The NAfME Council for Band Education strives to share best practices, foster the growth of wind and percussion students of all ability levels, and provide materials to aid in band program success.

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Stephen Pickard Headshot

Stephen Pickard


Stephen Pickard is entering his 10th year as the band director at Governor John R. Rogers High School and Dessie Evans Elementary School in Puyallup, Washington. As a conductor and music educator, Stephen strives to provide memorable musical experiences for his students, offering a wide array of musical choices and opportunities through concert bands, percussion ensembles, and jazz bands.

Council Members

Stephen Pickard (2022-2024), Chair
Band Teacher
 Governor John R Rogers High School, Dessie Evans Elementary School
Puyallup, Washington
Caitlin Ramsey (2022-2024), Eastern Division Representative
Director of Bands
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Katherine Prihoda (2023-2025), North Central Division Representative
Band Teacher
Tomah Middle School
Tomah, Wisconsin
Vacant, Northwest Division Representative
Richard J. Holmes, II (2023-2025), Southern Division Representative
Educational Representative for Music & Arts
Retired from Teaching
Dallas, North Carolina
Damian Johnson (2022-2024), Southwestern Division Representative
Director of Bands
Eudora Middle and High School
Eudora, Kansas
John H. Burn (2023-2025), Western Division Representative
Director of Bands and Orchestra
  Homestead High School
Cupertino, California
Lisa Mink, Staff Liaison
Constituency Engagement Manager
NAfME
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