Cedar Park High School’s Kendall Santos has been named the 2026 Young Bandmaster of the Year by Phi Beta Mu, a prestigious award presented to recognize band directors with fewer than 10 years of experience who demonstrate exceptional leadership, musicianship and dedication.
Santos serves as an associate director of bands at Cedar Park High School. Santos has helped the Cedar Park Timberwolf Marching Band win its third (2019), fourth (2021), fifth (2023), sixth (2024) and seventh (2025) gold medals at the UIL State Marching Band Contest. Under her direction, the band has been has been a consistent BOA Regional and Super Regional finalist, BOA Waco Regional Champion (2021 & 2022), and has consistently placed in the top 3 in the 3A size classification at BOA Regionals, BOA Super Regionals, and the Texas Marching Classic.
After the marching band competition season, Santos conducts the concert, symphonic and wind symphony. Her concert ensembles, at all levels, have consistently received superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading.
“Anyone who knows Mrs. Santos knows the heart, passion, and tireless dedication she pours into our students every single day,” Christopher Yee, Leander ISD assistant fine arts director, said. “She inspires them not only to be better musicians, but better people. It means so much to see her recognized by the band community for what we’ve always known. She is truly exceptional.”
