Meet Our Directors
Mike Flake, Band Director
lflake@conroeisd.net
Mr. Flake serves as the Band Director at Grand Oaks High School. He has taught all levels of band including beginner, intermediate, junior high and high school. His specialty is woodwinds.
Originally from Texas City, Texas, Mr. Flake graduated from The University of Houston with a Bachelor's Degree in Music. He also holds a Master's of Music Degree from DePaul University where he studied with the woodwind section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra including former principal clarinetist Larry Combs. He began his career in education in 2000 and his professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Association of Texas Professional Educators.
Mr. Flake's music accomplishments include a variety of milestones. In 1997, he was one of only four people in the world selected into the DePaul University Clarinet Studio. In 2007, his McCullough Wind Ensemble won the National Wind Band Honors Concert Band Contest. In 2014, his College Park High School Clarinet Choir was selected to perform at the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. And, the Grand Oaks Wind Ensemble was honored as a 2021 Commended Winner of the National Wind Band Honors.
Mr. Flake is happily married to his wife Karen Flake. They have two beautiful daughters, Madeline and Sydney, and live in Spring, Texas. During his spare time, he enjoys running, cooking and working with his hands.
Jessica Calvit, Asst. Band Director
jcalvit@conroeisd.net
Ms. Jessica Calvit serves as the Assistant Band Director at Grand Oaks High School.
Ms. Calvit began her career as a brass beginner teacher at Rhea Intermediate in Forney, TX. From there, she traveled back to her alma mater’s town to serve as an Assistant Band Director at Lubbock-Cooper High School. During her time at LCP, she co-conducted the Concert Band, directed the Jazz Band, and assisted the Pirate Pride Marching Program.
Ms. Calvit is a graduate of Texas Tech University where she obtained her degree in Music Education. While at Texas Tech, she was the Drum Major for The Goin’ Band from Raiderland, competed with her trumpet ensembles and as a soloist at the National Trumpet Competition, as well as performed at the International Trumpet Guild and the Texas Music Educators Convention.
Ms. Calvit’s affiliations include Young Band Directors of Texas, where she serves as a Region Representative, and the Texas Music Educators Association.
Ms. Calvit owns a cat named Angel, who is in fact, an angel and hopes to one day add a puppy to her family. In her free time, Ms. Calvit enjoys ballroom dancing, cooking, playing video games, and being an adventurer!
Jacob Perales, Percussion Director
jperales@conroeisd.net
Mr. Perales serves as the Percussion Director at Grand Oaks High School.
Mr. Perales began his career here at Grand Oaks after graduating from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Music Education in 2020, where he was a member of the Percussion Studio. During his time at SHSU, Mr. Perales perfomed with the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and various percussion ensembles.
His musical accomplishments include being first SHSU Percussion Group to perform in the PASIC Chamber Music Competition in 2017, where his group placed 3rd overall and performing with Vigilantes Indoor Percussion in 2019.
He is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Percussive Arts Society.
Mr. Perales lives in Spring, Texas with his beloved dog, Max! In his free time, he enjoys trying new foods, playing video games, visiting new places, and spending time with his family!
Trace Brown, Color Guard Director
trabrown@conroeisd.net
Mr. Brown serves as the Director of Color Guard at Grand Oaks High School.
Before coming to Grand Oaks in 2019, he was the Color Guard Tech at Clear Brook High School and worked with both Friendswood High School and Deer Park High School.
Originally from Davenport, Oklahoma, Brown moved to Houston in 2005. He has seven brothers and sisters. Brown had the opportunity to perform during the Super Bowl LI with Lady Gaga.
Mr. Brown's marching experience includes working with the Boston Crusaders in 2017, Phantom Regiment in 2018, and Cypress Independent during the winter time from 2017-2019.