2026 NZNMEA Honor Band 

Christi Blahnik currently serves as the Director of Bands at Siena Heights University in Adrian where she conducts the Concert Band and Jazz Band, Directs the Saints Marching Band and Pep Band, and teaches courses in Music Theory, Applied Clarinet, and Music Education. She recently obtained her Master's Degree in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Michigan, where she continues to serve as conductor of the University of Michigan Alumni Concert Band. Before pursuing her graduate studies, she served as the Director of Bands at The Performing Arts Signature Academy at Damonte Ranch High School in Reno, NV. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Blahnik served as the Director of Bands and Choirs at Douglas High School in Minden, NV.

During her eight years of teaching, Ms. Blahnik contributed to the teaching community through her service as the Northern Zone Audition Coordinator, WCSD Honor Band Chair, WCSD Band Benchmark Curriculum Committee Co-Chair, NMEA All-State Band Chair, and Vice-President of the Nevada Music Educators Association, the latter of whom awarded Ms. Blahnik the 2018 NMEA New Music Educator of the Year Award. Active as a presenter, Ms. Blahnik presented on a panel titled, "Empowering the Next Generation of Female Band Directors" at the 2023 Midwest Clinic and 2025 TMEA Conference. Ms. Blahnik is also active as an adjudicator, clinician, and performer. 

Ms. Blahnik has participated in several Wind Conducting Workshops as a Conducting Fellow with notable conductors including Loras Schissel, Robert Page, Emily Threinen, Craig Kirchhoff, Mallory Thompson, Robert Halseth, Reed Chamberlin, Rodney Dorsey, Jamie Nix, Don McKinney, Matt Dockendorf, Eugene Corporon, Andrew Trachsel, and Daniel Cook. Ms. Blahnik holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music Degree in Clarinet Performance from Duquesne University.​​