SVMS Band Directors
SVMS Band Directors
Embedded Files
Mr. James Hargreaves - Director of Bands
Mr. James Hargreaves - Director of Bands
Email: J.Hargreaves@comalisd.org
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 advanced percussion, 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.
Mr. Spencer Katz - Associate Director of Bands
Mr. Spencer Katz - Associate Director of Bands
Email: Spencer.Katz@comalisd.org
Hello! My name is Spencer Katz and I am thrilled to join Smithson Valley Middle School as the new Assistant Band Director! I teach beginning brass and percussion classes and direct the Symphonic Band. I graduated with a degree in music education from Texas State University in 2020. During my time at Texas State, I had the privilege of performing with the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Trombone Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, and Bobcat Marching Band. I also marched with the Blue Knights and Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, earning the Jim Ott Memorial Award for Excellence in Brass in 2019. I spent 4 years teaching in North East ISD, where I served as an elementary music teacher, a private lesson and masterclass instructor for middle school students, and the head visual technician for the Churchill High School marching band. In my free time, I enjoy baking, traveling, composing and arranging music, playing pickleball, and making music with my friends.
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Band Hall Office Phone #:
830-885-1224 (*Mr. Hargreaves)830-885-1225 (*Mr. Katz)School Contact Info:
PH: 830-885-1200FX: 830-885-1201School Address
Smithson Valley Middle School6101 FM 311Spring Branch, TX 78070Page updated
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