MEET OUR DIRECTORS
Jacob Kennedy
Director of Bands
Jacob Kennedy is entering his ninth year as a music educator and his fifth year as Director of Bands at Clark. He began his career in Plano ISD, and prior to his appointment was an Associate Director at Williams HS and Bowman MS concurrently. Bands under Mr. Kennedy's direction have consistently received Excellent and Superior Ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest. In 2022, the Clark Wind Ensemble was selected as a winner for the Citation of Excellence. As a conductor, Mr. Kennedy has studied under the tutelage of Jerry Junkin, Dr. Robert Carnochan, and Glenn Richter in a University setting as well as H. Robert Reynolds, Craig Kirchoff, Richard Floyd, Dr. Jamie L. Nix, and Dr. Scott Boerma in a workshop setting.
An Austin native, Mr. Kennedy earned his Bachelor’s in Music Studies from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em!). Prior to his time at UT, he grew up in a suburb just north of the city and graduated from Round Rock High School. Throughout his tenure in the Greater Austin Area, Mr. Kennedy spent four seasons working with high school band students as a marching technician and private lesson instructor. His primary instrument is saxophone, and he holds a Certificate of Performance from the Butler School of Music. Mr. Kennedy found an interest in composing/arranging during his time at UT, and has since had his arrangements performed at TMEA, NASA (North American Saxophone Alliance – regional conference), and a handful of public performances on Plano ISD campuses.
Mr. Kennedy’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, North American Saxophone Alliance, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Outside of school, Mr. Kennedy is very passionate about the culinary arts, always trying new recipes/healthy alternatives. He enjoys jamming out to a wide variety of musical genres, playing video games, camping/hiking, and keeping up with Liverpool FC, his favorite English Premier League Club. His family lives in Tampa, FL and he often can be found spending time away from school with his family on the beach.
Emma Forester
Assistant Director of Bands
Emma Forester is delighted to join Clark High School as the newest Assistant Band Director!
Ms. Forester is very excited to work at Clark and looks forward to sharing her passion with her students. Prior to her appointment at Clark, Ms. Forester student taught at Abilene High School and Mann Middle School in Abilene ISD.
Ms. Forester is a Plano native and graduated from Lebanon Trail High School in Frisco ISD. She recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Abilene Christian University, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. During her time at ACU, Ms. Forester performed with the ACU Wind Ensemble, Civic Orchestra of Abilene, and Big Purple Marching Band. Ms. Forester also worked as a marching technician at Lebanon Trail High School and as a French Horn instructor in the Abilene-Wylie area.
Ms. Forester’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and Mu Phi Epsilon. Outside of school, Ms. Forester loves to hike, garden, read, and watch Formula 1 races. She loves playing her instrument and is an active member of the Frisco Community Band.
Gerardo Chavero
Colorguard Director &
Central Cluster Colorguard Coordinator
Mr. Chavero joined the Clark HS Staff in 2011 as Colorguard Director. During his time at Clark, the colorguard program has received the “Outstanding Colorguard” award for 10 consecutive years at the Plano East Marching Invitational Contest.
Mr. Chavero has had the opportunity to perform and compete in the Drum Corps International World Class division with both The Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps and The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps. Within his first year of marching DCI, Mr. Chavero had the chance to perform in the top 12 finals performance with the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps in 2009. He later performed once again in the DCI Finals performance with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, DCI’s 7-time World Champions, in 2011 and 2012, earning himself a bronze medal. Mr. Chavero has also had the opportunity to compete in Winterguard International with both Mansfield High School in 2009 and Ars Nova World from 2010-2013.
Aside from colorguard, Mr. Chavero stays active within the dance community. He is currently a member of The Next Generation Dance Company located in Mesquite, TX, where he has had the opportunity to work with many talented dancers in the industry, such as Courtney Galiano and Mark Kanemura as well as perform in music videos and his first commercial with Nike.
