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Hal Spencer was born November 1, 1915 in Itasca, Texas. The family later moved to Marlin, Texas where Hal began his public school education. While in school he learned to play the clarinet, and enjoyed band activities throughout his high school years. Following graduation from Marlin High School, he attended Southwest State Teachers College, and later transferred to Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville where he received his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Instrumental Music. During his senior year in college, he organized and directed the Huntsville Junior High School Band to a First Division rating. After graduation from college, Hal became band director at Arp, Texas. The following year he moved to a Class AA school, Center, Texas, where he taught math, high school choir and band.

In 1942, Hal joined the United States Air Force and became director of the 636th Air Force Band. When Hal was discharged from the Air Force in 1945, he went to Marlin High School as band director, where he remained for 29 years. During summers, he attended Sam Houston State Teachers College and received his Master of Arts degree with a double major in Administration and Music.

Hal's high school bands in Marlin won consistent 1st Division ratings in concert playing. He was known to have one of the finest concert bands in the central Texas area. The Marlin bands participated many times in the State Fair band shows in the Cotton Bowl, and other band activities throughout the state.

Hal has been Band Chairman, Region Chairman, and served on the State Board of Directors of TMEA. He has served many times as Contest Chairman for UIL contests. He is an active adjudicator and clinician in the state of Texas. Hal and Weldon Covington worked revise together to revise the constitution of TMEA. Hal became a member of Phi Beta Mu in 1958 where he served many times as ritual installation chairman and was president of the fraternity for a two year term
Hal retired in 1974, but still loves to go to the band room and help out in any way he can. He has many ex-students active in the music field, and takes great pride in their accomplishments. Hal's hobbies are fishing and golf.