Brianna Moehnke

Brianna is a music educator, band director, and emerging researcher whose work is grounded in the belief that strong music programs are built through relationships, shared ownership, and equitable access to meaningful musical experiences. After three years as an assistant director and 6 years as a head band director at Crockett High School in Austin, Texas, Brianna developed a particular interest in how school culture, teacher support, community engagement, and resource allocation shape the experiences of music educators and their students.

During her tenure at Crockett, Brianna worked to build a rigorous and sustainable band program within a historically underserved community. Her work included strengthening student leadership, developing collaborative relationships with families and booster organizations, expanding performance and travel opportunities, and rebuilding program culture following the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences shaped her broader questions about what allows teachers and music programs to thrive, particularly in schools serving communities with limited resources.

Prior to entering public school education, Brianna studied music as an undergraduate at UT beginning in 2011 and taught private lessons and marching band methods across several Austin-area school districts, including Eanes, Austin ISD, and Round Rock ISD. She also is a Drum Corps International alum, marching with the Crossmen (2011-2013) and the Colts (2014) and teaching at the Colt Cadets based in Iowa and Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps based in Austin.

As a graduate student, Brianna hopes to bridge the practical knowledge of experienced music educators with research that can inform teacher preparation, professional development, and educational policy. Ultimately, she hopes to contribute to the field as a researcher, mentor, and advocate for music educators building healthy, rigorous, and sustainable public-school programs.

MUS 255F
Techniques of Woodwind Performance