Current Band News

During my career, I have been fortunate to teach saxophone to some truly remarkable musicians. Dr. James Barger is one of those individuals who make the long hours of teaching worthwhile. Dr. Barger joined the West Texas A&M University School of Music as Assistant Professor of Saxophone in 2016. He earned his B.M. in Music…

28 WT Alumni Band Directors Headed to State WT is making a huge showing at UIL State Marching 2025—28 WT alumni band directors will be on the field and in the box this year, leading programs across Texas. We’ll keep this roster updated as results roll in—send us corrections or additions and we’ll get them…

David Leslie Hinds March 28, 1949 — November 2, 2025 David Leslie Hinds, 76, of Amarillo, TX passed away November 2, 2025. Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 PM, Friday, November 7, 2025 at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Comanche Trail Church of…

Happy Birthday to our own amazing WT Band Secretary Barbara Wooldridge! She served as Dr. Garner’s secretary from 1988-2002. Her constant encouragement and smile to each and every student was always a bright spot! Barbara continues to support the band through her attendance at football games, concerts marching contests UIL and TMEA! Happy Birthday Barbara!…

Beverly Jean Milligan October 30, 1943 — August 28, 2025 Beverly Jean Blaine Milligan, 81, formerly of Dumas, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2025, in Boerne, TX. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, September 5, 2025, at First Baptist Church with Matt Price, pastor of the church, officiating.…

Four Generations of the Family of Don and Nadina Baird Interviews with the grand and great grandchildren of Don and Nadina Additional information provided by their families We all know those families, the ones who have distinct familial traits passed down: red hair, left handed, curly hair, athletes, artists, actors and musicians. Often those traits…

Reflections on the Teaching and Inspiration of Don Baird As told by Russ Blanchard and Anthony Sanchez Son-in-law’s of Don and Nadina Baird Russ Blanchard has the blessing of being among the last students of Don Baird. Russ is a tuba player from Alamogordo, New Mexico. Russ made All-State in two different states. As a…

A Legacy of Music, Love, Family and Faith As told by the children of Don and Nadina Baird The musical heritage of the children of Don and Nadina Baird is truly astounding. Don and Nadina were blessed with three amazing children; Leslie, Steve and Janie. As you read in the previous story, you might recall…

We would like to thank Julie Collins for taking on another project for the WT Band Alumni Association. This time, Julie has graciously agreed to write an article about the Baird family and its matriarch, Nadina (Baird) Oney. Please take a moment to read these wonderful articles about Don & Nadina, their children, grandchildren, and…