s 5 consecutive top-three finishes at the UIL State Marching Band Contest. Mr. Thomas has worked with many programs in North Texas, all with finalist or medal award-winning seasons within the BOA, UIL, WGI and NTCA circuits. Mr. Thomas is proud to be on the color guard staff at the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps and a choreographer at Mirage Performance Ensemble.
Mr. Thomas has performed in both Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International World Class Finals. He marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2015) and CGT Performance Ensembles (2016-2020). Being given the Fan Favorite Award with CGT Dallas 2018 is a highlight for Mr. Thomas’ marching career.
Mr. Thomas received his Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication from Texas A&M University – Commerce in 2017. While at Commerce, Mr. Thomas was a member of the Pride Marching Band playing the euphonium. Mr. Thomas has professional affiliations with the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and Kappa Kappa Psi.