Time:
Wednesday
December, 18, 2024
03:45 PM - 04:45 PM
Location:
W190
Category
High School String Ensemble
Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The orchestral program at Clements High School has over 215 students spanning grades 9-12. Renowned as the largest high school orchestra program in the district, it comprises six string orchestras and a dynamic symphony orchestra, collaboratively formed with the Clements High School Band. In addition to regular ensemble instruction, students participate in chamber ensemble training, preparing for performances at the annual Clements Ensemble Gala and University Interscholastic League (UIL) contests, both at the regional and state levels.
Notably, the Clements High School Orchestras have consistently earned finalist placements in the Texas Music Educators State Honor Orchestra competition for both String and Full Orchestra events. This includes recent recognition in the String Honor Contest in both 2020 and 2024. The program's historical achievements feature being honored as the TMEA State Honor Full Orchestra in 2002 and the TMEA State Honor String Orchestra in 2012. The Clements orchestras have graced the Midwest Clinic stage three times – twice as a high school full orchestra in 2000 and 2014, and once as a high school string orchestra in 2010. Recognizing their excellence, the Foundation for Music Education awarded the CHS Chamber Strings and Symphony Orchestras as National Winners through the 2023 Mark of Excellence Project.
Clements High School Orchestra
Conductor's Bio
Neal Springer has been an orchestra director at Clements High School in Fort Bend ISD since 2014. Before coming to Clements, he taught at Crockett Middle School in Fort Bend ISD, and has worked with orchestra programs in Abilene, TX. Under his direction, orchestras have consistently received UIL Sweepstakes and Best in Class awards in festivals across the state. The orchestras at Clements have also consistently placed as finalists in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Honor Orchestra Competition.
Mr. Springer graduated summa cum laude from Hardin-Simmons University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He completed his Master of Music Education and Conducting degree from Colorado State University in the summer of 2018. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. While at Hardin-Simmons, he was honored as the College of Music’s 2010 Presser Scholar. He currently serves as Vice President of TMEA Region 13 and has previously served as Middle School Orchestra Coordinator and Tabulation Chair. His private viola students have participated in numerous region and state orchestras. He has performed as a violist with a variety of ensembles in the Abilene and greater Houston area. When he is not teaching or conducting, Neal enjoys traveling with his family and watching movies. He is eternally grateful to his supportive wife, Rebekah, and loves spending time with his son.
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