MICHAEL HAWKE-McDERMOTT
Head Director
Michael Hawke-McDermott is a 1991 graduate of Sam Houston State University where she studied choral music under Dr. Bev Henson, private voice under Dr. Walter Foster, and piano under Mrs. Charlotte Tull. She began her teaching career in the Aldine School District at Teague Middle School as Assistant Director to Kitty Amshoff. In 1993, she assisted Mrs. Amshoff as the Teague Middle School 8th grade Treble Choir performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention.
​
Mrs. McDermott went on to become the head director at Aldine Middle School where her choirs won consistent Sweepstakes awards. In 1998, Mrs. McDermott became the head director at Nimitz High School where her program grew from 70 students to well over 200 students, won consistent Sweepstakes awards, and performed in St. Louis, Branson, and at Disneyworld. In 2004, her Varsity Women's Choir was chosen to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, as well as, perform in New York.
​
In 2006, she moved with her husband and daughter to Las Vegas where she became the head director at Western High School for two years.
​
In the 2009 Mrs. McDermott and family moved to Colorado. where she became the music teacher at Dalton Elementary. During her time in the Aurora School District, Mrs. McDermott directed three choirs at her school, and organized and directed the Aurora Children's Honor Choir.
​
The following year, Mrs. McDermott moved Harrison High School where she was recognized as a Distinguished Teacher, and her Varsity Women’s Choir was invited to sing at CMEA in 2015. In 2016 she moved to Widefield SD3, and her Varsity Women’s Choir performed as an honor Choir at CMEA 2022. Mrs. McDermott in now in her 34th year of teaching, and her 1st year in Clear Creek ISD. She lives in Friendswood with her daughter Madelyn, and her dogs Copernicus, and Maizy. She is a member of NAfMe, ACDA, and TMEA.
TRAVIS FALKNOR
Associate Director
Travis Falknor is the associate choir director at Clear Springs High School. As a graduate of Clear Creek High School, he is thrilled to be back in CCISD, this time as a Charger!
​
Mr. Falknor is a 2024 graduate of the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree with a double major in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance. During his time at UH, he was very active in the choral program, under the direction of Dr. Betsy Cook Weber, serving as a section leader and student director of the Concert Chorale as well as winning first place at the Ave Verum International Choral Competition in Austria with the ensemble. He also served as the director of UH’s Tenor-Bass A Cappella group Maestre of Moores.
​
Throughout his time in school, Mr. Falknor worked as a stage manager and music director for several Opera and Theatre companies including Opera in the Heights, Inspiration Stage, Operativo Houston, and PMT YAS! Studio. He also taught private voice and piano lessons to students of all ages at Harmony Music Academy, Kingwood Music School, as well as independently.
​
While at Springs, Mr. Falknor has earned several accolades with his choirs including Best in Class at the 2025 Shadow Creek Choral Festival. He also served as Music Director for the school's 2024 production of Hadestown which won Tier 1 Outstanding Musical at the 2025 Tommy Tune Awards and for Godspell Jr. which the school was invited to perform at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh Scotland.
​
Outside of teaching, Mr. Falknor is a sought-after singer in the Houston area. Recently, he has performed with professional ensembles including the Grammy-winning Houston Chamber Choir, Mercury Chamber Ensemble, the Houston Symphony Chorus, and has served as a staff singer at Moody Methodist, Grace Presbyterian, and Christ Church Cathedral.
​