Kyler Allenson, Director of Air Academy Bands

Originally from Cape Coral, FL, Kyler is thrilled to be part of the Air Academy High School Band as Director of Bands. A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Kyler studied both Bassoon and Euphonium and graduated in 2017, with his Bachelors in Music Education. Florida, Kyler spent 4 years as a Band Director in Palm Beach and Volusia Counties and worked with various ensembles including Bands of America Grand National Semi-Finalist Park Vista High School, and WGI Open Class Gold Medalist Infinity 2 Percussion.

Away from the classroom, Kyler currently serves as the Brass Caption Coordinator for the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Previously, he was a member of the Blue Knights Brass staff from 2018-2022, and spent the final 4 of those years as the Assistant Brass Caption Head and Low Brass Coordinator. Kyler also was a member of the administrative team at the Boston Crusaders and a member of the Brass Staff at Heat Wave in 2017. As a performer, he marched five seasons with the Boston Crusaders from 2012-2016, and aged-out as the baritone soloist and horn sergeant.

Outside of music, Kyler is an avid Florida sports fan, rooting for the Miami Marlins, Miami Heat, Inter Miami CF, and the Miami Dolphins. He also enjoys playing games with friends, cooking and reading.

Amanda Harris, Assistant Director of Air Academy Bands

Born and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, Ms. Harris is excited to start a new chapter at Air Academy High School on the USAF Academy. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Florida Atlantic University with an emphasis in cello. For four years, she held the principal cellist position at FAU’s University Orchestra. She has also been in music programs since she was 5 years old and is an alumna of Bak Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos School of the Arts High School.

Ms. Harris is a passionate music teacher, who has been teaching for over 5 years in various private studios and schools in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, including Flanagan High School, Walter C. Young Middle School, and Jupiter High School. During her time at Jupiter High School, she had the opportunity to teach and conduct string orchestra as well as a variety of bands and percussion ensembles.   

As a performer, Ms. Harris has been playing the cello for just over 15 years. Throughout her musical career, she has played in many orchestras, chamber ensembles, musical pits and as a soloist.  She had the esteemed privilege of performing at many performance halls, including the Kravis Center, Chicago Symphony Center, and Phillips Center Orlando, among other performance halls.  Aside from music, she loves hiking while exploring the great outdoors in nature and spending quality time with friends and family. Also, she moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to her two sisters and her adorable niece and nephew. Fun fact: Ms. Harris loves thrifting and finding unique and fun items anywhere she goes!