LAMAR Instrumental Music Program
HIGH HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL
2024-2025 2024-2025
LamarInstrumentalMusicEducation
Administrators
Dr. Matt Smith - Superintendent
Dr. Christopher Anderson - Director of Fine Arts
Craig Needham- Assistant Director of Performing Arts
LamarHighSchoolAdministrators
Lesley Maroney - Principal
Miral Kawasmi - Dean of Instruction
Myrna Vasquez - Associate Principal
Carlin Thomas - Assistant Principal
Brandon Howard - Assistant Principal
Abril Jimenez - Assistant Principal
Maria Luna - Assistant Principal
Chrishetta Manning - Assistant Principal
Nicholas Thompson - Assistant Principal
Teri Williams - Assistant Principal
LamarHighSchoolDirectors
Andrew Walton - Head Orchestra Director
Jessica Winters - Assistant Orchestra Director
Alan Lang - Director of Bands
Zack Riley - Associate Director of Bands
Kolby Kelly - Percussion Director
JuniorHighSchoolDirectors
Matthew Nagel - Shackelford Band Director
Ann Klas - Shackelford Assistant Band Director
Kathy Patterson - Shackelford Orchestra Director
Jennifer Parkhurst - Shackelford Assistant Orchestra Director
Denise Torres - Nichols Band Director
Andy Patterson - Nichols Assistant Band Director
Heather Stout- Nichols Head Orchestra Director
Anca Lorincz - Nichols Assistant Orchestra Director
ElementarySchoolOrchestraTeachers
Heather Stout - Ellis Elementary
Anca Lorincz - Sherrod Elementary
Karen Hooper - Pope, Webb and Wimbish World Language Academy
Kathy Patterson - Butler Elementary
Roman Leaño - Larson, Peach and Webb Elementary
Jennifer Parkhurst - Speer Elementary
Audience Etiquette Guide
All of our concerts at Lamar are recorded. In order to have a clean recording, and to show the proper respect for the performers and your fellow audience members, please observe the following:
Applause is not appropriate between the movements of a musical selection. If the performers stop to adjust their music or if the conductor's arm remains lifted, the musical selection is not over even though the music has paused. When the lights are turned out in the foyer, it is time for the performance to begin. Keep your communication in the darkened foyer to a whisper.
All cell phones must be turned off before entering the auditorium. Do not text or use other electronic devices during the performance.
If you arrive late or must leave during the performance, please enter or exit the auditorium only between musical selections. However, we ask that you remove fussy or loud children as quickly and quietly as possible.
Polite applause is appropriate when the Conductor, Concert Master, or Concert Mistress enters the stage and at the conclusion of each musical selection.
Whistling and cheering are not appropriate in a formal concert setting.
Complete attention should be directed to the performance. Talking, whispering, and unnecessary movement should be avoided during the performance.
Thank you for observing Audience Etiquette.
Please turn off cell phones before entering the auditorium. Do not text or use other electronic devices during the performance. Thank you!
President - Dhilshanie Wickramatillake
Senior Vice President: Arturo Perez
Junior Vice President: Rukshanie Wickramatillake
Sophomore Vice President: Tiana Johnson
Freshman Vice President: Owen Thomson
Symphony Representative: Logan Hazelwood
Philharmonic Representative: Abril Ortiz
Sinfonia Representative: Stonie Smart
Concert Representative: Jacob Higgins
Librarian: Tamiah Phillips
The Lamar Orchestra Booster Club (LOBC) supports the Lamar Orchestra program by volunteering, fundraising, and event coordination. All parents or guardians of active Orchestra students are already members with voting rights and privileges. Of course, you may support the Orchestra program by purchasing different levels of membership. All funds raised go directly into supporting students in the Lamar Orchestra program. You may contact the booster club executive board at lamarorchestraboosters@gm il
GOLD MEMBERS
Joe & Toni Osvald
CLUB :Tra rshi
ndVPWaysandMeans:AlanaMcMill
Secretary:TheresaJorgensen
Treasurer:NoelVandever
Morriss Tompkins & Noel Vandever
SPONSOR MEMBERS
Brian & Tracy Burger
Alana McMillan
Duke & Erin Thomson
PATRON MEMBERS
Adam & Tricia Cole
David & Theresa Jorgensen
Sashikala & Don Wickramatillake
FRIEND MEMBERS
Mona Lisa Evans
Orchestra Ensembles
Students in the Lamar Viking Orchestras are among the most intelligent, dedicated, and respected students at Lamar HS. Their talents and abilities however are not limited to just Orchestra as most students are also heavily involved in the many other organizations in the Lamar community such as P-Tech, AVID, National Honor Society, Football, Tennis, LULAC, Swimming, Robotics, Basketball, Choir, Theatre, Student Council, Cheerleading, Band, and ViQueens to name a few. While it is a cultural tenet of the LHSO to separate achievement from self-worth, very often the Viking Orchestra still boasts multiple Seniors ranked in the top 2% of their graduating class. Besides preparing for seasonal concerts and UIL Orchestra Evaluation, students participate in Solo and Ensemble Contest, the All-Region and All-State audition process, and perform frequently throughout the community.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Symphony Orchestra has established a reputation as one of the finest high school orchestras in Texas. It has a rich tradition of consistently earning top Sweepstakes ratings at UIL. This orchestra has also received the Outstanding Orchestra Award at many music festivals throughout the country. This group performs as a Full Orchestra when combined with selected members of the band's Wind Symphony, and the 2003-04 Full Orchestra was selected by the Texas Music Educators Association as the 2004-05 Honor Orchestra. The members of this Varsity ensemble are also called upon for performances with the choir and serve as the pit orchestra during musicals. They usually perform music from the professional literature.
