Christa Martien, McLean 7/8 Head Director
Email: [email protected] Mrs. Christa Martien is in her fifth year of teaching at McLean Middle School and her ninth year with the Fort Worth Independent School District. Before joining McLean, she taught at Southwest High School for four years. A native of El Paso, Texas, Mrs. Martien graduated from Coronado High School and went on to study Music Education at Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, she studied oboe under Ms. Amy Anderson and performed with the university’s top ensembles as well as the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. Under her direction, the McLean Wind Ensemble has consistently earned superior ratings at contests and has advanced to the TMEA Honor Band Semi-Finals for the first time in school history. The McLean Band attended the 2025 Music for All National Festival, the ensemble’s first national performance. Mrs. Martien is passionate about helping students from all backgrounds achieve success and find joy through music education. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Martien enjoys photography and spending time with her husband, Nik, and their daughter, Leighton. |
Jacob Gandy, McLean 7/8
Assistant Director Email: [email protected] Jacob Gandy is a fourth-year band director and has spent all three of those years at McLean Middle School where he also student taught in 2022. Mr. Gandy is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where he performed with the top ensembles. He plays the French Horn and currently plays in the Mansfield Wine Symphony and principal horn with the Mansfield Philharmonic. He continues to participate in the Fort Worth community through music education and performances and enjoys both greatly. Under his direction, the Symphonic Band has made consistent superior ratings and has placed at the North Texas Festival of Distinction. Outside of music, Jacob enjoys hiking in national parks and caring for his house plants and garden, combining his love for the outdoors with his creative pursuits. These interests bring balance and inspiration to his work and personal life. |
Christian Lackey,
McLean 6 Director Email: [email protected] Mr. Lackey is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University, where he earned a degree in Music Education with an instrumental concentration. During his time at TCU, he was an active member of various ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Clarinet Choir, Horned Frog Marching Band, and Frog Corps (Men's Choir). Through these groups, he performed at prestigious conventions such as TMEA, ICA, and the Midwest Clinic. Mr. Lackey completed his student teaching at Aledo High School and Aledo Middle School under the direction of Joey Paul and Simon Bosch. Since graduating from TCU, he has assisted with the TCU Summer Band Camp and taught private lessons in Aledo ISD. Mr. Lackey held several leadership roles at TCU, including Section Leader and Drum Major for the Horned Frog Marching Band. He was also recognized with the Outstanding Section Leader Award. Before attending TCU, Mr. Lackey graduated from Chisholm Trail High School in Fort Worth, Texas. There, he served as Drum Major, was a member of the TMEA 5A All-State Band, and received the John Philip Sousa Award. Mr. Lackey is professionally affiliated with the Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi. In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball, mountain biking, and video games. |