Originally hailing from Edwardsville, Illinois, Mr. Hembruch graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education from Murray State University in 2013. He eagerly anticipates returning for another enriching year in education.

The 2024-2025 academic year marks Mr. Hembruch's twelfth year in the teaching profession, and his seventh at Horn Lake. Over the past six years, he distinguished himself as the Director of Bands for Horn Lake Middle School's esteemed band program. This year, Mr. Hembruch is honored to serve as the new Assistant High School Band Director within the Horn Lake Band program.

During his tenure at HLMS, Mr. Hembruch led the 8th grade band to consistently high achievements. The ensemble participated in concert band festivals in Olive Branch and Grenada, Mississippi, securing two overall superior ratings, one excellent rating, and one All-Superior rating. His educational responsibilities include the following. He co-teaches band classes for grades 6-8, provides instruction for brass sectionals across grades 6-12, assists the high school marching band, contributes to the Wind Ensemble, and presides over the HLHS Concert Band program.

Mr. Hembruch's passion for music extends into his personal life, where he enjoys performing with the Longview Heights Church Orchestra, Revelation Jazz Band, and the Bluff City Wind Symphony.

Residing in Southaven, MS, Mr. Hembruch is joined by his wife, Jocelyn, who shares his dedication to music education as a band director at DeSoto Central. They are proud parents to their daughter, Nora, and share their home with two golden retrievers, Sophie and Sunny. 

Blake Patterson is a dedicated educator and musician with a passion and specialty for percussion. He graduated from Corinth High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 2018. Over the years, Blake has honed his skills as a percussion instructor, serving at Corinth High School, Warren Central High, Hamilton High School, Columbus High School and Kossuth High School from 2013 to 2024. He also worked with the Starkville Indoor Percussion during the first two years of the programs inception, in which he was the front ensemble coordinator. Additionally, he dedicated three years as a full-time band director at West Point Consolidated School District, where he left a lasting impact on the music program. Blake's commitment to music education and his students has been evident throughout his career.

Blake is not only a dedicated musician and educator, but he is also a dedicated father and husband to his two daughters, Mia and Malia, and his wife Te'mara Patterson.

During his spare time, Blake enjoys fishing, hunting, playing pool, and playing chess. 

Hunter Byrd, originally from Arlington, TN, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Memphis (2022), where she excelled under the tutelage of Dr. John Mueller as the principal trombonist for the UofM Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Trombone Ensemble. Her exceptional musicality was further demonstrated through her involvement with the 'Southern Comfort' Jazz Orchestra and as a drum major for the 'Mighty Sound of the South' marching band. Her academic pursuits extended beyond performance, as she also served as a research assistant in the Music Education Department under Dr. Josef Hanson.

Upon graduating, Hunter assumed the role of Music Teacher at the Partnership Middle School in Starkville, Mississippi. In 2024, Hunter joined Horn Lake Intermediate School, where she fosters young musicians by directing after-school instrumental and vocal ensembles. Within her first year, the HLIS choir showcased their talents at numerous events, including HLHS football games and the HLIS Winter Festival. The choir's repertoire also includes performing the national anthem at a Memphis Hustle G-League professional basketball game.

Hunter Byrd's passion for music extends beyond the classroom. She serves as a brass and visual instructor with the Horn Lake High School Eagle Pride marching band. Additionally, she is an inaugural member and trombonist for the Bluff City Wind Symphony in Memphis, TN, and leads the worship team at Arlington Assembly of God in Arlington, TN.