SVMS Band Directors

My name is James Hargreaves and I have been proud to serve as Associate Band Director at Smithson Valley Middle School since 2007, stepping into the role of Head Band Director in January 2025. I teach the beginning woodwind classes, team-teach Symphonic Band and Concert Band, and direct both the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.

I graduated from Texas Lutheran University in 2004 with a Bachelors in Music where I performed with the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Saxophone Ensemble, and Campus Ministry Worship Band. 

I love integrating technology and creative teaching methods to make learning exciting and engaging for my students and have published several articles and presented clinics on the subject for the Texas Bandmasters Association.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy woodworking, playing guitar, dabbling in spreadsheets and coding, writing a 200,000 word epic sci-fi/fantasy novel, and immersing myself in science fiction and fantasy books, movies, and TV shows. I'm also husband to a very patient wife and we love taking our dog, Ramona, on car rides to various state parks as often as possible.

Email: Celeste.Astorga@comalisd.org

Hi, my name is Celeste Astorga and I was born and raised in Southern California and moved to San Antonio in 2008. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015. My primary instrument is trombone, and I specialize in brass and percussion pedagogy.

I began my teaching career in 2016 and have taught both high school and middle school band. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong passion for classroom management, rehearsal techniques, and helping students grow as musicians.

Outside of teaching, I perform trombone and vocals with the all-female cumbia/Latin group Llamativa. In my free time, I enjoy watching shows, movies, traveling, exploring new places with my husband Rick, and spending time with our two dogs, Heart and Lela.