Staff

Dr. Cody Knott, a native of Cedar Hill, TX, is the Director of Bands for the Eastland Independent School District, where he oversees all of the band program 6-12 grade, teaches the Maverick Marching Band and High School Concert Bands. Knott assists with the EMS Bands and teaches 6th grade beginner classes in clarinet, trombone, baritone and tuba. In his time at Eastland, the band has made the semi-finals of TMEA Honor Band and the finals of the OPS Series for ATSSB. 

Before his appointment at Eastland in July 2022, Knott was Director of Fine Arts and Bands for the Caldwell Independent School District in Caldwell, TX, from 2018-2022. His responsibilities included teaching The Pride of Caldwell Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band, as well as assisting with 7th/8th grade band and all beginner band classes.  Caldwell High School Band placed 6th in the ATSSB State Outstanding Performance Series in 2021 with "The Boom Boom Galop" by Standridge.  Students recognized Knott as a "Bright Star Teacher" in 2019 and 2022. He was also named Teacher of the Year for Caldwell ISD in 2021. Before his assignment at Caldwell ISD, Knott spent 2012-2018 as Assistant Band Director for Decatur ISD, Decatur, TX. While at Decatur, the bands and students have received high marks in marching and concert bands.

Knott completed his Doctorate of Music Education at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA in August 2024, with a thesis entitled "An Exploration of How Working at Marching Band Camps Can Benefit Pre-Service Instrumental Music Educators." Knott graduated in August 2012 with his Master of Music specializing in Trombone Performance from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. He was the Graduate Teaching Assistant for the University of South Dakota Athletic Bands and Studio Low Brass. In May 2010, Knott graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music (Music Education) from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. While at Tarleton, he participated in various ensembles and guest conducted both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble on numerous occasions. Knott has participated in numerous summer music camps throughout the state and country. 

He is a member of the TMEA, ATSSB, TBA, ATPE, Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity, and an Honorary Lifetime Member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.

Knott lives in Eastland with his wife, Mandy and daughter Cadence. 

Jenna Larios-Garcia was born and raised in San Angelo, TX. She graduated from Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX with a Bachelor of Music with a specialization in Music Education in 2023. She oversees the EMS Band program while assisting with the high school band. Mrs. LG directs the EMS Symphonic Band and teaches beginner flute, trumpet and horn. While attending Angelo State, she was involved with the marching Ram Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and other small ensembles throughout her college career. Mrs. Larios-Garcia has worked the annual Summer Music Camp at Angelo State for the past 4 years as a counselor and administrative assistant. She has also had the opportunity to perform in the Opermaya Festival in Mexico in 2021, and as 2nd horn for the San Angelo Civic Ballet on their production of The Nutcracker in 2020 and 2021.

She lives in Eastland with her husband Mario and her three cats, Pablo, Paisley and Ernie.

A native of San Antonio, TX, Mario Larios-Garcia graduated from Angelo State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He is currently the Assistant Band Director for EISD where he helps with all band classes and teaches the jazz band. While at ASU he was a member of the marching band, jazz band and wind ensemble. As a performer, Mr. LG still plays his saxophone daily and performs around in the area. He and Mrs. LG have 3 cats and lives in Eastland.