About Us

Dan Plybon

Director of Bands

Mr. Dan Plybon is a native of the Roanoke Valley and has been the band director for William Byrd High School since the fall of 2007.  Dan received his high school diploma from Salem City public schools, an Associate’s degree from Virginia Western Community College, and his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Radford University.
Dan’s high school band director, Dennis Reaser, provided him the foundation and the love of music that continues to inspire his development as an educator.
Dan is a member of Phi Mu Alpha and the National Music Educators Association. He is also an active musician with the Roanoke Valley Community Band, and is Minister of Music at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church.
The mentors that have helped shape Dan’s outlook on music education are many, however Dennis Reaser, Barry Tucker, Al Wojtera, and Agnus Downie will all have a lifelong impact.

Jordan Downing

Assistant Director of Bands

Hello everyone! My name is Jordan Downing and I am an English Teacher at William Byrd Middle and High Schools. I recently graduated from Virginia Tech with my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Bachelor’s Degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing. While I love English as subject and the capacity it has to change lives, my passion also lies with music and its ability to communicate without words.
I have been involved in music programs for most of my life from learning to play piano in elementary school, to middle school band classes, to high school and college marching bands. While I was at Virginia Tech, I was a member of the Marching Virginians for five years and served on the student leadership team for two of those years. Music is a huge part of my life and the bands and ensembles that I have been a part of have helped me make many lifelong friends and discover parts of myself that may have otherwise remained hidden.
I am so excited to start the season with you all!

2024-2025 Student Officers

  • BRAEDEN BOOTH – Corps Commander
  • BECCA RADFORD – Drum Major
  • JOSH ALLEN – Brass Captain
  • BRAEDEN BOOTH – Percussion Captain
  • DIXIE VENABLE – Woodwind Captain
  • KAYLEIGH TAYLOR – Front Ensemble Captain
  • JENNA PAUL – Color Guard Captain

Booster Mission Statement

It is the mission of the WBHS Band Boosters to volunteer support to the high school band physically, financially and morally. To show support, spirit and pride of all the students involved in all aspects of band. To encourage other parents of band members to provide voluntary support and get involved in fundraising for the band program.

About the Boosters
The WBHS Band Boosters is a 501(c) nonprofit organization that provides the William Byrd High School Band Program with all the tools needed for success.  A Band Booster is any parent or guardian of a student in the band program.As soon as your child begins his/her band program, you become a booster!  All parents are encouraged to be an active member, and to volunteer for the benefit of our students. No organization can be successful without parental involvement. Parents, YOU are an absolutely vital part of our success!

2024-2025 BOOSTER BOARD

  • DEANNA SCHULER- President
  • JOE “ACE” ELINE – Vice President
  • BETH WILLIAMS – Treasurer
  • BETH RADFORD – Secretary
  • LORI GIEST – Fundraising