Mr. Blankenship is in his 23rd year as Director of Bands at Troy Buchanan High School, overseeing all aspects of the band program. He directs the symphonic band, ninth grade concert band, marching band, jazz band, and jazz ensemble, and teaches AP music theory. Additionally, he assists at Troy Middle School, where he works with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands.

Mr. Blankenship attended Truman State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance, and a Master of Arts in Education. Before his appointment in Troy, he spent four years as the Assistant Band Director at Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Blankenship is married to Molly, and they have two children, Max and Mallory.