Our Team
Alex Toepfer
Director of BandsMr. Toepfer directs the Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Blue Notes and Blue Knights Jazz Ensembles, and the Music Theory and Technology curriculum at Shawnee Mission East High School. A committed educator and performer, he serves as Artistic Coordinator for the Prairie Village Jazz Festival, chairs the Kansas Bandmasters Association Jazz Championships, and supports educational outreach through the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. He performs regularly with New Jazz Order Big Band and the Back Alley Brass Band, a New Orleans-style jazz and funk ensemble based in the Kansas City area. Mr. Toepfer was selected as SME's nominee for the 2022–23 Kansas Teacher of the Year Award and is a 2014 KSDE Horizon Award recipient. He holds a Master of Music from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (2010) and dual Bachelor's degrees from Fort Hays State University (2008).
Assistant Director of BandsEric starnes
Eric Starnes is currently in his sixth year as the Assistant Director of Bands at Shawnee Mission East High School. Eric's experience includes four years as the Director of Bands at Mill Creek Middle School in the DeSoto district and five years as the Assistant Director for Buhler Schools. Eric earned his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University (2011) and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Kansas (2020). His professional affiliations include the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and is the co-sponsor of the SMEast Tri-M Honor Society. An active contributor in the community, Eric performs regularly with the Midwest Winds and the Crossroads Wind Symphony.