The Wakeland band has always had a lot riding on it because of their numerous awards. Kyle Ayoub, Rylon Guidry, and Ryan Dutton are the new leaders for the Wakeland band for the 2023-2024 school year and have high expectations to meet. Let’s get to know them.
The head band director, Rylon Guidry has an extensive background in teaching. He has taught middle school for 10 years, in addition to teaching in Keller and Highland Park. He graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Music degree.
“I love Wakeland so far. It’s really great! All the kids that are in band really love being in band, and we’re working hard,” Guidry said.
According to wakelandband.org, Ayoub, Wakeland’s new associate band director, is ‘thrilled’ to join the band staff at Wakeland High School. Ayoub lives in Flower Mound and has a Bachelor and Master of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas. He came to Wakeland from Flower Mound high school, where he taught from 2017-2023. While he taught there, Flower Mound’s band was recognized at the state, regional, and national level. They competed in the BOA and UIL circuits, performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade, received an invitation to the Macy’s Parade, and were awarded the Sudler Flag and shield of honor. Ayoub also started the “Heavy Metal Club” at FMHS. Before that, he taught at Creek Valley Middle School, where he won ‘New Teacher of the Year’. His music experience prior to teaching is equally impressive. He performed as a member of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in 2013-2014 and was a performer for the Blue Devils International during a summer tour of Europe in 2015.
Dutton has a Bachelor of Music degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Music Performance degree from Youngstown State University. He also has previous experience with working in the public school system, as he has worked in Highland Park ISD and McKinney ISD. Dutton has been listening to and watching the Wakeland band’s shows for years and has been impressed with how good of a program it is.
“I think the sky is the limit for this band program, and I’m optimistic and excited for this marching season,” Dutton said.
As the Wakeland band prepares for marching season, Dutton and the other directors have impressed the students.
“As a senior I really appreciate the way that the new three directors have come together to organize the program,” senior section leader Megan Daniels said.
