Carissa Cromer Emery is a graduate of Howard Payne University and Tarleton State University, holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education. She has served as the director of bands at Keene Independent School District since 2019, as well as the district’s fine arts coordinator since 2020. Her work at Keene ISD has led to the development of a marching band, jazz band, and multi-level concert bands, leading to the success of her students at both the regional and state levels. Carissa is also an active French Horn player. She served as the horn player for the Texas State Guard Brass Ensemble from 2020-2023, and currently works as the adjunct horn professor at Southwestern Adventist University. She is also a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Band Sorority. Carissa has a deep passion for band and instrumental music, and her hope is to share that love with the Johnson County area through this community band. When she is not teaching or performing, Carissa loves spending time with her husband Timothy and their two pugs, Paddy and Pongo.