Graduate Assistants

José O. Riojas is currently in his first year as a Graduate Assistant pursuing his Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting.  His duties with the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band include field instruction, music instruction, logistical management, and assistant to the directors in managing the White Pep Band, Men’s Basketball Pep Band, and Concert Bands.

Mr. Riojas received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio.  While in San Antonio, he was a member of the San Antonio Wind Symphony and the EDJJ Saxophone Quartet.  He taught middle school in San Antonio for four years where his bands enjoyed great success before beginning his Masters.  He also served as director of the UTSA Basketball Pep Band.  Mr. Riojas is an active performer, arranger, transcriber, and composer.  He has done work for several of the United States’ finest saxophone players and ensembles, and he has recently begun receiving commissions from Europe.

Michelle Smith is currently in her second year pursuing her Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting. As a Graduate Assistant with the “Pride of the Southland”, her duties include field instruction, high woodwind pedagogy, drill design, management of the White Pep Band and the Men’s Basketball Pep Band. Throughout her degree program, Ms. Smith has been a guest conductor of the University’s various concert ensembles.

In 2007, Ms. Smith earned her Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from Radford University in Radford, Virginia.

Jayme Taylor is in his second year as a Graduate Assistant for the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band.  His duties include on-field instruction for the trumpet section, drill design, assisting the Directors with management of the Orange Pep Band and the Lady Vols Basketball Pep Band.

Mr. Taylor received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2002.  He taught middle and high school band for five years in Clinton, TN before returning to Tennessee to pursue a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting.  Mr. Taylor is an Alumnus of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps and is currently a brass instructor with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.

Abbie Williamson is in her second year pursuing a Master of Music degree in Music Education. She is a Graduate Assistant with the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band. Her responsibilities include field instruction for the mellophones as well as assisting with the Orange Pep Band and the Lady Vols Basketball Pep Band.

In 2007, Ms. Williamson received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.