ccc staff
Dr. Gary Wayne Pyland
CCC Musical director
Dr. Gary Wayne Pyland is a seasoned music educator, conductor, and worship leader with over two decades of distinguished service in public education, higher education, and church music ministry. Dr. Pyland holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Boston University, a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music from Williams Baptist University, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education (K–12) from Arkansas State University. He is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Texas Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), American Guild of English Handbell Ringers—where he currently serves as Educational Chair for Area VI—and the National Association for Teachers of Singing. From 2004 to 2018, he also served as Tenor Section Leader for the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus.
Dr. Pyland’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering artistic excellence, building inclusive musical communities, and mentoring the next generation of musicians and educators.
Alexander carr
variations director
Alexander Carr is a conductor and educator recognized for his focus on tone development and innovative programming with ensembles at various levels. A native of Cedar Hill, Texas, Alex holds both a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music from Texas Christian University (TCU). Currently, Alex serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Hebron High School, where he conducts the A Cappella Choir, A Cappella Tenor-Bass Choir, Concert Tenor-Bass Choir, and Harmony, the school’s show choir.
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Outside the classroom, Mr. Carr is an active performer and adjudicator in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He sings with the Turtle Creek Chorale and serves as Artistic Associate and co-conductor of the Turtle Creek Chamber Chorus. He is also a founding member of Brothers In Song, an ensemble that has likewise been honored with the prestigious American Prize. Since 2008, he has served as the Chancel Choir Director at Ridglea Christian Church in Fort Worth.
A proud Horned Frog, Mr. Carr is a devoted supporter of TCU. When not rehearsing, you’ll likely find him at a TCU game or concert. He is a member of both the American Choral Directors Association and the Texas Music Educators Association.
ERIN BAKER
CHILDREN'S CHORUS DIRECTOR
Erin Baker is a graduate of Coppell High School and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Voice and Music Education from Louisiana State University. She helped found the Pinkerton Cowpoke Chorale in 2016. Erin also served as the vocal coach for First United Methodist Church of Coppell's youth musical productions and as the musical director.
Erin was honored as Pinkerton's Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. Erin currently teaches 5th Grade at Pinkerton Elementary in Coppell. She has a strong passion for music and working with youth, and is thrilled at the opportunity to combine these as director of the Coppell Children's Chorus and Associate Director of the Copppell Community Chorale.
CAROLINE MAAs, accompanist
Caroline Maas started taking piano lessons in the 2nd grade. She got her introduction into accompanying in 6th grade, where she accompanied one song per concert and continued to do so throughout junior high and high school. Caroline also accompanied solos and ensembles, the show choir, and directed and accompanied the children’s choir at her church.
Caroline got her Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education (with a math concentration) from Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL in 1997. Upon graduation, she moved to Dallas, TX and began teaching middle school math, then high school. Even though Caroline has always taught math, she still continued to be involved in the music program at each school by accompanying the choir for concerts and UIL contests and helping with solos for both band and choir.
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Caroline joined the Coppell Community Chorale in 2000. Caroline currently teaches at Western Hills High School in Fort Worth and serves as Music Associate at Ridglea Presbyterian Church where she sings and plays in the praise band, sings in the Chancel Choir, and co-directs the Cherub Choir of 3 to 7 year olds!
ccc board of directors
Bethany Henze
President
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Jon Wilson
Vice President - Outreach
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Deb Wood
Vice President - Membership
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Lori Wilson
Treasurer
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Cathy Nelson
Secretary
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Elodie Camaret
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Andi Greco
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Cate Gussio
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Ashley Mouton
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Cyndi Shinn
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Chris Wilt​