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French Horn Section
Brandon McDannald
Instrument: French Horn
Member Since: 2017
Hometown: Independence, Missouri
Hobbies/Interests: instrumental pedagogy/conducting, technology, vintage computers
Biography: Brandon McDannald serves as the Director of Bands at the University of Tampa, where he also coordinates the music education program, teaches courses in conducting, and is the applied horn instructor. He has served in this capacity since 2017 when he joined the Florida Wind Band. Before his time in Florida, Dr. McDannald served as Interim Director of Bands at Texas Woman’s University, a teaching fellow at the University of North Texas, and spent eight years as a high school band director in Missouri and Texas. Dr. McDannald holds a D.M.A in Horn Performance from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Missouri. He currently lives in Land O' Lakes, FL, with his wife, Stefanie, and their golden retriever.
Keith Griffis
Instrument: French Horn
Member Since: 2014
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: running
Biography: Keith Griffis is the Director of Bands at Walter L. Sickles High School in Tampa, FL. Mr. Griffis is active as an adjudicator, presenter, conductor, and horn player. He has been invited to present clinics at several professional conferences, including the Florida Music Education Association Conference, the Florida Bandmasters Association Summer Conference, and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. Keith has enjoyed several guest-conducting appearances with professional ensembles, including the United States Air Force Concert Band in Washington, DC. Mr. Griffis has been recognized as the Sickles High School “Teacher of the Year,” the Hillsborough County Parent-Teacher Association’s “Instructional Person of the Year,” and has been a quarter-finalist for the Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator Award. His professional affiliations include the Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Music Education Association, the National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters fraternity. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Music Education degree from the University of South Florida. He is a graduate cum laude from Florida State University, with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance degree. While at FSU, Mr. Griffis served as the Head Drum Major of the world-renowned FSU Marching Chiefs. He and his wife, fellow high school band director Amanda, live in Tampa along with their son Clay and dog, Nola.
Devin DeDon
Instrument: French Horn
Member Since: 2015
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: listening to books on tape
Biography: Devin DeDon is pursuing her Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting at the University of South Florida. Previously, she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Louisiana State University and taught public school music for six years. Currently, Devin gives horn masterclasses around the Tampa area and maintains an active horn studio.
Samantha Snow
Instrument: French Horn
Member Since: 2015
Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Hobbies/Interests: mountain biking, kayaking, and spending time with my family
Biography: Samantha Snow attended the University of South Florida, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. She has since played and taught horn throughout the Tampa area. Mrs. Snow is a full-time elementary music teacher for Hillsborough County Public Schools and is married to a fellow music educator and trumpet player, Jonathan Casañas. Together, they enjoy spending time with their son Benjamin.
Allison Synnett
Instrument: French Horn
Member Since: 2021
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Hobbies/Interests: traveling, weightlifting, camping, national parks
Biography: Allison Synnett discovered her love for music in church, singing, and playing piano with her mom, and she started playing horn in fifth grade. Allison received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma and her Master of Music in Conducting degree from the University of South Florida. She has taught middle and high school bands in Pasco and Hillsborough County, where she is currently. Allison first joined the Florida Wind Band as a substitute musician and now enjoys performing in the ensemble as a core member!
Benjamin Walukonis
Instrument: French Horn
Member Since: 2022
Hometown: Muskegon, Michigan
Hobbies/Interests: barbecue, baseball, travel, golf
Biography: Benjamin Walukonis is currently an educator at Seven Springs Middle School in Pasco County. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, with a degree in Music Education. Ben has played and studied horn since 2000. Ben and his wife Mariah enjoy traveling, attending baseball games, and spending quality time with their pets, Jazz and Mingus.