Caryl Klemann
Incoming Director of Bands
Caryl Klemann is the Incoming Director of Bands at Hillcrest High School, where she brings a passion for musical excellence, student growth, and community connection. She is originally from Fort Worth, Texas and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Utah Valley University. As the Head Director, she will conduct the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Hillcrest Jazz I, will serve as the instructional lead and main facilitator for the Hillcrest Marching Band, and fulfills other various teaching responsibilities, including teaching AP Music Theory and IB Music.
Before joining Hillcrest, Ms. Klemann taught as marching staff and student taught at Cedar Valley High School. She also served as a visual technician for the Wakeland High School marching band and the Grand National-finalist Keller High School marching band in Texas.
In addition to her teaching experience, Ms. Klemann has served as an assistant conductor and principal flutist in the university's Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra. She frequently participates in local ensembles and performances. Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Utah Music Educators Association, and Utah Bandmasters Association.
Ms. Klemann is fluent in Spanish and values inclusivity and cultural engagement. Outside of school, she enjoys working with youth, traveling, farmers markets, and sharing meaningful experiences through music.
Zachary Clawson
Director of Percussion
Zachary Clawson is the director of Bands, Orchestras, and Percussion at Midvale Middle School, the director of bands at Union Middle School, and the Director of Percussion at Hillcrest High School. Zach graduated from the University of Utah in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While at The University of Utah, he studied percussion with Dr. Micheal Sammons, Kieth Carrick, Danny Soulier, and Kelly Wallis. He performed in the Wind Ensemble, Campus Symphony, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble as a Percussionist and Timpanist. He was also a member of the marching Utes and held a leadership position on the drum line for 2 years.
Zach has performed with many groups over his career as a musician. In 2023 at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Zach placed first place in the chamber division of the individual and ensemble competition along with Hillcrest Alum, Aidan Smith. He is a consistent attendant and performer at the Utah PAS Day of Percussion and performed a showcase concert with the University of Utah Percussion Ensemble in 2022. Zach has performed in the Tournament of Roses parade in Anaheim, California 3 times and many other BOA regional and Super regional events.
Zach has been a Utah Music Educators Association member since 2020 and has attended the annual conference every year since joining. He has a love for music and a passion for teaching. When not teaching, Zach enjoys camping, cooking, and spending time with his family and dog, Leo. He also enjoys movies, video games, and reading novels.
Ensembles
WInd Ensemble
The Varsity Concert Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Director: Caryl Klemann
Assistant Director: Zachary Clawson
Concert band
The Non-Varsity Concert Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Director: Caryl Klemann
Hillcrest MarchinG band
Competitive Marching Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Director: Caryl Klemann
Assistant Director/Percussion Head: Zachary Clawson
Colorguard Director: Chelsea Luhan
Technical Staff: Bjorn Swanson, Allie Nelson
Big Green Band (pep Band)
Pep Group for all members of Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble.
Director: Caryl Klemann
Assistant Director: Zachary Clawson
percussion ensemble
The Varsity Percussion Group at Hillcrest.
Director: Zachary Clawson
intermediate percussion (Percussion Class)
An intro to high school Percussion for young musicians and interested students at Hillcrest.
Instructor: Zachary Clawson
Hillcrest Jazz I
The Varsity Jazz Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Director: Caryl Klemann
Hillcrest jazz II
The Non-Varsity Jazz Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Director: Zachary Clawson
Hillcrest honors woodwind quintet
The Varsity Level Chamber Woodwind Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Coach: Caryl Klemann
Hillcrest honors brass quintet
The Varsity Level Chamber Brass Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Coach: Caryl Klemann
Hillcrest honors jazz combo
The Varsity Level Chamber Jazz Ensemble at Hillcrest.
Coach: Zachary Clawson