My Name is Amanda Blackson-Pakela (Ms. Blackson). I teach beginning band at Carpenter, Mitchell, and Pittsfield Elementary Schools and co-teach band at Scarlett and Slauson Middle Schools. I have been teaching band in AAPS since 2020, but am an AAPS Alum - Go Rats!

I earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Michigan while playing my primary instrument, euphonium, in the Symphony and Concert Bands as well as my secondary instrument, trombone, in the Jazz Lab Band. GO BLUE!

My husband, Henry Blackson-Pakela is also a band teacher in AAPS. I enjoy playing video games and going on long walks with my husband and our beagle, Beatrice.

Learning an instrument can be very challenging, but it can also be one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences. I truly love teaching beginners and am super excited for all the music we will make together!