Matt Treto is a Kansas-based music educator and percussionist from Augusta, Kansas. Since Fall 2025, he has served as the 5th–12th grade Band Director for Haven Public Schools in Haven, Kansas, where he teaches everything from beginning 5th grade band to high school concert band, guitar, and an emerging jazz ensemble. A graduate of Friends University and Butler Community College, Matt brings a student-focused approach to the podium.

Connect with Matt:

• Email: mtreto@havenschools.com

Ryan Partin just completed his 15th year of teaching and is the Director of Bands at Garden City High School in Garden City, KS. He oversees the marching band, 3 concert ensembles, and 3 jazz bands. His previous assignment was teaching 5-12 band in Ulysses, KS.

Ryan was a nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2017 and was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Bandmaster award, presented by Phi Beta Mu and the Kansas Bandmasters Association in 2018.

He is an active member of the Kansas Music Educators Association, serving in the previous positions of Southwest KMEA High School Band Chairperson and Southwest KMEA District President. He also serves on the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Festivals Committee.

In addition to his role as an educator, Ryan is also an active musician. He has been a member of Julie Groom’s Flatland Big Band since 2012 and plays various small-group jazz engagements throughout the year.

Ryan graduated from Kansas State University in 2024 with a Master of Music and from Wichita State University in 2011 with a Bachelor in Music Education and a Bachelor in Jazz Studies.

Connect with Ryan Partin

• E-mail: rpartin@gckschools.com

A graduate of South Portland High School, Kyle Smith has been the Band Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine since 2006. Prior to his appointment at Westbrook High School he was the Band Director at Biddeford High School.

The Westbrook Music Department has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for the outstanding musicianship that the musicians show. Recent honors include performances by the Wind Ensemble at Merrill Auditorium with the University of Maine Symphonic Band, and at the MMEA All State Conference (2009, 2011 with Mr. Samuel R. Hazo, and 2013 with Dr. Andrew Boysen.) In 2013 the Westbrook High School Wind Ensemble was selected as one of two performing ensembles to perform at the National Association for Music Education's (NAFME) All Eastern Conference.

Mr. Smith is the past Vice President of the Maine Band Directors Association, as well as the Instrumental Jazz Chair for the Maine Music Educators Association. He serves as a manager for jazz bands and concert bands for MMEA at the district and state levels.

Kyle is host of the acclaimed weekly podcast called "The Growing Band Director Podcast."

Mr. Smith received his Bachelors of Music in Music Education degree, by scholarship for musical excellence, from the University of New Hampshire. He earned a graduate degree scholarship and teaching assistantship for his masters degree in Music Education with a concentration in conducting from the university, studying under Dr. Andrew Boysen Jr. , Dr. William Kempster, and Dr. Thomas Keck.

Kyle lives in Westbrook with his wife Krystle, Director of Bands at Westbrook Middle School, his daughter Addison and son Jack.

Connect with Kyle Smith

• Email: Smithk@westbrookschools.org

• The Growing Band Director Podcast
  • www.thegrowingbanddirector.com
  • https://youtube.com/@thegrowingbanddirectorpodc7296?si=D2x-uunmLb-XLAam