Band Directors & Educational Team
Javier Ayala
Band Director
Mr. Ayala is excited to serve as Director of Bands for the 2024-2025 school year. He is currently in his 15th year of teaching and 8th year as Director of Bands at Burnet Middle School. Previous to Burnet Middle School, Mr. Ayala served 3 years as Director of Bands at Dobie Middle and 4 years as Director of Bands at Garcia Middle, both in Austin ISD.
Originally from New Mexico, he attended New Mexico State University receiving a Bachelor of Accounting and then went back to continue his music degrees and receiving a Master of Music in 2008.
In his time off he enjoys karaoke, trying out new restaurants, and taking his dog to different dog parks.
If you have any questions about joining band, or questions about the program, you can send him an email at javier.ayala@austinisd.org
Agustin Duarte
Mariachi & Choir Director
Mr. Agustin S. Duarte Jr., is a proud musician and educator based in Austin, Texas. Born in Laredo, TX, and raised in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He began his musical journey under his Elementary and Middle School music professor, Rafael Larios.
He holds an Associate's Degree in Instrumental Music from Laredo Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, where he had the privilege of learning from renowned piano and education professors such as Mikołaj Górecki, Susan Liu, Tim Woolsey, Michael Schneider, Anton Nel, and Robert Duke.
Currently, he is in his 8th year as the Choir and Mariachi director at Burnet Middle School.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact him at agustin.duarte@austinisd.org
Daniel Cutchen
Orchestra Director & Guitar
Mr. Cutchen is the Guitar, Orchestra, and Beginning Mariachi teacher at Burnet Middle School. This is his sixth year of teaching, as well as his sixth year of being a Mighty Sailor! He has a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Vanderbilt University and a master's in Music Education from The University of Texas at Austin. Outside of school, Mr. Cutchen enjoys spending time with his partner Liz and their cat daughter Miyu, as well as cooking, gardening, riding his bike, foraging for wild fruit on the nature trails in South Austin, and of course, playing lots of music!
You can reach him at daniel.cutchen@austinisd.org.
Talitha Cook
Assistant Band Director
Talitha Cook is a distinguished Assistant Band Director with a notable career in music education. She earned her undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University and continued her studies with a Master’s degree in Musical Arts from New York University. Over the past six years at Littlefield ISD, Talitha has made significant contributions to her students and the school community. Her exceptional work was recognized in 2024 when she was named a State Finalist in the Outstanding Performance Series.
Outside of her professional life, Talitha enjoys spending her free time with her dog, Gus Gus. She has a passion for live music and delights in exploring new restaurants, always seeking out new experiences and adventures.
You can reach her at talitha.cook@austinisd.org