alexa and jose are texas band directors who started band yap in 2025 as a passion project to support band directors and music educators with practical advice, resources, and a bit of humor. through band yap, they share expert tips on band techniques, programming, leadership, culture, student engagement, and general yap, to help band directors across texas and beyond build strong, successful band programs. band yap has quickly become a trusted source for texas band education and marching band inspiration.

jose is in his seventeenth year of teaching. he is currently the director of bands and fine arts coordinator at gatesville isd. his recent achievements in 2024 include finishing 8th at the uil state marching band contest, and qualifying as a tmea honor band state semi-finalist in the 4a classification. jose has spent most of his career with a focus on cultivating the student experience. jose has previously taught at robinson isd, wortham isd, and rosebud-lott isd.

alexa is in her tenth year of teaching. she is currently an assistant band director at gatesville isd, with jose. she has spent her career focusing on middle school bands, but has always had a presence with high school bands. her recent achievements include having a baby on the day of area marching contest and several years of sweepstakes ratings. alexa previously taught at midway isd.

jose and alexa both graduated from baylor university, and still support all things baylor bears. they are also both products of texas small schools. jose is a graduate of sinton high school, and was a 3-year all-stater. alexa is a graduate of axtell high school, and definitely wasn’t an all-state but sure tried. jose is a tuba player, and alexa is a percussionist. they have three children, two dogs, and referee a lot of chaos.