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The Philharmonic Orchestra is composed primarily of musicians in their sophomore and junior years and comes from a strong tradition of UIL excellence. The Philharmonic Orchestra will perform in all major programs, compete in all UIL and TMEA activities, and travel to music festivals. Expectations for this non-varsity group are very high, as they often perform music from the varsity high school literature.
SINFONIA ORCHESTRA
The Sinfonia Orchestra is made up primarily of musicians in their sophomore and junior years. This orchestra will participate in most activities in the orchestra program, including all major concerts, UIL contest, solo and ensemble contest, and the spring festival. They perform standard high school literature.
CONCERT ORCHESTRA
The Concert Orchestra is made up primarily of freshman students from strong programs at Nichols and Shackelford Junior Highs. This orchestra will participate in most activities in the orchestra program, including all major concerts, UIL contest, solo and ensemble contest, and the spring festival. They perform standard high school literature.
Lamar Orchestra Directors
AndrewWalton
Mr. Andrew Walton has been the Head Orchestra Director at Lamar High School since 2014. He is the director of the Symphony and Concert orchestras and assists with the Philharmonic and Sinfonia Orchestras. Before moving to Lamar, Mr. Walton held the position of Assistant Orchestra Director at Seguin High School in Arlington for seven years. As an educator, Mr. Walton hopes to build better people by using excellence in music as his vehicle. He is an active member of the Texas Orchestra Director’s Association and Texas Music Educators Association where he recently finished serving as the Region 5 Orchestra Chair. Mr. Walton is also a founding member of the professional cello ensemble The 440 Alliance, a group he has performed with since 2004.
Mr. Walton holds a Bachelors of Music with emphasis on Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is also a product of the Arlington ISD Strings program and a graduate of Lamar High School. In his spare time, he is active with the youth at his church and enjoys spending time with the love of his life, Christine Walton, and their three children.
JessicaWinters
Miss Jessica Winters has been the Assistant Orchestra Director at Lamar High School since 2022. She is the director of the Philharmonic and Sinfonia orchestras and assists with the Concert and Symphony orchestras. Prior to Lamar, Miss Winters served as the Music Specialist at Westpark Elementary School for two years.
As an orchestra teacher, Miss Winters is dedicated to inspiring students to pursue their dreams and work diligently toward their goals. She believes in the transformative power of music and strives to create an environment where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential.
Miss Winters is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, where she is currently serving as Region Chair Elect for the Region 5 Orchestra Division.
She holds a Bachelor of Music with emphasis on Education from the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating in December 2020. She is a product of the Arlington ISD Strings program and a graduate of Martin High School, where she served as viola section leader of the 2015 TMEA String Honor Orchestra. In her spare time, Miss Winters enjoys reading, playing golf, cooking, and enjoying live music.
