Kristen Hoff is currently in her final year as an undergraduate Music Education major at the University of Houston. She began her involvement with SASI as a high school drum major in 2004 as a participant at one of the original SASI drum major camps.  Immediate following high school graduation Kristen began working for SASI as a coordinator and is now a camp facilitator.

While at the University, Kristen spent three years participating in the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band, serving as section leader, and two years as the President of the Tau Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority. Kristen has also participated in various other ensembles including the Symphonic Winds, under the direction of Mr. David Bertman and Mr. John Alstrin, and the Cougar Brass. She has studied saxophone with Dr. Karen Wylie and currently studies with Valerie Vidal.

Aside from her time at the Universtiy, she serves various high school marching bands in various roles.  Kristen has served as a marching band tech at Cypress Creek High School, under the direction of Mr. Jimmy Nowell, and now currently heads the visual instruction at Pearland High School under the direction of Mr. Tom Bell.

These opportunities with students along with her SASI affiliation have deeply influenced the shaping of her teaching philosophy. Kristen believes that students who are empowered with a better understanding of themselves and those around them are students who succeed, not just in their respective programs, but also in their lives.

Kristen will graduate with a degree in Music Education in May 2010, and hopes to teach, and eventually pursue both masters and doctorate degrees in Music History.