Edward Odeh, Band Director
edward.odeh@fortbendisd.com
Edward Odeh is currently in his fifth year as Band Director at Dulles Middle School. Mr. Odeh teaches the Honor Band and Beginning Brass classes, and assists with the Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Beginning Percussion class. He also co-conducts the Dulles Middle School Symphony Orchestra. Under his leadership, the Dulles Middle School Band continues its long tradition of musical excellence, earning consistent UIL Sweepstakes Awards and “Best in Class” awards at local festivals. The Dulles Middle School Symphony Orchestra is a three-time Mark of Excellence National Winner, and performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in 2022.
Mr. Odeh’s passion for music began in Baytown, TX when he was introduced to the trumpet in his middle school band program. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University in 2008. There he studied trumpet under Professor Wiff Rudd and jazz under Professor Alex Parker. At Baylor, he was a member of the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and the Golden Wave Marching Band. Mr. Odeh continued his education earning a Master’s of Educational Administration from the University of Houston-Victoria in 2015. Mr. Odeh is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Band Masters Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association.
Mr. Odeh lives in Missouri City with his wife, Holly, and daughters, Sydney and Samantha. His hobbies include woodworking and exploring the outdoors. He loves spending time with his family and is grateful for their love and support of his passion to be a music educator.
Adam Blakey, Assistant Band Director
adam .blakey@fortbendisd.com
Adam Blakey is excited to start his first year at Dulles Middle School! He is entering his fourth year as a band director, with the previous three years in Alvin ISD and four years as a private lesson teacher. Mr. Blakey will be teaching the Symphonic Band and beginner woodwind classes and assisting with the Honor Band and Concert Band.
Originally from Illinois, Mr. Blakey grew to develop his love of music through his middle school and high school band directors, where he first began playing saxophone. After high school, he went on to study Saxophone Performance at Millikin University with Dr. Perry Rask. It was at Millikin where his passion for learning other woodwind instruments began. Throughout his time at Millikin, Mr. Blakey performed on various woodwind instruments with the Millikin Wind Ensemble, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band 1, and more while achieving success through various solo competitions in the school.
After graduating from Millikin, Mr. Blakey went to the University of Northern Colorado to earn a Master of Music in Jazz Studies. While at UNC, Mr. Blakey was a teaching assistant to the Jazz Studies program and the Registration Coordinator for the UNC-Greely Jazz Festival, the largest educational jazz festival in the country. He was a part of the award-winning Jazz Lab Band 1, earning multiple Downbeat Awards as well as recording on the Grammy nominated album “The Romeo & Juliet Project” in 2016.
Since moving to Houston, Mr. Blakey has been an active educator and performer in Greater Houston. He now resides in Sugar Land with his wife, Jade, his daughter, June, and his two pets Steve and Ruby. When away from school, Mr. Blakey likes to work outside in his yard, try new restaurants and recipes, and occasionally play his Nintendo Switch (most recently Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom). Mr. Blakey is ready for a wonderful year with the Dulles Middle School Band!
Zach Gutierrez, Director of Percussion
Mr. Gutierrez currently serves as the Director of Percussion for the Dulles High School Viking Band and oversees all percussion activities for the Dulles feeder pattern.
Mr. Gutierrez maintains an active career as a music educator and performing musician. He has collaborated and interacted with a diverse group of instrumentalists, scholars, composers, and conductors throughout the world.
As an educator, Mr. Gutierrez has taught in various capacities over the past decade including private teaching, presenting masterclasses, instructing marching ensembles, and coaching chamber ensembles. Mr. Gutierrez is passionate about helping others develop a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts.
Mr. Gutierrez holds degrees from Yale University, Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and University of Houston.
Dulles Middle School Viking Band 