PORTER SPARTAN BAND
22625 Sandy Lane, Porter TX 77365 | 281-577-5900 x5720
Mr. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Houston where he received a Bachelor of Music Degree in 2004.
As a student in the prestigious Moores School of Music, he was a three year member of the Moores School Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Blake Wilkins, a two year member of the Snare Line and two year Tenor Section Leader in the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. Additionally, he was a founding member of the U of H Steel Drum Ensemble, “The Pantagonists” and performed at various events around the City of Houston. Additionally, he was also a two year member of the UH Wind Ensemble under the direction of Eddie Green and Tom Bennett respectively.
Mr. Nelson has been teaching since 2004 and 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. From 2011-2015, Mr. Nelson served as Assistant Director and Percussion Coordinator at Shepherd High School in Shepherd, Texas where he led the SHS Indoor Drum Line to a Bronze Medal in the Texas Color Guard Circuit State Championships in 2013, a Gold Medal in 2014, and a Silver Medal in 2015. Prior to his position in Shepherd, he held similar positions at Sealy High School (2009-2011), Clear Springs High School (2007-2009), and J. Frank Dobie High School (2004-2007). 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 holds Educator Endorsements with Salyers Percussion, Evans Drum Heads, and a Local Artist Endorsement with Pearl Drums and Adams Percussion. He is an active member of Texas Music Educators Association, the Percussive Arts Society, and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Mr. Nelson has lived in Porter, Texas since 2013 with his wife Lindsey and four sons Carsten, Case, Brody and Beaux.
Teaching Responsibilities at Porter High School include instructing percussion classes, instructing the Concert Band, assisting with the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands.
Ms. Torres has been at Porter High School since 2018 and is responsible for teaching the Wind Ensemble. Prior to joining the PHS Band Staff, Ms. Torres was the Assistant Director at White Oak Middle School which is in the Porter Cluster. Her Primary instrument is Alto Saxophone and she is a graduate of Sam Houston State University where she received her Bachelor's Degree.
Mike Nelson
Assistant DIrector - Percussion Coordinator
Contact Us!!
281-577-5900
Angela Torres
Director of Bands
Mike Nelson
Assistant Director of Bands
Percussion Coordinator
Gage Cope
Assistant Director of Bands
Meet the
STAFF
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.
In addition to his responsibilities at Porter High School, Mr. Cope also serves on the Brass Staff at the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps; a position he has held since 2022.
Angela Torres
Director of Bands
Gage Cope
Assistant Director