Staff

Jose Rodriguez is a woodwind tech for CCHS band and has been working with the band since 2021. He graduated with his Bachelors in Music Performance and Spanish from Western Kentucky University in 2018 and his Master’s in Music from Ohio University in 2020. Jose has studied with John Cipolla, Rebecca Rischin, and Spencer Prewitt. Jose currently lives in Hopkinsville and is a realtor.

Hi everyone! I’m Landon, a proud CCHS alumni and one of the Assistant Colorguard Directors this season. During high school, I made amazing memories performing right here in the Colonel Band. I’ve also had the opportunity to perform with Visual Theater Winterguard as part of their dance line. I’m excited to bring my experience back home and help lead the next generation of performers. I’m looking forward to a great season full of growth, fun, and unforgettable moments!

Bonnie Cross continue her role as a woodwind specialist. Bonnie has served as an Assitant Director of Christian County High School and Caldwell County High School. She was also the assistant track coach at Caldwell County High School. Previously she taught Arts and Humanities at Hopkinsville High School. Additionally, she has taught private flute lessons to students across the Western Kentucky area for nine years and has held instructional staff positions with several marching bands in the area, including Christian County High School, Hopkinsville High School, Trigg County High School, Murray High School, and Muhlenberg County High School. Bonnie has performed with the Owensboro Symphony and Evansville Philharmonic as a substitute flute player.

Bonnie is a native of Trenton, KY and graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. She recently completed her Master of Arts in Teaching Music degree from the University of the Cumberlands.

Bonnie resides in Cadiz with her husband, Ben Stone. Currently, she serves as a personal trainer.

Brent Burris is presently entering his 17^th year of education in Muhlenberg County, serving as curriculum specialist/middle school MOVE coordinator for The Renaissance Center. He has served as band director for Muhlenberg County HS, Muhlenberg South HS, Muhlenberg South MS, Glasgow HS, and Cumberland County HS/MS (all in KY). He previously served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Western Kentucky University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Arts in Education degrees. He also holds a Rank I in Educational Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.

Bands under his direction have made multiple invited appearances at the KMEA In-Service Conference, performed at the Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Festival (Festival Honor Band), and have received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence. High school and middle school concert bands under his direction have been identified with KMEA’s Exemplary Performance Status. His marching bands have been named Bands of America Grand National Semi-finalists, KMEA finalists, and have also earned numerous distinguished and grand champion awards. The 2007 Muhlenberg South Marching Suns were named the KMEA Class AA State Champion, and were the Class AA Runner-Up in 2008. Students under his direction have been named to the KMEA All-State Symphonic, Concert, and Jazz Bands, All-State Orchestra, University of Kentucky Honors Wind Ensemble, Western Kentucky University Honors Band, Murray State University Quad State, and the Kentucky All-State Baptist Youth Orchestra. From 2015-2022, he served as staff coordinator for the Castle High School band in Newburgh, IN. The Castle band was a multiple BOA Grand National finalist, as well as the BOA Class AAA National champion, Clarksville Regional champion, Indianapolis Super Regional class champion, and Louisville Regional class champion during his tenure.
Mr. Burris has served two terms on the KMEA Board of Directors, while also serving as      President of the Third District Music Educators Association. He has also served on the KMEA Conference Planning Committee, as Band-Chair and Marching Band Committee Representative for District 3, and is a member of Phi Beta Mu and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was named Outstanding Young Band Director by Phi Beta Mu for the state of Kentucky in 2003, has been twice included in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers, and has received citations from the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives. His articles, The Grass Isn’t Always Greener, and Be Committed, were published in editions of the Bluegrass Music News, and he has also been a clinic presenter at the KMEA In-Service Conference. He has served as an adjudicator, clinician, and consultant in Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and recently received the KMEA 25-year award.

Hey y’all! I’m T’Khiyah, and I’m so excited to be joining the team this season as an Assistant Colorguard Director! I recently graduated from Murray State University, where I spun for the Racer Band all four years and served as Vice President for the Color Guard for two of them. Before that, I was a proud member of the CCHS Colorguard, so it feels incredibly full-circle to be back with the program that helped shape me. I’ll also be teaching middle school math at Hopkinsville Middle School this fall, and I can’t wait to get to know everyone and have an amazing season together!

Alyssa Ross is a seasoned colorguard performer, educator, and musician with over 12 years of experience in the performing arts. A proud alumna of Austin Peay State University, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, combining a strong foundation in music with a passion for creative expression.

As a performer, Ms. Ross has marched with Austin Peay State University’s Governor’s Own Color Guard (2018, 2019), Music City Drum Corps (2018), and Eklipse Winterguard (2018, 2019, 2021), showcasing excellence in both movement and artistry. Her instructional career includes work with numerous respected programs such as Stewart County High School, Goodpasture High School, Christian County High School, Visual Theater, Western Kentucky University, Eklipse Winterguard, and Hopkinsville Christian County Winterguard.

Ms. Ross is also an active colorguard writer, choreographer, instructor, program coordinator, and clinician, known for her meticulous dance emphasis, clear instruction, and ability to bring out the best in performers at all levels. Her expertise is sought after by programs across the KMEA/SCGC region, and she continues to contribute to the growth of the activity through mentorship and creative collaboration.

Beyond colorguard, Ms. Ross has a rich background in music and theatre education. She previously taught elementary music at Millbrooke Elementary in Hopkinsville, KY and currently teaches private voice, piano, and musical theatre at KST Performance Academy in Murfreesboro, TN. She also serves as the Music Director for the Summer Youth Conservatory at the Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury, TN, and currently teaches dance at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro.

With a passion for the arts and a dedication to student growth, Ms. Ross brings a multifaceted and inspiring presence to every team, classroom, and stage she serves.