Meet The Teachers

Tyler Henderson lives a busy life.  Tyler plays professionally in the area and currently tours with Tracy Byrd. He has endorsments from several well-known musical equipment manufacturers, including 7drums and Sledgepad. Check out Tyler's welcome on 7drums.

At Lamar University, Tyler studied Music Education and played in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Percussion Ensemble.  He has played with many churches in the area, including Cathedral in the Pines, Westgate Baptist, Calvary, Church on the Rock, and is currently playing at Christian Fellowship Worship Center.  In addition to teaching drum, guitar, and keyboard at Tonalta, Tyler has taught percussion at a number of area high schools and middle schools.    Tyler also enjoys spending time writing his own music.

In high school, Tyler made the All-Region Jazz Band three years in a row, and went on to area each year. His junior year, he placed 7th in the state of Texas.  Tyler enjoys playing blues, pop, rock, funk, and jazz styles of music, and, in addition to the drum kit, plays a number of other instruments, including keyboard and guitar.  Tyler's favorite artist is John Mayer and his favorite drummer is Steve Jordan.

Atlanta grew up in a family of talented musicians, where her passion for music took root and blossomed. From an early age, she began to master musical instruments and grow her musical skills. At the age of 5, Atlanta's discovered her love of singing, and at 8, she began piano lessons. During her years at Nederland Middle- and High School, Atlanta found her rhythm as a percussionist in the school band. Her musical journey continued at Lamar State College, where she studied music performance, songwriting, and music theory, ultimately earning her degree in Commercial Music Performance. Notably, Atlanta contributed her vocal and keyboard talents to the Lamar State College touring band, Section 51. On most Sunday mornings, you can now find Atlanta's voice resonating within the walls of Beaumont's Trinity United Methodist Church, where she sings in the church choir. Atlanta also enriches her students' learning by drawing from her prior experience a music teacher within the local community. At the age of 13, Atlanta began performing with her uncle, and you can find her currently performing with him as vocalist and pianist in the band Mixtape.

Chloe Overstreet is a passionate and experienced music teacher and performer who has been sharing her love of music since the age of thirteen. Originally from Texas, Chloe has performed live across her home state as well as in Central America, bringing energy and heart to every stage she steps on. With a strong background in both group and individual instruction, she has taught bands and worked one-on-one with guitar, piano, and vocal students of all ages. Based in Southeast Texas, Chloe continues to perform live music throughout the region while dedicating herself to helping students grow in skill and confidence through music!

Jeremiah Domingue is a dedicated piano instructor at Tonalta, where he also teaches brass wind instruments such as trumpet, trombone, and euphonium. A former student of the school, he now brings his experience full circle as an instructor while pursuing a degree in Music Education at Lamar University. Jeremiah is committed to fostering technical skill, musical expression, and a love of learning in each of his students.

Damian Lunny took the first step in his musical career by joining his middle school band at the age of 11. Twelve years later he successfully completed his Bachelor of Arts in percussion performance at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, under the direction of Dr. Francis Kumor. As an active percussion performer, Damian has participated in multiple Day of Percussion events, and performed at the McCormick Marimba Festival at the University of South Florida. He has also performed volunteer work at PASIC. Damian is recently completed a Master of Arts in percussion performance at Northwestern State University of Louisiana under the guidance of Dr. Oliver Molina. As a student and graduate teaching assistant at NSU, he assisted in the education of the university drum line, applied percussion lessons, and the steel drum ensemble. Damian hopes to continue learning about percussion through the many opportunities available around the world. Networking, performing, teaching, and creating are all different aspects of the same passion he will continue to foster for years to come.

​Emmanuel "Manny" Saldana is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with a focus on instruments, such as guitar and bass. With over seven years of experience performing in bands and church settings, he brings a rich blend of stage presence, musical versatility, and real-world knowledge to his teaching. Manny holds a degree in Audio Engineering and Audiovisual Production, which deepens his approach to both live and recorded music.  Currently Manny serves an adjunct insructor in the  Commercial Music program at Lamar State College - Port Arthur.  In addition to performing,Manny writes and records original music, and loves sharing that creative process with his students. His teaching emphasizes not only technique and musicianship, but also confidence, creativity, and personal expression. Whether working with beginners or more advanced students, Manny creates a welcoming space where young musicians can grow in skill and love for their craft.

Bio coming soon!

Blake started his musical journey as a  student at Tonalta.  He studied drums, guitar, piano, and played in Tonalta bands along the way.   He also was a leader  in the drum section at Bridge City High School.  Blake is now continuing his education at Lamar University.  Blake plays in area church praise bands and other bands in the area. 

His students love his easy style and his quick humor.

Mikaela Bartlett attended Tonalta School of Music as a student for years, and now she’s back as a drum teacher!   She’s taken piano, drums, vocals, and has performed in multiple bands. She was also a part of the percussion section in her middle and high school bands. After graduating in 2023, she’s been studying English at Lamar University, where she also works in the English Department. Tonalta has been Mikaela’s second home for years, and she’s so excited to help new students find their connection to music :D 

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Jim served as the Music Director at Wesley United Methodist Church in Nederland, and as a keyboardist and a vocalist with the Wesley Celebration Band. He was a member of the ISX All-American High School band (on trombone), and was selected to All-Region bands, All-Region, and Area choirs, as well as the Tri-State honor band. Jim has both a bachelors and masters degree and over  30 years of classroom teaching experience at the college level. He enjoys songwriting, recording, and arranging.