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 teaches Special Education at Hopkinsville Middle School.

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.