Modern Band Honors at
Regionals

Jonathan Casañas and Juan Tellado are music educators at Kenneth E. Adum K–8
School in Hillsborough County Public Schools, where they collaboratively direct the
schools elementary and middle school Modern Band programs. Together, they are
passionate about creating engaging, student-centered music experiences that provide
young musicians with authentic opportunities to perform, collaborate, and develop
lifelong musicianship.
Their students regularly perform throughout the Tampa Bay community, including
appearances at Tampa Riverfest, FMEA Crossover Festival, Modern Band Spirit Night
fundraising events, and other district and community performances. Through these
experiences, they strive to make contemporary music education accessible, meaningful,
and inspiring for every student.
Jonathan Casañas earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the
University of South Florida in 2013 and a Master of Education in Educational
Leadership in 2023. He serves as a Hillsborough County Elementary Music Curriculum
Writer and Trainer, is Past President of the Hillsborough County Elementary Music
Educators Council, and serves on the Florida Music Education Association State
Advocacy Committee. He was named Hillsborough County Music Educator of the Year
in 2022.
Juan Tellado earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of
South Florida in 2018. In addition to teaching at Adum, he is a marching band instructor,
performs with the Tampa Brass Band and Tampa Bay Symphonic Winds, and maintains
an active private trumpet studio.
Together, Casañas and Tellado are committed to expanding access to high-quality
modern music education and empowering students to find their voice through music.