Teacher of the Week: Robert Savala, College Park High School

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - For three years, Robert Savala has been the Percussion Director at College Park High School, and also teaches band to students in grades fifth through eighth. Although for many students school is only a month in, Savala and the College Park Band have been hard at work since summer gearing up for the fall semester. Through his passion for music and his students, Robert has been nominated as Teacher of the Week.

This year marks Savala’s seventh year teaching for Conroe Independent School District, although his connections with the area are much deeper. Born in Houston and raised in Conroe, Savala graduated from The Woodlands High School. He knew he wanted to teach band at an early age, and went on to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from The University of Houston.

“Along with my supportive sister (Eva Santana) who opened my eyes to the band world, I would have to say it was a combination of every music teacher I ever had since I joined band in the 5th grade,” said Savala.

This year, Savala already has a favorite moment from teaching his students, and in fact, it was at Percussion Camp this past summer.

“I always begin this particular camp with a meeting with my kids to discuss our goals for the fall semester and the process we will need to adhere to in order to achieve them,” explained Savala. “It’s a great moment when I look at my kids and see the potential they obtain to achieve something great. Everyone’s eager. Everyone’s excited. Everyone’s ready!”

With the College Park High School Football Team in action means it is that time of year for marching band, something Savala has been looking forward to. With 320 band members, teamwork is essential.

“It’s physically demanding, mentally exhausting, time consuming, but very fulfilling,” said Savala. “Marching Band is the only activity that requires the full cooperation of our 320 band members at one time. It really is incredible to see the evolution of our students from August to November!”

Savala hopes that his students will take lessons they learn in band and apply them to other areas of their life.

"Our staff at College Park does a phenomenal job at creating an environment in which our graduates go in to the real world well-rounded. Out of all the traits our teachers instill in our students, I would like my kids to link their experience in band to teaching them how to work well with others. Despite the problems my students face on a day-to-day basis with one another, they consistently overcome them for the continued progress of our program. Teamwork is a skill visible everyday in our classrooms,” said Savala.

When Savala isn't teaching percussion at College Park or the feeder schools, he finds time playing Call of Duty (Zombies) on his Xbox 360, a favorite pastime of his.

Robert Savala was nominated as Teacher of the Week by Tania Celia, whose son is in band at College Park.

“He is so passionate about teaching and wants the best for his students. He sets the bar high, demands hard work and gets all of this from his students,” said Celia.

Woodlands Online thanks each and every educator in our great community for truly being a hero.