|
Jeremy Gray
Director of Bands [email protected] 281-577-5900 Mr. Gray brings over 18 years of experience in music education to Porter High School, where he serves as Director of Bands. He oversees the Wind Ensemble, Spartan Marching Band, and Spartan Jazz Orchestra. Prior to joining Porter High School, Mr. Gray served as Director of Bands at Aldine High School. During his tenure, the marching band earned First Division ratings in 11 of the last 13 years and advanced to the UIL Area Marching Contest from 2010 through 2024. Additionally, the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings over a 16-year period. Mr. Gray is a native of Rockwall, Texas, and a graduate of Rockwall High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Texas A&M University–Commerce in 2006. While at Texas A&M–Commerce, he studied trumpet with Bert Truax of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and conducting with Dr. Bradley Kent, Director of UIL Music. Mr. Gray resides in The Woodlands with his wife, Katie, their two children, Cash and Tinsley, and their dog, Dakota. His professional affiliations include the American Band Directors Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, International Trumpeters Guild, and Kappa Kappa Psi. |
|
|
Gage Cope
Assistant Director [email protected] 281-577-5900 Mr Cope is a 2022 Graduate of the University of Houston, Moores School of Music where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Tuba. While at the University of Houston, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. David Bertman and was also a member of the Spirit of Houston Marching Band, performing with the drumline as part of the Bass Drum Section. In addition, Mr. Cope has been a member of The Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps (2016), The Santa Clara Vanguard Drum And Bugle Corps (2017-2018), and Monarch Independent Percussion (2019). Mr. Cope has worked in a variety of settings as a marching technician, visual coordinator and private lesson teacher. |
|
Mike Nelson
Assistant Director - Percussion Coordinator [email protected] 281-577-5900 Mr. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Houston where he received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education. Mr. Nelson has been teaching since 2004 and has been the Assistant Director and Percussion Coordinator for the Porter High School Spartan Band since 2015 where he is responsible for all aspects of the percussion program at PHS, and works with the Pine Valley and White Oak Middle School Band Programs. Since joining the staff at PHS, the Marching Band has been a 7 time UIL Area Marching Finalist and a 3 time UIL State Marching Semi Finalist. Under his direction, the Porter High School Indoor Drum Line has been a 3 time WGI Regional Finalist and was the WGI Katy Regional Champion in 2023. Competing as a member of TCGC, the indoor drumline was the Scholastic Marching A Class Bronze Medalist in 2021 and 2023. Additionally, Porter Indoor Percussion was a WGI National Virtual Finalist in 2021 placing in the top 15 out of 75 schools from 26 different states! He is an active clinician and has worked with numerous ensembles in and around the Greater Houston Area and the State of Texas. Mr. Nelson has lived in Porter, Texas since 2013 with his wife Lindsey and four sons Carsten, Case, Brody and Beaux. |
|