The choirs and bands brought home the hardware this spring. More hardware than ever before, it turns out.
The district’s four bands – two at Nacogdoches High School and two at McMichael Middle School – and both choirs from NHS and McMichael all won first division sweepstake awards, something that’s never happened before, said Deshmond Johnson, NISD’s Director of Fine Arts.
“The success of the fine arts department is truly commendable, as evidenced by their recent achievement in winning the simultaneous UIL sweepstakes across all bands and choirs,” Johnson said.
It also illustrates the commitment NISD has made to the arts, going so far as to align the district’s music program beginning with the youngest students in Pre-K.
“Our elementary music educators focus on developing essential vocal skills and coordination techniques through choir performances that incorporate Orff instruments, laying a strong foundation for future musical development,” Johnson said. “We celebrate this success and the continued growth of our students in the fine arts.”
Directors for the bands and choirs at both campuses include: Jacob Weems (Director of Bands, NHS Symphonic), Crystal Bradsher (MS Head Director, 8th Grade Band), Rachel Grant (NHS Concert – not pictured), Jessica White (7th Grade Band), Robbie Belk (Assistant Director), Troy Beam (Assistant Director), Matthew Watson (Assistant Director), David Brewer (NHS Choir), and Aaron Dominguez (McMichael Middle School Choir).
The district’s band program at NHS has a long history of outstanding performances. Last fall, the high school’s marching band once again collected all 1s at the Region 21 competition in October, keeping alive a streak of top performances that dates all the way back to 1980.
Regardless of whether it’s band or choir, there is no guarantee at the beginning of the year that band – or choir – places more hardware in the trophy case, said McMichael band director Crystal Bradsher.A lot of hard work is required of staff and students alike.
“In August, every middle school and high school band across the state begins preparation for their 20 minutes in April to show their musicianship, technique and knowledge,” Bradsher said. “With every rehearsal and contest, we strive to prepare them for the concert of the year where there are no do-overs.”
The kind of success enjoyed this year doesn’t happen without a serious commitment to teamwork from everyone involved, said David Brewer, who’s in his first full year as choir director at Nacogdoches High School.
“One of the things I really wanted to establish was a sense of community,” said Brewer. That and, of course, fundamentals.
“At the very beginning of the year, I really emphasized with the students singing well,” he said. “I’m not sure how happy we were with each other, but then they saw what the common goal was.”
Strong performances from all the district’s bands and choirs indicates both the level of talent available and the amount of hard work taking place.
“These accomplishments highlight the dedication and effectiveness of our teachers,” Johnson said, “as well as the talent and hard work of our students in delivering exceptional performances.”