Meet the Directors
Mr. Komos
Brass and Percussion Studies, Marching Band
B.M.E., Northern Illinois University
815-754-2317
Mr. Komos began at HMS as Band Director in 2016, and and is in 7th year teaching music in public schools. He is a percussionist, but loves all of the band instruments! He grew up in Carol Stream, IL and was in the High School Band at Glenbard North High School, studying with Mr. Schraft. Mr. Komos will begin an additional role as the DHS Drumline Coach in the fall of 2021.
Outside of teaching music, Mr. K likes to play volleyball, video games, puzzles, running, & many other things as you get to know him. He resides in Montgomery, IL with his beautiful wife and dog, Zoey. Mr. Komos is very excited to work with the band students this year, and forge a life-long love for music.
Miss Kurnat
Woodwind Studies, Jazz Band, Secondary Instrument Lab
B.M.E., Northern Illinois University
marybeth.kurnat@d428.org
815-754-2317
Miss Kurnat began her role as Assistant Band Director at HMS in 2017. She has been teaching privately since 2006, and teaching in the classroom since 2011. She also directs the Jazz Lab Band at DHS, and is an assistant director and arranger for the DHS a cappella group, Enharmonic Fusion. Miss K serves as the Jazz Band Representative for ILMEA District 8. Miss K is a 2006 alum of the DeKalb school district, and is proud to serve the music program she calls "home." Prior to her return to DeKalb, she taught vocal and instrumental music in the North Boone School District and in District 300.
Miss K is an active professional musician, and performs with the St. Charles Singers, Chicago Choral Artists, and Grant Park Chorus in Chicago. She has performed across the Midwest, Canada and Great Britain. She enjoys gaming, Marvel movies, yoga, cooking, Apple products, and finding new and ridiculous ways to call Mr. Komos "bro." She lives in town with Caleb and her dog, Herbie.