Trenton Public Schools Music Department Staff

TRAVIS COOK - DIRECTOR OF BANDS - TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL

My name is Travis Cook, I am excited to be joining you soon as your new band director.  I am coming to you from Plymouth Christian Academy, where I have served as the Director of Bands for 5 years, and this will be my 13th year as an educator.  I bring a wealth of experience teaching band to students of all ages in both public and private schools.  Some of the highlights of my experiences include: participating in both Scholastic and MCBA marching competitions, a history of success at MSBOA festivals, a performing tour of the greater Chicago area, directing pit orchestras for countless musicals, and even placing students in college music programs.

By far the best part of being a band director is forming relationships with my students and their families.  I was fortunate to grow up in a close-knit “band family” at Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, and I am committed to developing that same culture wherever I teach.  I look forward to joining your family and learning all about what makes Trenton a special place!

Outside of school, I spend my time making music, enjoying the outdoors, reading, cooking, and enjoying my family.  I direct a local orchestra in Troy, where I live, and I am the bandleader and lead trombone of the Swing Syndicate Big Band.  

Email: cookt@trentonschools.com

PETER KOPERA - DIRECTOR OF BANDS - ARTHURS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Peter Kopera is the Music Director for the 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Concert Bands, Arthurs Jazz Band, Music Composition, Jazz Improvisation and World Music Drumming. Mr. Kopera began teaching at Arthurs MS in the Fall of 1998.

Originally from Western New York, Mr. Kopera graduated from the Crane School of Music. Mr. Kopera also attended the Birmingham Conservatoire in Birmingham, England and earned his Master's Degree in Music Education at the University of Michigan. Mr. Kopera composed and recorded the musical soundtrack to the independent film "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" and performs regularly throughout southeastern Michigan with various jazz groups. 

​Mr. Kopera was named the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association District 12 Band Director of the Year for 2018-2019.

​Email: koperap@trentonschools.com

MR. NATHAN WERNETTE - HEDKE MUSIC TEACHER & MRS. MARIA WERNETTE - ANDERSON MUSIC TEACHER

Mr. and Mrs. Wernette earned their Bachelor of Music and Teaching Endorsement from Central Michigan University and both have been teaching since 2013. Mr. Wernette has enjoyed teaching in Trenton Public Schools since 2013. Mrs. Wernette taught her first year at NHA Flagship Academy (Detroit), 4 years in Airport Community Schools (Carleton), and has now settled in Trenton Public Schools. As a family, they enjoy the outdoors, cooking, listening/playing/dancing to music, reading, and spending time together with their two children. They are very excited to teach music to the elementary students of Trenton Public Schools through voice, instruments, body movement, technology, activities, and games. 

Email: wernetten@trentonschools.com