Lion Pride Band Directors

Mr. Tyler Sage

After 8 years as an Assistant Director here at Waco High School, Tyler Sage was promoted to become the Director of Bands for WHS in 2023. Mr. Sage oversees all the bands here at Waco High, directly leading the Varsity and Jazz Bands. Beyond this, he leads the visual program, most marching rehearsals, and plays a crucial role in shaping the programs and experiences of our future Lion Pride Band members at Carver, Lake Air, and Tennyson Middle Schools.

The core of Mr. Sage's teaching philosophy is that "We are here to teach students, not music." As such, his goal is to mold students into model citizens through the medium of music education and performance. He strives every day to instill into the students the values of P.R.I.D.E. - Positivity, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, and Empowerment. Through a wide variety of musical and non-musical experiences, Mr. Sage's goal is to foster a community that strives for success by being great people first, and great musicians a close second.

Mr. Sage graduated in 2013 with a degree in Music Education - Instrumental Focus from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Furthermore, Mr. Sage was a member of the award-winning brassline of the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps from 2010-12, receiving two Jim Ott awards for best brass, one John Brazale award for best visual performance, and a Silver medal at the 2012 DCI World Championships.

Outside of school work, Mr. Sage has spent time as a brass instructor for the Madison Scouts and Legends Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as writing marching band drill for several schools around the country!

He is blessed to have a loving family, including his wonderful wife Mary, his daughters Victoria and Alice, and his pet corgi named "Tuba". The Sage family is proud to be a part of the Lion Pride Band community here. Lion Pride Runs Deep!

Ms. Michelle Nelson

Ms Nelson is the Woodwind Specialist for the Waco High Band Cluster. She leads the Non-Varsity Concert Band and Lion Pride Color Guard as well as  assisting with the Varsity, SubNon-Varsity, Steel, and Jazz Bands. 

Ms. Nelson earned her Master of Music degree from the American Band College of Central Washington University and Bachelor of Music from Texas Lutheran University. She started her career here in Waco ISD at Lake Air Montessori Magnet School for two years before moving to G.W. Carver Middle School. While at CMS the bands experienced growth and excellence, including the first Superior rating from a judge in 10 years. After serving at CMS for 3 years she was then called to work with the Lion Pride Band where she's been since summer 2018. 

She has been an active performer in the community performing with the Waco Jazz Orchestra, Waco Community Band, and Temple College Band. Outside of work Ms. Nelson loves to play video and board games with her fiance, friends and family as well as snuggle with her cats Pepper and Scoot.

Mr. Austin Lemmons

Mr. Lemmons joined Waco High’s band staff as Percussion Director in 2023 after spending four years at Tennyson Middle School as an assistant band director. He brings years of experience performing in bands, percussion ensembles, steel bands, orchestras, and jazz combos into his daily teaching. 

Mr. Lemmons holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Abilene Christian University as well as a Master of Music Performance from the University of Alabama. During his time at ACU, he performed with the ACU Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band, Big Purple Marching Band, the ACU Symphony Orchestra, the ACU Wind Ensemble, as well as various pit orchestras, jazz combos, and salsa bands. While at UA, Mr. Lemmons coached the percussion section for the Million Dollar Band and performed with UA Percussion Ensembles, Wind Ensemble, and UA Orchestra, as well as the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. 

Mr. Lemmons has been passionate about music for as long as he can remember, and strives to create the kind of community that he’s always enjoyed with the young musicians he has the privilege to teach every day. Lion Pride Runs Deep!