Benjamin Katz
Mr. Katz has worked as a music educator for the past sixteen years, 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 doubled their enrollment to over 320 students.
In 2011 and 2009, the Clark Symphonic Band finished second and fourth, respectively, at the State Honor Band Contest. For the past five years, the Symphonic Band earned the Most Outstanding Band of the Day at the Peak Music Festival. This year, the Clark Bands had 48 students make the All-Region Band—the most in school history.
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.
Jessica Powell
Jessica Powell is thrilled to begin her career at Clark Middle School. As a four year all-stater and having graduated valedictorian from Churchhill High School in San Antonio , Ms. Powell went on to study euphonium with Dr. Brian Bowman at the University of North Texas. Ms. Powell received degrees in both Music Education and Instrumental Performance. While at UNT, Ms. Powell was named a finalist in multiple international euphonium competitions. In addition, Ms. Powell performed in a variety of UNT’s ensembles including the Green Brigade Marching Band and the Wind Symphony with conductor Mr. Eugene Corporon. Ms. Powell is responsible for the Clark Concert Band and instructing the beginning trombone, beginning euphonium, and beginning tuba class.In her free time, she enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and playing with her dog, Roxy.
John Timpani
Mr. Timpani joined the staff at Clark in 2010 and under his direction, the Concert Band received straight Superior ratings from all of the UIL concert and sight-reading judges for the first time in its history. He is responsible for teaching the Concert Band, Beginner Bassoon, Beginner French Horn, Beginner Oboe, and Beginner Trumpet.
Mr. Timpani began teaching in 2003 in Waco ISD. While at Cesar Chavez Middle School, the band grew from 17 members to 110 students over three years, a growth of 155%. After a two year break to attend Baylor University, he came to Frisco. Under his direction, the concert band at Griffin Middle School grew in size and in quality, consistently receiving Excellent ratings from the judges at UIL. The jazz band he co-directed also received the best in class award for two years in a row at the Sandy Lake Band Festival.
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 gets the occasional chance to perform professionally, most recently playing baroque trumpet with the Dallas Bach Society. He is an active member of Stonebriar Community Church and performs with the orchestra, wind symphony and brass choir.
He and his wife Emily, a French hornist, were married in 2003 and the family has now grown to three boys, John Caleb, David and Stephen. Mr. Timpani’s free time usually involves playing with his family, reading, trying to fix things around the house and the occasional video game.
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