Benjamin Katz
Mr. Katz has worked as a music educator since 1995, serving most recently as the head band director at Clark Middle School. Under his direction, the Clark Middle School Symphonic Band earned consistent Superior Ratings at the UIL Band Concert and Sightreading Contest and more than doubled their enrollment to over 350 students.
In 2014, the Clark Symphonic Band was selected first place in the State Honor Band Contest. In 2012 and 2010, the Clark Symphonic Band finished second and fourth, respectively, at the State Honor Band Contest. For several years, the Symphonic Band has earned the “Most Outstanding Band of the Day” award at the Peak Music Festival. In 2016, the Clark Band program earned the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Silver Cup. The only middle school band in the United States to earn this honor.
Prior to teaching at Clark, Mr. Katz directed bands in Titusville, Florida and served as an assistant band director at Arlington Martin HS, Waco HS, and Bellville ISD. Mr. Katz graduated from Baylor University with a Music Education degree. Mr. Katz currently directs the Symphonic Band, clarinet, flute, and saxophone classes and assists with the Jazz, Honor, and Concert Bands. Mr. Katz is a member of the Texas Bandmaster’s Association, the Texas Music Educator’s Association and serves as an active TMAA adjudicator and clinician. Mr. Katz is honored to be married to Whitney and they have a wonderful son, William.
Email Mr. Katz: katzb@friscoisd.org
John Timpani
Mr. Timpani joined the staff at Clark in 2010. He is responsible for teaching the Honor Band, Beginner Bassoon, Beginner French Horn, Beginner Oboe, and Beginner Trumpet.
Mr. Timpani taught in Waco ISD from 2003 to 2006. After a two year break to attend Baylor University, he came to Frisco in 2010, first to Griffin Middle School for two and then to Clark. While at Griffin, the jazz band that Mr. Timpani co-taught was named best in class two years in a row at the Sandy Lake Contest. After coming the Clark, the Concert Band received straight Superior ratings from all of the UIL concert and sight-reading judges for the first time in its history. In 2020, Mr. Timpani was honored to be named the teacher of the year for Clark and was a top 5 finalist for secondary teacher of the year for Frisco ISD.
Mr. Timpani holds bachelor degrees in Music Education and Trumpet performance from Howard Payne University and a masters degree in Trumpet performance from Baylor University. He still plays professionally around the Dallas area and also gives clinics across Texas for band and trumpet. He is an active member of Stonebriar Community Church and performs with many different ensembles. One of the highlights of the year for him is waking up his cabins at summer camp with a rousing rendition of Reveille.
Mr. Timpani and his wife Emily, a French hornist, were married in 2003 and they are blessed with five children: three boys and twin girls, John Caleb (percussion), David (french horn), Stephen (percussion), Abigail and Hannah (who play everything). Mr. Timpani’s free time usually involves playing with his family, reading, trying to fix things around the house after extensive attendance to YouTube University and the occasional video game.
Email Mr. Timpani: timpanij@friscoisd.org
Nathan Taylor
Mr. Taylor is beginning his 11th year teaching and is excited to be a part of the Clark Band program. He has previously taught in several districts around Texas at the middle school, high school and collegiate level but is looking forward to returning to his middle school roots. Mr. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters of Music, both from Baylor University (Sic’em Bears) and is a low brass specialist. When he is not teaching he enjoys college football, playing golf and spending time with his wife and 2 children
Email Mr. Taylor: TaylorN@friscoisd.org
Benji Baker
Mr. Benji Baker is an active performer, educator, and arranger in the percussive community throughout United States and Internationally. His performance career has seen multiple appearances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) with various ensembles and as a participant in the marching competition. His arrangements have been performed by numerous ensembles across the United States, including clients such as the University of North Texas Green Brigade and various successful high school band programs nationwide.
Mr. Baker’s drum corps experience began at the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2009-11) and continued with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2012-15). He served as section leader for both ensembles and performed with SCV at PASIC in both 2012 and 2015. After aging out he served on staff with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and the Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps as a front ensemble technician. Additionally he has served as front ensemble caption head and music designer for Roots Percussion Independent. He is currently the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Music City Drum and Bugle Corps from Nashville, TN.
In recent years, Mr. Baker joined the cast of the Tony and Emmy Award winning Broadway Show, “Blast!” (www.blasttheshow.com) He has performed three tours in Japan with the company as “Percussion Swing” with regularly sold out crowds.
Mr. Baker has been fortunate enough to study with great percussionists such as Mark Ford, Paul Rennick, Sandi Rennick, Christopher Deane, Dr. Robert Schietroma, Dr. Eric Willie, Ed Smith, Jeff Ausdemore, and Ralph Hardimon. He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society and the Texas Music Educators Association. Mr. Baker holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music Degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Mr. Baker is proud to be sponsored by Innovative Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Dynasty/Titan.
Email Mr. Baker: bakerbe@friscoisd.org
Matthew Tremmel
Mr. Matthew Tremmel serves as the Assistant Percussion Director for the Lebanon Trail HS cluster, including Clark and Fowler MS.
Mr. Tremmel attended the University of Kentucky, studying with James Campbell for his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. At UK he was involved in nearly all aspects of the music program, performing with the Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, Wind Symphony, Marching Band, Orchestra, Choirs, and Gamelan ensemble. He has written and arranged for percussion ensemble, including several pieces played at public performances and senior recitals at UK, and various high schools throughout Kentucky and Texas.
Mr. Tremmel’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, and Kappa Kappa Psi.
Email Mr. Tremmel: tremmelm@friscoisd.org