Aledo Middle School Honor Winds: 2021 Midwest Clinic Performance Program Book

ALEDO

Why do we teach music? Not because we expect you to major in music. Not because we expect you to play and sing all your life. Not so you can relax. But so you will be human. So you will recognize beauty. So you will be sensitive. So you will have something to cling to. So you will have more love, compassion, more gentleness, more good, in short, more life. Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live? That is why we teach music. ­– UNKNOWN

ALEDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESENTS THE

ALE D O M I D D LE SCH O O L

H O N O R W I N DS

J O E Y Q UA LL S | D I R EC TO R S I M O N B OSCH | AS S IS TANT D I R EC TO R M I CHAE L RO B I N SO N | AS S IS TANT D I R EC TO R C YNTH IA L AN S FO R D | G U E S T CO N D U C TO R RYAN J O H N S TO N E | G U E S T CO N D U C TO R

THE MIDWEST CLINIC: AN INTERNATIONAL BAND AND ORCHESTR A CONFERENCE 3:0 0 PM | THURSDAY, DECEMB ER 16, 2021 M CCORMICK PLACE WEST | BALLROOM W375E | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

ALEDO

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Aledo ISD, 1008 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo, TX, 76008 Phone: 817-441-8327 Fax: 817-441-5110 www.aledoisd.org

Dear Aledo Middle School Honor Wind Members: It is my pleasure and privilege to write to you on behalf of the Aledo Independent School District Board of Trustees, staff, and community to congratulate you on receiving an invitation to the 75th Annual Midwest Clinic. This is a prestigious accomplishment that will give you an amazing opportunity to showcase your craft alongside some of the most talented young musicians in the world today.

Not only will you get to share your talents with individuals from across the globe, but you will also get to learn more about your own musical gifts and where they may lead you in the future.

This invitation is such a compliment to you and is a direct result of your discipline and dedication.

Your community, families, and school district are proud to know that you all will be representing Aledo ISD and all Bearcats this December. I truly hope that this opportunity brings you much joy as you engage in your passion for music!

Truly,

Susan K. Bohn, Ed.D., J.D. Superintendent

Aledo Middle School Mandy Musselwhite, Principal

ALEDO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Aledo Middle School 416 FM 1187 S Aledo, TX 76008 To the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic: To the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic: Aledo Independent School District is exceptionally honored that Aledo Middle School Honors Winds was selected to perform at the 75th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Our students and directors are excited to be included in this prestigious and legendary event.

The invitation to perform at Midwest is representative of the high standards of excellence and commitment achieved by both students and directors of AMS through our exemplary band program. Band Directors, Joey Qualls, Simon Bosch, Mike Robinson, and Scott Stephens work closely with our students to develop skills and to provide a full and immersive music experience.

These gifted directors share more than talent, expertise, and time; they share their immense love and passion for music with their students.

It is important to acknowledge the great supporters who have contributed to the success of this outstanding band program. These loyal and enthusiastic supporters include parents as well as family members of the students, private instructors, the administrative team at Aledo MS, Central Administration Staff, and Aledo ISD, Superintendent, Dr. Susan K. Bohn. Without their support, encouragement, and advocacy, it would be more difficult to achieve the levels of excellence our students so richly deserve.

Thank you for making it possible for these young musicians to participate in such a distinguished event. They will represent the Aledo Independent School District with great pride. Enjoy today’s concert.

The students, faculty, staff, and administration of Aledo Middle School are pleased and excited that you have invited our Honor Winds Band to perform at the 75th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Our students are grateful that their hard work has been recognized and they are honored to represent Aledo Independent School District at this incredible event.

In addition to the high standards to which these students perform, their directors are to be commended as well. Joey Qualls, Simon Bosch, and Mike Robinson, with their dedicated leadership and talent, have led our young musicians to achieve at a remarkable level. We appreciate their commitment to our school’s band program and to the students they serve.

I would also like to applaud our band families, who offer unwavering support for the AMS band program. They spend countless hours ensuring that our bands have every opportunity for success.

Again, thank you for extending this opportunity to AMS Honor Winds. They are looking forward to this prestigious event and will undoubtedly make memories that will last a lifetime!

Be the difference,

Sincerely,

Missey Head

Missey Head Aledo ISD Fine Arts Coordinator

1008 Bailey Ranch Road, ALEDO, TEXAS 76008 * 817-441-8327 * 817-441-4845 FAX

Mandy Musselwhite Principal Aledo Middle School

★ BE THE DIFFERENCE ★

about ALE D O

A

ALEDO

ledo is the oldest city in Parker County, Texas and was started as a farming settlement. The community was later incorporated in 1963. In the mid 1990s, the city experienced rapid growth from expanding Fort Worth. With a population of 400 citizens in the 1920s, Aledo has grown to over 3,000 residents living within a 2.5-square-mile area.

about ALE D O IS D

A

ledo Independent School District is currently a K-12 public school district, located in Parker and Tarrant Counties. AISD is a fast-growth district and one of the top-rated public school districts in Texas with more than 6,000 students and nearly 600 employees.

