Ariel Gammons has been an assistant band director at Creekwood Middle school and Director of the Percussion Ensemble since 2014. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Music and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music in 2014. In addition to her senior recital and junior duo recital, Ariel had the honor of performing with the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the Eastman Philharmonia, and the Eastman Percussion Ensemble. She also performed with the Eastman Percussion Ensemble at PASIC in 2013 after the group was named a winner of the international percussion ensemble competition. While at Eastman, she studied under the direction of Michael Burritt, Charles Ross, Bill Cahn, Rich Thompson, and John Beck. Ariel continues to play percussion and piano and has a passion for music education. She directs the second band at Creekwood Middle school and assists the Concert and Honors band as well as teaching beginning percussion, oboe, bassoon, and trombone.  Her passion for percussion was sparked by middle school percussion ensemble so she started the Creekwood Percussion ensemble to share this experience with her students.  This ensemble was invited to perform at the 71st Midwest clinic.  Additionally, she maintains a small private lesson studio of high school students. Ariel’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Percussive Arts Society. Her husband is an elementary school music teacher and teaches percussion private lessons. The two enjoy playing music together, spending time with their pets, and exploring Houston.