Mr. Handte grew up in Midland, TX where he attended Legacy High School. During his time at Legacy, Mr. Handte played viola in the Symphony Orchestra and Trombone in the honor band where he developed his passion for music.

After graduating high school, Mr. Handte attended UT Permian Basin where he initially was a Mechanical Engineering major. After a year and a half, he came to his senses and changed his major to music. During his time at UTPB, he served as principal trombonist for the University Philharmonic and the Falcon Wind Ensemble. He also spent time serving in student government and as a Tutor/TA for Mathematics, Physics and Music Theory. Eventually, he graduated from UTPB Summa Cum Laude with a Major in Music and a Minor in Mathematics.

In the first part of his career, Mr. Handte served as the Orchestra Director at Harris Middle School and assisted the mariachi program. During Mr. Handte’s tenure, the Harris Orchestra admitted its first students to the TMEA All- Region Orchestra and received its first UIL Sweepstakes award in the program’s history.

For the past two years, Mr. Handte has served as Assistant Orchestra/Band Director for Johnson High School, as well as the AP Music Theory instructor. In his position, Mr. Handte assists with all bands and orchestras as necessary.