DIRECTORS
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Katie Zeier is entering her 6th year as Director of Bands at SJMS. She previously taught in Plano ISD, Birdville ISD, and Lewisville ISD. Ensembles under her direction have consistently earned Superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading contests and "Best in Class" at DFW area contest. In 2015, the Carpenter Middle School Symphonic Band was named a "Commended Winner" for the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Project. Katie earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas. She marched with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and taught Capital Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. Mrs. Zeier is an active adjudicator and clinician in the North Texas area. In 2017, she present at the state PBIS convention in Houston. She was "Teacher of the Year" for Carpenter Middle School in 2014 and Watauga Middle School in 2007. Mrs. Zeier is also a Texas Lifetime PTA recipient. Mrs. Zeier is an active member of Texas Music Educators Assocation, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. She lives in Frisco with her husband, Bill, and two sons, Jake (19) and Luke (17). |
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Katie Thompson is entering her 3rd year as Assistant Band Director at SJMS. Before coming to SJMS, Ms. Thompson completed her student teaching at Cooper Junior High School and Wylie High School in Wylie ISD. While there, she was mentored by Todd Dixon, Mark Schroeder, Steve Lisko, Adam Powell, Misty Smith, and Lynne Jackson. Ms. Thompson graduated from Texas Tech University in 2021 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Spanish and Bachelor's of Music in Music Education and Flute Performance. She was a piccolo section leader with the Goin' Band from Raiderland for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. While there, she was mentored by Dr. Eric Allen and Dr. Lisa Garner Santa. Ms. Thompson is a member of the McKinney Community Band, where she also serves as the Band's Secretary. Ms. Thompson also co-directs the McKinney Flute Choir with Tracie Kaip. Ms. Thompson is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association. |
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Michael Reed has been the Director of Percussion Studies at McKinney North High School since June of 2013. In addition to his responsibilities at MNHS, he also teaches beginning percussion classes and helps coordinate percussion education at Cockrill Middle School and at SJMS. Prior to joining the McKinney ISD, Mr. Reed was fortunate to work alongside many gifted educators in the Richardson ISD (Berkner High School) and the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (Langham Creek High School). He credits much of his success to the guidance provided by his teachers: Brian Callahan, Scott McAdow, Dr. Brian A. West, Bobby Francis, and Dr. Jeff Emge. Additionally, he has been able to work alongside and be counseled by exceptional colleagues and mentors such as Michael Brashear, Pete Tolhuizen, Bob Johnson, Scott Ward, Lynne Jackson, and Frank Troyka. Mr. Reed is a member of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra and the Lone Star Percussion Ensemble. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, the Texas Music Educators Association, and the Texas Bandmasters Association. Mr. Reed is supported by his loving wife, Kristyn, and their children, Bethany and Nathanael (for whom no list of adjectives is capable of describing). |