Brandon Kempf
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Brandon Kempf is a multi-disciplinary artist born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brandon began playing guitar at the age of 11 with influences from bands such as Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and Van Halen. After graduating from UW-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Guitar Performance, Brandon expanded his studies and received his Master of Arts in Performance Studies from Texas A&M University. Outside of School of Rock, Brandon enjoys performing with local artists while also participating both on stage and in the pit for The Theatre Company of Bryan/College Station. What Brandon loves most about working at School of Rock is inspiring and cultivating the future generations of rock musicians.
Aaron Wunneburger
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Singing Teacher, Band Teacher
Aaron Wunneburger was born and raised in Bryan, TX. Aaron’s musical journey began at 9 years old when his musical inspiration was Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. In middle school, Aaron was a part of the Stephen F. Austin A Capella Choir for two years. In high school, Aaron was a member of the Bryan High Choir for four years. Aaron enjoys playing rock and heavy metal music, however, his go-to karaoke song is “Kiss” by Prince.
Weston Russell
Keyboard Teacher
Weston Russell was born in Liberty, TX where he started playing the keyboard at the age of 13. Weston graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Genetics. Weston’s experience includes performing and touring in multiple venues across the West Coast, Canada, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece. What Weston loves most about working at School of Rock is getting to know each student and seeing them grow as both musicians and human beings.
Devin Hemphill
Manager
Devin was born and raised right here in central Texas. In high school, Devin was an all-around athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track, and thoroughly enjoyed the fitness side aspect. In 2010, Devin completed trade school and became a certified personal trainer, and has been coaching and managing a gym for the last several years.
Devin is a family man with two beautiful daughters and is set to be married in December of 2022. Devin is an outgoing, fun-loving guy who enjoys building relationships with others, and is excited to learn and grow with School of Rock.
Jesse Carrasco
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Jesse was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, and was bitten by the musical bug by the time he could walk. From middle school percussion, to drum line captain, he always marched to the beat of his own drum (ba-dum-tss!).
Being a child of the year 2000, Jesse's favorite band is the Deftones and his rock icon Dave Grohl. Eventually, he taught himself bass and guitar so he could start writing and performing his own material because performance is his true passion.
Mikaila Palmm
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher
Mikaila is a former School of Rock student turned teacher. Originally from Spring, TX, she started playing guitar at 14 years old. Mikaila joined School of Rock at 16 and was in multiple bands as well as her school's House Band.
During her journey with School of Rock, Mikaila picked up bass and vocals as well. She takes influence from bands like Alice in Chains, Nirvana, The Cure, and Bikini Kill. Mikaila started working for School of Rock in August of 2022. Her passion for music and School of Rock is strong and she cannot picture her life without it!
Jonathan Beikirch
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Johnny is a multi-instrumental musician born and raised in Bryan, TX. Following in the footsteps of his father, he picked up the drums at the ripe age of 6 and has been playing ever since. As long as he can remember, Johnny has been a performer all his life taking influence from bands such as Green Day, Rush, Kiss, and The Beatles.
At the age of 14, Johnny taught himself both the guitar and bass. He has been writing and performing in local bands since 2015 and recording and producing music since 2018. His love and passion for all things music is something he strives to instill in all of his students!
Matthew Fulford
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Singing Teacher
Matthew is an amazing instructor and is currently a music education major at SHSU with a concentration in voice! He is also a multi-instrumentalist with experience in orchestra, band, and of course choir.
Mathew is well-versed in classical and contemporary styles and is passionate about challenging students and helping them find confidence with their instruments.
Sydney Pospech
Drum Teacher
Sydney is a graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Video Game Development. She has been a percussionist for over 11 years and has been teaching music for over five years. She marched snare throughout high school in the College Station High School Mighty Cougar Band and then went to march in college in the Spirit of Houston where she marched quads.
Sydney was also a member of the Brazos Valley Independent Percussion where she marched two years of indoor drumline. She plays in a band originally called Hurricane Tortilla but now known as Ponderosa Drive. In her free time, Sydney loves to teach herself how to play new instruments and also loves to play video games. Most importantly, her favorite band is Rage Against the Machine.