Assistant Director – Forney High School

Ben Underbrink has taught at Forney High School since 2022. Prior to teaching at Forney, Mr. Underbrink spent his first 3 years with Cypress Woods High School in Cypress, Texas. While at Woods, all concert bands received sweepstakes and the marching band was a 6A State Marching Contest Finalist. During those years, his responsibilities included assisting with the Wildcat Marching Band, directing the Concert Winds and Symphonic Band, teaching AP Music Theory, and conducting the school musicals.

Mr. Underbrink received his undergraduate degree in music education from Texas A&M University – Commerce. During his time at Commerce, Mr. Underbrink was a two-year drum major of the Pride Marching Band and four-year member of the Wind Ensemble. He also worked as a marching technician for Berkner, Denison, and Wakeland High School, and taught private lessons in Sulphur Springs, Denison, Forney, and Frisco ISD. Mr. Underbrink has served as a leadership instructor since 2012, joined the System Blue leadership team with Frank Troyka in 2015, and has taught at summer leadership camps and music conferences including those held in Texas, California, Oregon, Minnesota, Missouri, and Hawaii.

Mr. Underbrink lives in Dallas with his wife, Alexandria, and their dog, Khali. He is excited to join the Forney band family and is looking forward to getting to know the community!