Clarinet | Culture & Arts Education Coordinator | Member since 2000
Kim Yarbrough
Amanda Hearn
Business Manager
Member since 2022
execdirector@austinsymphonicband.org
Amanda Hearn, a Pflugerville native, is the Business Manager and a euphonium player with the Austin Symphonic Band. She combines her love of music with years of experience in nonprofit leadership, project management and operations.
Amanda earned her Bachelor of Music Studies from Texas State University and began her career as a band director at Harper ISD and Leakey ISD. She has also worked as a clinician and drill writer for several schools in the San Antonio area. Before joining the Austin Symphonic Band's leadership team, she served as the Director of Operations for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in San Antonio.
Today, Amanda works as a technician at Samsung Austin Semiconductor's Taylor facility. She also proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an Electronics Technician with a focus on unmanned undersea warfare. She is currently pursuing a second bachelor's degree in Automated Engineering at Austin Community College.
Chuck Ellis
Dr. Kyle Glaser
Music Director
With ASB since 2022
director@austinsymphonicband.org
Kyle Glaser was appointed as Music Director and conductor for the Austin Symphonic Band in July 2022. He also serves as Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands at Texas State University, where his responsibilities include conducting the Symphonic Winds, overseeing all athletic bands, and teaching various methods classes. He holds a Doctor of Music degree in wind conducting from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, a Master of Music degree in wind conducting from Rutgers University, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to his appointment at Texas State, Glaser served as the Director of Bands at East Stroudsburg Area South High School in northeastern Pennsylvania and as the interim director of the East Stroudsburg University-Community Concert Band.
Glaser maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator across the nation. His significant research of the music of Robert Russell Bennett has resulted in a performance edition of the wind band suite Down to the Sea in Ships, issued by Alfred Publications. He is co-author of the workbook Conducting Enrichment: Daily Exercises for the Conducting Curriculum, published by Sentia Publishing. Additionally, Glaser has contributed several chapters to the GIA Publications Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. He has also served as the national vice president for professional relations for Tau Beta Sigma, the national band sorority.
Glaser's professional memberships include the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the National Association for Music Education, the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, the International Society for the Research & Promotion of Wind Music, and Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity.
He resides in Austin with his wife Suzanne, who is director of bands at Gorzycki Middle School, and their charming daughter Eryn.
Lisa Castleman
Executive Director
With ASB Since 2021
execdirector@austinsymphonicband.org
Lisa Castleman joined ASB staff as Interim Executive Director in September 2021. Known for bringing knowledge, creativity, and passion to her work, she is committed to growing and inspiring today’s youth and audiences with music and firmly believes in the value of community groups like ASB.
Mrs. Castleman brings twelve years of professional experience in secondary and higher education, arts administration, and event coordination. In previous years, she served as adjunct music faculty at Biola University (CA) and Long Beach City College (CA), where she directed various ensembles and taught conducting and music appreciation. Other past positions include Guest Talent Coordinator with Disney Performing Arts (Disneyland, CA), Assistant Production Manager and Gala Coordinator for Chamber Music Northwest (Portland, OR), and Education Associate for the Dallas Brass. In Southern California, she frequently performed as a freelancer, music adjudicator, music coach, guest conductor, guest lecturer, and private clarinet instructor.
Mrs. Castleman has two master’s degrees in wind band and orchestral conducting from California State University, Long Beach, and Portland State University, respectively. She received her bachelor’s in clarinet performance from Biola University. She presently resides in Cedar Park with her husband, son, and two bunnies.
