Tate Fincher is thrilled to be joining the Clear Creek Band family in 2018-2019 as Director of Bands.
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Mr. Fincher recently completed five years as Director of Bands at Akins High School in Austin, TX, serving as an Associate Director one year prior to his appointment. During his time at Akins, the program doubled in size, student placement into TMEA region bands tripled, first division ratings at UIL Solo & Ensemble contest doubled, two competitive winter guards were established, and student enrichment and musical growth became a cornerstone of the Akins program. Ensembles under Mr. Fincher’s direction have consistently earned first division ratings and marching and concert festivals.

Mr. Fincher graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2005 after studying extensively under the mentorship and guidance of Phillip Clements. While at UT-Arlington, he served on the staff of the UTA Marching Band for four years. He was selected by his peers as the “Outstanding Band Member” in 2001, 2002, and 2003 and was awarded a special commendation for “Dedication and Service” by the band fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi (of which he was not even a member), in 2003. At the end of his college career, he student taught with Jolette Wine, Steve Andre, and Danny Prado in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.

Mr. Fincher began his teaching career at Wylie High School in Wylie, TX. While at Wylie, he directed the third performing ensemble that, under his direction, received their first ever Superior Rating at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest in the Spring of 2006. During his time at Wylie, the Marching Band made an appearance at the 2005 State Marching Band Contest and consistently placed in the top 5 at other contests throughout Texas. In addition to his duties with the concert and marching bands, Mr. Fincher was charged with teaching the Jazz band. Having only one semester of jazz experience in college, he took a limited ensemble and over the course of three years built it into a fully developed ensemble that consistently received first division ratings at all jazz contests and festivals attended.

Prior to his arrival at Akins, Mr. Fincher was the First Assistant Director at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, TX. While at Lake Highlands, he directed the Symphonic Band and assisted with the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. In addition to his duties at the high school, he also taught beginners on all instruments and coordinated the cluster-wide private lesson program. During his tenure at Lake Highlands, the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble earned UIL Sweepstakes Awards both years. In 2009, the Symphonic Band was named “Best in Class” at the South Coast Music Festival. This group, composed of 80% freshmen, was placed higher than groups that were composed of primarily juniors and seniors. The Lake Highlands Marching Band was a consistent finalist at marching contests throughout the north Texas area, winning music and marching captions at various contests.

Mr. Fincher remains grateful for the mentorship and guidance he has received from master teachers such as Mike Lipe, Jeff Bradford, Todd Dixon, Glenn Lambert, Jolette Wine, Steve Andre, Danny Prado, Joe Dolkos, Lynne Jackson, Brian Merrill, and Dr. Bradley Kent. He is currently a student of wind band pedagogy under the tutelage of John Benzer.

Mr. Fincher will be moving to the League City area in mid-July and looks forward to meeting the Wildcat family in person. In the meantime, he can be reached at tfincher@ccisd.net.

Check out the teaser trailer for our 2018 Marching Production, Interwoven​!