Jacob Kennedy 

Director of Bands

Jacob Kennedy is entering his seventh year as a music educator and his first year as Director of Bands at Clark. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kennedy began his career in Plano as an Associate Director at Williams HS and Bowman MS concurrently. Bands under Mr. Kennedy 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 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.

Anna Rutherford 

Assistant Director of Bands

Anna Rutherford is the Assistant Director at Clark High School. Prior to her appointment at Clark, Ms. Rutherford student taught at L.D. Bell High School and Central Junior High School in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD.  

Ms. Rutherford is a Plano native and graduated from Plano West Senior High School. She recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Christian University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education (Go Frogs!). During her time at TCU, Ms. Rutherford performed with the TCU Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble 1, TCU Saxophone Quartet, and Horned Frog Marching Band. Ms. Rutherford also worked as a marching technician at Aledo High School and as a saxophone private teacher at Kerr Middle School in Burleson ISD.  

Ms. Rutherford’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi. Outside of school, Ms. Rutherford loves to cook, travel, and read (especially the works of Brandon Sanderson). She’s a jazz lover and performer and gigs professionally in big bands and jazz combos around the DFW area. 

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.