2024-2025 Leadership Team
DrumMajors
Iyana Netter
Toi Robinson
Gavin Walter
Captains
Woodwind – Ava Brightwell
Brass – Aidan Smith
Color Guard Captain – Aaron Medina
Drum Captain – Chosen Green
SectionLeaders
Flute – Ava Brightwell
Clarinet – Jack Bedell
Saxophone – Aryan Hossain
Trumpet – Evan Stein
Mellophone – Logan Ragland
Trombone – Judah Bass
Baritone – Aidan Smith
Sousaphone – Josh Rosales
Snare Drum- Dashel Hornyak
Bass Drum - Michael Howard
Front Ensemble – Aliyah Haliburton
Color Guard – Aaron Medina
BandCouncil
President – Ava Brightwell
Vice President – Evan Stein
Secretary – Iyana Netter
Social Chair – Cali Roberts
TeamLeaders
Hydration – Evan Stein
Electronics – Judah Bass
Field – Layla Alvarez
Ladders – Fred Threats
Props – Jacob O’Nan
The Lamar Band Booster Club (LBBC) supports the Lamar Band programs with volunteering, fundraising, and event coordination. All members actively add to their student’s music experience as their membership fees contribute to the overall fundraising of the LBBC. Contact us with any questions at lamarbandboosterclub@gmail.com.
Please note, you do not have to be a booster member to be a band parent volunteer. Currently, there are many volunteer opportunities and we would welcome the help. For more information or to join the booster club, visit www.lamarmusic.org
President - Liz Bankhead
BandBoosterClubOfficers
Secretary - Theresa Jorgensen
Treasurer - Sandra Howard
1st VP Communications - Coral Mims
Program Chair - Esmeralda Hornyak
2nd VP Volunteers - Nikki Thompson
Uniform Chair - Jennifer Stein
3rd VP Hospitality - Jessica Bass
PrideMembers
Clint and Kerry Donaldson
Todd and Lisa Lewis
Kari Lawrence
Sandra and Robert Howard
Jim and Jamie Ratliff
Mandy and Alan Walter
Michelle Caldwell
Hospitality Aide - Amy Aitken
Competition/Gameday Meal Chair - Nicole New
4th VP Ways and Means -Stormie Partee
Spirit Sales Chair - Mandy Walter
Fundraising Chair: Nancy Lucio
5th VP Equipment - Robert Howard
6th VP Percussion - Billy Thompson
8th VP Jazz Band - Bryan Stein
PatronMembers
Nikki and Billy Thompson
Stormie Partee
Bryan and Jennifer Stein
Angela Davis
Amy Aitken
Theresa and David Jorgensen
Jessica and Jacob Bass
Kat Ellis
Nikolas and Esmeralda Hornyak
GeneralMembers
Liz and Bryan Bankhead
Nicole and Jeff New
Nick and Earlene Pike
Duke and Erin Thomson
Cathy Hively
Aaron and Jacqui Boelter
Robin Fields
Coral Mims
Emma Diel
Mary Hajer
Nancy Lucio
Ernie Smith
Lamar Band Directors
AlanLang
Alan Lang has been a dedicated educator at Lamar High School for nineteen years, joining the fine arts staff in the fall of 2005 after four years of teaching at Lindsay High School in Oklahoma. He holds a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education from the University of Oklahoma, where he was actively involved in various musical ensembles, including the jazz band, symphonic bands, marching band, and choir. Notably, he was also a member of the 1998 Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, studying under professional trumpeter Peter Bond from the NYC Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
In addition to his teaching role, Mr. Lang has extensive experience as a Drum Corps International instructor, serving as the visual caption head for Pioneer from 2003 to 2006 and for Revolution from 2008 to 2011. He became the director of bands at Lamar in the fall of 2012, where he currently leads the Wind Ensemble and The Pride of Lamar Marching Band, and co-conducts both the symphonic band and full orchestra.
Throughout his tenure at Lamar, Mr. Lang has taught various courses including International Baccalaureate Music (IB), jazz band, and concert band. Under his leadership, the marching band has consistently achieved division 1 ratings and has advanced to the UIL Area Marching Contest on four occasions. From 2012 to 2014, he served as the TMEA Region 5 Band Chair, organizing All-Region auditions, clinics, and concerts.
Mr. Lang's jazz band participated in the Essentially Ellington jazz program during the 2005-2015 school years. In 2024, the Lamar Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the Music For All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has also organized numerous trips for the band to various cities including Crested Butte, Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, Corpus Christi, Winter Park, South Padre Island, San Antonio, New Orleans, and New York City.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Lang resides in Oak Cliff with his wife Shaneen and their three cats: Sebastian, Leeloo, and Banksy.
ZackRiley
Zack Riley is in his seventh year of teaching here at Lamar High School. He graduated in 2018 with a degree in Music Education from the prestigious College of Music at the University of North Texas. In his time at North Texas, Mr. Riley studied under the baton of Dr. Nicholas Williams, Professor Dennis Fisher, and under the tutelage of Horn professor Dr. William Scharnberg. Zack also performed in the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and the “Best Band in the Land, and best Drumline in College Football”, the “GREEEEEEEEEN BRIGADE!” where he had the privilege of becoming a section leader, and Field Technician for the ensemble. During his college years, he was a member of the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps in 2013 and 2014.
