Directors

Courtney White, Director of Bands

courtneywhite@wsdr4.org

Courtney White is the Director of Bands at Timberland High School in the Wentzville School District. Along with her high school responsibilities, Mrs. White teaches grades 6-8 at South Middle School. In addition, she gives private instruction on flute and clarinet. Mrs. White was a graduate of Fort Zumwalt South High School in St. Peters, Missouri. After graduating, she attended Missouri State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree. During her time at MSU, Mrs. White was actively involved in the Pride Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Freshman Honor Band, Flute Ensemble, and Flute Society. She also studied flute privately with Dr. Jill Heyboer and Mr. Larry Bridges. Mrs. White completed her Masters in Music Education at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to being appointed as the Director at Timberland High School, Mrs. White served as assistant director at Timberland, worked with Francis Howell Central High School’s marching band, concert bands, jazz bands, and pep band. Her professional affiliations include National Association for Music Education, Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri Bandmasters Association, National Flute Association, and Mu Phi Epsilon.

Matthew Fay-Silver, Assistant Director of Bands

matthewfay@wsdr4.org

Mr. Fay serves as the Assistant Director of Bands for both Timberland High School and South Middle School. With Mrs. White, his responsibilities include teaching the high school marching band, concert band, jazz band, and grades 6-8 at South Middle School. Mr. Fay attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO where he earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree. During his time at Missouri State, he was a member of the PRIDE Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Basketball Band, and Saxophone Choir. Prior to taking the position at Timberland, Mr. Fay most recently taught K-5 Music at Prairie View Elementary School in the Wentzville School District while also serving on the Timberland Marching Staff. His memberships have included the National Association for Music Education, the National Education Association, and the Missouri Bandmasters Association. While at home, Mr. Fay enjoys spending time with his spouse, Jack, playing with their dogs, Libby and Kratos, and traveling to different states!

Staff

Derek Peplaw, Director of Percussion

derekpeplaw@wsdr4.org

Mr. Peplaw is the percussion director for the band program. He is a graduate of Francis Howell High School and from the University of Missouri - St. Louis where he received a degree in music education. He has performed with many exceptional ensembles, such as Gateway Percussion and the Colts Drum and Bugle Corp. He has also worked percussion groups at Washington High School and Gateway Percussion before coming to Timberland. In addition to teaching at Timberland, Mr. Peplaw is a percussion instructor at Ft. Zumwalt North and Freedom Percussion, gives private lessons, and writes percussion music.

Katie Bender, Color Guard Instructor

kathrynbender@wsdr4.org

Katie is one of the color guard staff for the band program. She is a graduate of Wentzville Holt High School and Fontbonne University. She has performed in MCCGA and WGI events and a number of groups, including Avidity Winter Guard.