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Garrett S. Spalka M.EdDirector of Instrumental Music Granger High School
gsspalka@graniteschools.org
Utah Music Education Association Mariachi Chairman
Granite Youth SymphonyAssistant Director
gsspalka@graniteschools.org
Utah Music Education Association Mariachi Chairman
Granite Youth SymphonyAssistant Director
About Mr. Spalka
About Mr. Spalka
Garrett Spalka is the current Director of Instrumental Music at Granger High School. Mr. Spalka is from Sparks Nevada where he attended Edward C. Reed High School from 2006-2010. His Band directors were Dwayne (Bix) Hollenbach 06-09, and David Morris 09-10. Mr. Spalka attended the University of Nevada, Reno where he obtained his Bachelors of Liberal Arts in Music Education studying Euphonium under Dr. A.G. "Mack" McGrannahan and Hank Curry. At the University of Nevada Mr. Spalka was a Drum Major for the Nevada Wolf Pack Marching Band and had the privilege of performing in venues such as Giants Stadium, Qualcomm Stadium, and The Superdome.
After attending the University of Nevada, Mr. Spalka started teaching at Sparks High School in Sparks, Nevada. There he had great success with students including starting a mariachi program and reinstating the "Railroaders Marching Band." Under his direction in 2019 the Sparks High School Marching Band won their first ever state championship at the Sierra Band Crusade. In 2021 Mr. Spalka moved to Utah to start a new chapter. In 2021 he became the Director of the John F. Kennedy Jr. High School Band program where for the next 3 years his ensembles would receive superior scores at district and regional festivals.
Since 2021 Mr. Spalka has been on the staff of the American Fork High School Marching Band. With the AFHS Marching Band they have won 3 State Championship, 4 Bands of America Regional Championships, and a 13th place finish at the 2022 Bands of American Grand National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana. He serves as an educational advisor to the Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps, and is an Alumni of the Sacremento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. In Utah Mr. Spalka has performed with several ensembles including the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra and is a current performing member with the Utah Premier Brass.In 2023 Mr. Spalka was recognized as the 2023 Utah Honors in Education Music and Arts Teacher of the Year for the State of Utah. He was again recognized in 2024 with a Certificate of Service to Music Education presented by the Utah Band Masters Association at the 2024 Mid-Winter Conference in St. George, Utah.
Mr. Spalka is passionate about teaching and developing leaders. He was on staff for the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy from 2011-2013 and currently teaches with the Mountain West Leadership Institute.
After attending the University of Nevada, Mr. Spalka started teaching at Sparks High School in Sparks, Nevada. There he had great success with students including starting a mariachi program and reinstating the "Railroaders Marching Band." Under his direction in 2019 the Sparks High School Marching Band won their first ever state championship at the Sierra Band Crusade. In 2021 Mr. Spalka moved to Utah to start a new chapter. In 2021 he became the Director of the John F. Kennedy Jr. High School Band program where for the next 3 years his ensembles would receive superior scores at district and regional festivals.
Since 2021 Mr. Spalka has been on the staff of the American Fork High School Marching Band. With the AFHS Marching Band they have won 3 State Championship, 4 Bands of America Regional Championships, and a 13th place finish at the 2022 Bands of American Grand National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana. He serves as an educational advisor to the Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps, and is an Alumni of the Sacremento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. In Utah Mr. Spalka has performed with several ensembles including the Wasatch Symphony Orchestra and is a current performing member with the Utah Premier Brass.In 2023 Mr. Spalka was recognized as the 2023 Utah Honors in Education Music and Arts Teacher of the Year for the State of Utah. He was again recognized in 2024 with a Certificate of Service to Music Education presented by the Utah Band Masters Association at the 2024 Mid-Winter Conference in St. George, Utah.
Mr. Spalka is passionate about teaching and developing leaders. He was on staff for the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy from 2011-2013 and currently teaches with the Mountain West Leadership Institute.
Awards and Recognitions:
2010- Marine Corps Excellence in Music Award2010- John Phillips Sousa National Band Award2012- Drum Major, University of Nevada2019- Marching Band State Championship Division A NV2021- Marching Band State Championship 6A UT2021- BOA South West Regional Champion UT2022- Marching Band State Championship 6A UT2022- BOA South West Regional Champion UT2023- Marching Band State Championship 6A UT2023- BOA South West Regional Champion UT2023- BOA Arizona Regional Champion 2023- Utah Honors in Education Music and Arts Teacher of the Year2024- Presenter for the Utah Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Conference2024- Utah Band Masters Association Certificate of Service to Music Education2024- Marching Band State Championship 6A UT2024- BOA South West Regional Champion UT2024- BOA Grand National Championships 8th Place
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