Mr. Riley has also been an instructor in Drum Corps International as a visual instructor with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps (2015) and the Guardians Drum & Bugle Corps (2017-2020). He is a sought-after clinician and horn performer in the DFW area, primarily with the Carrollton Wind Symphony.
After spending four years at Lamar as a marching technician for the Pride of Lamar, Mr. Riley was promoted to full-time director. He is the director of the Symphonic Band, Viking Jazz Band, and coteaches the Wind Ensemble.
Zack is a graduate of Lamar High School, Class of 2011. He resides in Fort Worth and loves buffalo wings, video games, fantasy football, and hockey (Go Stars!). He is heavily supported by all his family, including his parents Kevin & Susan, brother and sister, Michael & Stephanie, his wonderful wife Ashleigh and his Labrador/Great Dane mix, Sammie.
KolbyKelly
Kolby Kelly is the Percussion Director at Lamar High School in Arlington ISD where he coordinates all percussion activities in the Lamar Cluster His responsibilities include instructing the drumline, teaching middle school percussion classes, conducting percussion ensembles, and coordinating full cluster percussion concerts. Under his leadership, Viking Percussion has received many accolades including being a selected ensemble at the Music For All National Festival in 2024, awarded 2nd place in 2023, and 4th and 6th place in 2024 at the TCU Percussion Ensemble festival, along with winning Best Percussion at many marching band contests over the years.
Mr. Kelly graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2014. While enrolled in school, Mr. Kelly had the pleasure of performing in many ensembles including the Pride of Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma Basketball Band, the Wind Symphony, the Percussion Orchestra, the OU Steel Band, as well as many other ensembles.
Mr Kelly has also had many wonderful performance opportunities during his career including performing with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, the Revolution Drum and Bugle Corps, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, Surround Sound Indoor Percussion, and Vigilantes Indoor Percussion. He has also performed percussion ensembles in many different countries with the Network Percussion Ensemble including England, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and Spain.
Mr. Kelly has taught with many independent percussion organizations including the Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps and Vigilantes Indoor Percussion.
In 2024, Mr. Kelly and his wife welcomed their son Parker into the world. He loves spending time with his family and taking his dog, Lola, to the dog park.
Lamar Band Ensembles
THE PRIDE OF LAMAR — THE VIKING MARCHING BAND
The Viking Marching Band is one of the most visible and successful groups on our campus. They perform at all varsity football games, pep rallies, and other events throughout the community. During the concert season the members of the marching band audition and perform as the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. In addition, they participate in the UIL Solo & Ensemble competition, All City Band, All Region Band, Jazz Band and Symphony Orchestra, and All State Bands and Orchestras. Besides being involved in musical endeavors, members of the Viking Band are very active in other areas of LHS where they are involved in virtually every club and organization offered at Lamar High School. The philosophy of the Viking Marching Band is to perform at each individual’s best every time they step on the performance field. The sense of Tradition, Dedication, Determination, Discipline and Pride is expected from every member of the organization. The Viking Marching Band has truly earned the name: THE PRIDE OF LAMAR.
WIND ENSEMBLE
The Wind Ensemble is the advanced (varsity) band in the Lamar High School program. Students will prepare/perform an advanced music curriculum and have a strong commitment to rehearsal and individual practice time. Private lessons are strongly recommended. Membership in this organization is by audition and selection by the directors. Audition materials regularly include All-State/All-Region Etudes, scales, and sight-reading.
SYMPHONIC BAND
The Symphonic Band (non-varsity band) is open to all Lamar High School Band students. Membership is determined by audition. Students will prepare and perform music for concerts and competitions.
CONCERT BAND
The Concert Band (freshman band) is required of all freshman Lamar Band students. Concert Band may be combined with Symphonic band for certain concerts throughout the year. Concert Band students will prepare and perform music for concerts and competitions.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Jazz Ensemble consists mainly of students who are interested in jazz and are participating in their second, third, or fourth year of high school band. This group works on developing all jazz styles and improvisation. The Jazz Ensemble competes at several jazz festivals in the area. The jazz ensemble has participated in the Essentially Ellington national jazz program for over 9 years.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
The Percussion Ensemble class is designed to give the students a chance to study percussion of all genres. In the fall, they focus mainly on marching percussion and All-Region music, which helps the students better understand music and their role in the band program, as well as preparing them for cityand region-wide competition. In the spring, they focus strictly on concert percussion, exposing students to all aspects of percussion and not limiting anyone to one discipline. This enhances the band program by giving the students a well-rounded percussion musical experience.
