Directors

Laura Grems is the co-founder of the Brazos Valley Independent Percussion group, that competes competitively at the Independent Open class level. Ms. Grems currently serves as the Executive Director for the organization.

Ms. Grems is in her fifth year as the Associate Band Director at Bryan High School in Bryan, TX where she serves as the primary director of the Symphonic Band, while also assisting in the instruction of the Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and Marching Band. She also teaches the percussion students at Stephen F. Austin Middle School and Jane Long Intermediate School.

Ms. Grems grew up in Vienna, Virginia and later moved to Ann Arbor where she graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, earning University Honors distinction. At Michigan, Ms. Grems was an avid performer within the percussion studio. During her time there, she performed as a member of the renowned Symphony Band under the direction of Michael Haithcock, and can be heard on several album recordings. She was also a member of the University of Michigan Percussion Ensemble as well as a pit orchestra member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. From 2015-2017, she served as the Vice President for the University of Michigan’s collegiate board for the National Association for Music Education.

In her free time, Laura enjoys cheering on Michigan Sports teams, cooking and baking, traveling, and spending time with her two cats.

Philip Zeig, Ensemble Director for BVI, is co-founder of the Brazos Valley Independent Percussion that competes in the Independent Open class level.

Philip graduated from A&M Consolidated High School where he studied percussion under Jon Seale and music under Michael Dixon. After graduation, Philip attended West Texas A&M where he was a member of the Buffalo Marching Band Drumline. While at WTAMU, Philip studied percussion under Dr. Tariq and participated in Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. He has performed with several drum corps and indoor percussion groups.  Philip performed with Forte Drum and Bugle Corps as a snare player in 2010 and Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps on synth in 2012. After his corps experience, he became a member of the TJC Indoor Drumline that placed in finals at the WGI Championships each year. He played marimba the 2012 season for TJC and marched bass the 2013 and 2014 seasons. While attending TJC, he became a member of KAPPA KAPPA PSI Music Service Fraternity.

Philip is in his eighth year as a Percussion Instructor and technician for various groups in the Brazos Valley, including College Station High School and Bryan High School. He served as Bass Instructor and Visual Instructor for Viking Indoor Percussion at Bryan High from 2015-2018, where he helped them achieved Bronze and Gold medals.

In his free time, Philip enjoys watching sports, performing, bar tending, and spending time with his dog and two cats.