DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Martin Trammel is in his 5th year as Director of Bands at Hardin-Jefferson ISD, and his 16th year overall. Mr. Trammel teaches the high school Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. At the Junior High he teaches beginning low brass, percussion & flute while also assisting with the Concert & Symphonic Bands.  He holds an AAS in Commercial Music Performance (drumset) from McLennan Community College and a BA in Music Education from UT Arlington. Outside of work he serves as the music director for Triumph Church of Nederland, a position that he’s held since November 2009. In his spare time he enjoys reading, travel and BBQ. He is married to his loving wife and favorite author, Amanda Trammel who writes under the name Dani Donari.

JUNIOR HIGH DIRECTOR

Olivia Contreras is in her 3rd year teaching and 3rd year here as our Junior High director here at Hardin-Jefferson ISD. Mrs. Contreras directs the Symphonic Band and teaches our french horn and clarinet beginner classes. Under her direction, the Symphonic Band has received 3 consecutive Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest. Mrs. Contreras is a proud alumna of Lamar University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s in Music Education in May of 2022. During her free time, Mrs. Contreras enjoys playing pickleball, reading, cooking, and traveling with her husband Morgan, who is also a band director!

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Jonathan Gonzalez is the assistant director at Hardin Jefferson ISD. He was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where he attended and graduated from Barbers Hill ISD in 2015. After high school, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University and graduated with a Bachelors in Music in 2020. Mr. Gonzalez has been teaching for 5 years and this is his 2nd year at HJ. He is a brass specialist but plays a variety of instruments, including guitar, bass, and drums. Mr. Gonzalez teaches the Junior High Concert Band and beginner trumpets/saxophones. In addition to teaching, he also plays bass guitar with the High School jazz band, plays euphonium with the Southeast Texas Winds, and composes music independently. In his free time, Mr. Gonzalez enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing video games, and taking nature trips.