Pilot Point ISD Instructional Band Staff
Mr. Daniel Balkema – Director of Bands - Pilot Point High School dbalkema@pilotpointisd.com - Office: 940-686-8740 x. 10011
Mr. Balkema is in his 23rd year of teaching and 14th year at Pilot Point High School. He is a graduate from the University of North Texas in 2003, with a Bachelors degree in Music Education, and holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Hawaii, all with an emphasis in Instrumental Music. While at UNT, he was a member of the Marching Green Brigade, and a member of the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Brass Band. Mr. Balkema is a Brass specialist with Trumpet being his primary instrument. While at UH, he was an active member in Music Education research for the University. His Master’s Thesis involved “Parental Involvement and the Success and Motivation of Texas Band Programs.”
After Graduating from UNT in 2003, Mr. Balkema was hired for the Midland Independent School District as the assistant band director for Lee Senior High School. Mr. Balkema's many responsibilities included teaching marching band, brass sectionals, assisting the concert and symphonic bands, teaching beginner brass classes at the junior high’s, and teaching the entire jazz program. His bands have made Consistent UIL Sweepstakes and he attended the State Marching Competition with the Lee Senior High School Band two years in a row while in Midland. While Mr. Balkema was an assistant at Lee Senior High School, the Lee Senior High School Band was nominated as The “Texas Exemplary Band Program” by the Texas BandMasters Association.
In 2007, Mr. Balkema moved back to the Dallas area and was hired by the Dallas Independent School District teaching at George W. Truett Elementary School. During his 6 year tenure at Truett E.S., his responsibilities included teaching the entire music program including beginner band, choir, guitar, and general music and was the fine arts department head.
Mr. Balkema currently holds a Professional Certification through the State of Texas and is certified to teach All-Level Kindergarten through 12th grade music. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjucators Association - UIL Marching Judge, National Association of Music Education, International Trumpet Guild, and has been nominated three times for the "Who's Who Among American Teachers" award.
Mr. Balkema has just been named a Quarterfinalist with the Grammy Music Educator Award for 2027.
He currently resides in McKinney, TX with his wife Liz, 13 year old "little girl" named Lily, who plays Clarinet, 9 year old Andrew and a 3 year old Golden Retriever puppy named Lucy!
Mrs. Brenna Patricia –Assistant Band Director - Pilot Point Middle / High School bgournay@pilotpointisd.com
Mrs. Patricia is in her 5th year teaching and 4th year at Pilot Point. She attended North Forney High School where she served as a section leader for 3 years and participated in the NTCA circuit with the award winning North Forney Indoor Percussion Ensemble in 2017 and 2018. She received her Bachelors in Music Education in 2022 from Texas A&M University-Commerce. During her time in Commerce she performed in the Pride Marching Band where she served as a section leader and received the Most Outstanding Front Ensemble Member Award. She performed in percussion ensembles, Panimation, and symphonic band, and the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2021. Mrs. Patricia spent a lot of time teaching during her undergrad at Caddo Mills High School, and Commerce High School where the band went to state for the first time in 31 years.
Mrs. Patricia completed her student teaching at Cooper Junior High and Wylie High School. After graduation, she began her career at Mineola ISD as the Director of Percussion. During her time at Mineola the drumline won many caption awards, performed exhibition at the Area Marching Contest, helped students receive Superior ratings to make it to the State Solo and Ensemble Contest, and won Honor Band. She holds membership with the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, and the Association of Texas Small School Bands.
Mrs. Patricia lives with her Husband, Austin, cat, Leo and dog, Layla. In her free time enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and kayaking.
Mr. Chase Kleiwer –Assistant Director - Middle School / High School ckleiwer@pilotpointisd.com -
Office: 940-686-8730 x. 415
Mr. Kleiwer is in his 4th year teaching and 3rd year at Pilot Point.
Chase Kliewer, originally from Edmond, Oklahoma, first came to Texas to attend The University of North Texas. Mr. Kliewer graduated from UNT in 2023 with his Bachelors in Music Education.
While at UNT Mr. Kliewer played saxophone in the Green Brigade Marching Band, UNT’s Jazz Bands, UNT’s Wind Bands as well at student taught in Pilot Point ISD. Mr. Kliewer after graduation went to Wichita Falls where he was the Assistant Band Director at Barwise Middle School. Now he is excited to work with the mighty bearcat band and make great music.
When he is not making music, Mr. Kliewer enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, playing strategy and RPG video games, and listening to a variety music.
Mr. William Chase –Assistant Band Director - Pilot Point Middle / High School wchase@pilotpointisd.com
William Chase is a trumpet player and excited to start his second year of teaching at Pilot Point! He has previously been a marching tech for Pilot Point and is excited for this chance to continue working with this amazing group!
He earned his Bachelors in Music Education from TWU. He currently lives in Celina.
In His Free time, he likes to spend time with his family and travel with his friends.
TBD -Colorguard Director - Pilot Point High School