COLOR GUARD AND WINTER GUARD
The color guard is the visual ensemble that enhances the marching band in the fall. The guard auditions in the spring and rehearses throughout the summer and fall along with the rest of the marching band. Students train extensively in dance and traditional and non-traditional color guard equipment. After marching season, the members of the color guard go immediately into winter guard season where they perform indoors against 50+ other winter guards in the north Texas area. The Lamar winter guard has been extremely successful over the years including last year where they won the class at many NTCA competitions. The guard also marches in the 4th of July parade and often performs on the spring band trip.
Congrats CLASS OF 2025
BAND ORCHESTRA
Carlos Barrett
Bryan Barrios
Ava Brightwell
Makayla Duvall
Ricky Halliburton III
Aryan Hossain
Riana Mancha
Iyana Netter
Fabraylin Roberts
Toi-Rae Robinson
Josh Rosales
Aidan Smith
Evan Stein
Gavin Walter
Dhilshanie Wickramatillake
Max Burger
Bryant Canales
Christof Gruschow
Kevin Guardado
Logan Hazelwood
Arturo Perez
Tamiah Phillips
Leslie Ramirez
Isabella Rivera
Emily Torres
Dhilshanie Wickramatillake
BURGER Max
Max,
Congratulations on your Senior Year! It has been a joy watching you participate in LHS Orchestra. Cellos rule!
Love, Mom & Dad
AIDAN NICHOLAS
Mom I s a a c J o r g e n s e n
Grace
Jorgensen
Lamar Symphony, All-Region Full Orchestra, and Jazz Band - way to make the most of that big instrument! This will always be the year of the Funeral March. We are so proud of you, Isaac! Love, Mom, Dad, Sam, Katie, Grace, and Coco
Looking sharp, Grace! You are truly the pride of Lamar! Love, Mom, Dad, Sam, Katie, Isaac, and Coco
Gavin Walter
Gavin, it has been so fun watching your musical journey. We are so proud! Whatever the future holds, we are sure great things are ahead.
Love, Mom, Dad, and Chloe
Michael Howard Katey Hajer
We are so proud of you, Michael! You continue to amaze us with your desire to succeed and to help others as well. This year you continue to expand your capabilities by taking on a leadership role and participating in Jazz Band. We can’t wait to see how your Junior year goes.
Love you, Mom & Dad xxx
Cash Boelter
We are so proud of all you have accomplished this year. Keep working hard for the things you love to do and we will be there to support and cheer you on!
Love, Mom, Dad and Claire
Katey, we are so proud of you and the perseverance you have shown. Love, Mom, Matt and Maddy.
ACE THOMPSON
Ace!
Congrats on a paws-itively great year! We think your drumming is purrfect. It is meow-sic to our ears. Love, Rae (and Lola, Mom, and Dad)
To My Lovely Daughter, Once upon a time, when I asked God for an angel, he sent me you; my sunshine, my happiness, and the beat of my heart. Wherever your journey takes you in life, I pray you will always be safe. Enjoy the adventure and never forget your way back home. Someday when the pages of my life end, I know that you will be one of the most beautiful chapters. I can’t promise to be here for the rest of your life, but I promise to love you for the rest of mine.
Phillips Tamiah DASHEL HORNYAK
How snare you for being SO AWESOME! Congrats on all your accomplishments! We love you!! Mom, Dad, Sapphire/Clay, Dia, the Grands, and the 3 furry brothers at home
PRESTON VANDEVER
Preston – It’s your junior year! Keep playing and reaching for your dreams!
Evilynne Osvald
Evilynne, We're super proud of you. Keep up the great work!
Love, Old Man & Momther
"No need for audience to dress up...great live music in a casual atmosphere! Complementary wine, soft drinks and parking! Private table for 2, or up to 12
Timeless Concerts - Inspiring People One Note At a Time
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Lamar Fight Song
Fighton,oh,Vikings,forour fame,FightontoVictory. WeholdyourcolorsBlueand GoldOnhighforalltosee. Fight!Fight!Fighton,oh,Vikings, braveandbold. Yourhonorwillbetold. Forevermore,wesingtothee, Oh,NavyBlueandGold!
VFND
Viking Fight Never Dies
Lamar Alma Mater
LamarHighSchool,weloveyou, Yourlightshinesevertrue, ltshowsthewaytofollow Greatgoldandnavyblue. Wepledgeourfaithforever, OurVikingsfailusnever, Lamar,OurAlmaMater,Forevermore.