The district has six elementary schools along with an intermediate, middle, ninth-grade campus, high school, and learning center. The newest campus in the district is Annetta Elementary, which opened at the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

AISD offers an expansive range of notable programs for students including Career and Technical Education (CTE), award-winning UIL band programs, robotics club, college scholarship program, successful organizations including student council, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, Thespian Society, and Junior World Affairs Council.

Other accolades included Aledo High School tying for fourth in the Class 5A UIL Lone Star Cup standings during the 2017-2018 school year. The Lone Star Cup recognizes the most successful schools in the state in academics, fine arts, and athletics.

about the ALE D O M I D D LE SCH O O L BAN D

T

he Aledo Middle School Band Program believes in challenging students to be their best through the high-quality performance of diverse and exciting repertoire. For example, AMS concerts in the last several years have included composers ranging from Sousa, Biebl, Chance, Van der Roost, as well as Bartok and Holst. The band program includes beginner band classes, three performing concert ensembles, percussion ensemble, and a drumline. In sixth-grade beginner band, students are grouped into homogenous instrument classes that focus on building solid players with strong fundamentals while cultivating a love for music. Seventh and eighth-grade students are placed in ability-based ensembles, where the curriculum consists of musical skill-building, developing critical thinking, increasing musical expressiveness, and performing diverse and interesting repertoire. Frequent performances such as formal concerts, the solo festival, invitationals, and informal concerts provide ample opportunities for students to perform exciting music. Moreover, the program also believes in providing masterclass opportunities with local professional musicians and dynamic music educators in order to improve and inspire students. For example, in the past several years AMS has intentionally collaborated with a clinician for every instrument section in order to inspire students and build their skills.

The AMS band program has been awarded several accolades under the current director. Awards include being named a National Winner in the National Wind Band Honors Mark of Excellence Project four years in a row, earning consistent and unanimous superior ratings at the Texas UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest and advancing to the TMEA area honor band competition all times when eligible. AMS advanced to the State CCC Honor Band Finals in 2015 placing eighth and was first runner up in the 2020 CCC Texas State Honor Band Contest. In 2013, the Aledo Middle School Honor Winds was invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic. AMS has consistently placed large numbers of individual students in region honor bands. Aledo Middle School students are promoted to the Aledo High School Band program, one of the premier high school band programs in the nation. When students reach high school, they are expected to have mature sounds and well-developed ensemble skills, and they should be able to count time with the feeling of good rhythm. Aledo High School Band awards include finalists in the Texas UIL 5A State Marching Contest, and the band was the TMEA 5A State Honor Band in 2016, among various other honors. Most recently, the AHS Wind Ensemble was selected as the TMEA Invited Band and will be performing at the 2022 TMEA Convention in San Antonio. The AMS and AHS staff members work together to ensure that all students get a wonderful music experience from grades six through twelve.

The Aledo Band Staff believes in pushing students to be the best musicians they can be, but above all, we want students to become great people through music.

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N & S TA F F

Aledo ISD AD M I N IS TR ATI O N

Aledo ISD BAN D STAFF

D R . SUSAN B O H N

J O E Y PAU L

Superintendent

Director of Bands

LY N N M C K I N N E Y

JAKE ALB I N

Deputy Superintendent

Assistant Director, Aledo High School

AM B ER CR IS S E Y

DEXX MOORE

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Assistant Director, Aledo High School

EARL HUSFELD

Director of Percussion, Aledo ISD

Chief Financial Officer

SCOT T STEPH ENS J O E Y Q UALL S

S COT T K E S S E L

Aledo Middle School/McAnally Intermediate

Executive Director of Student Services M E RC E D E S M AY E R

S I M O N B OSCH

Aledo Middle School/McAnally Intermediate

Director of Communications

M I CHAEL RO B I NSO N

S H E R RY TAY LO R

Aledo Middle School/McAnally Intermediate

Executive Director of Human Resources

Aledo Middle School AD M I N IS TR ATI O N D R . M A N DY M U S S E LW H I T E

Principal

Aledo M US I C E N R I CH M E NT PRO G R AM (AM E P) FLUTE: Janis Grannell, Natasha Costello

MICHAEL DIAZ

O B O E: Anna Peterson

Assistant Principal

BAS SO O N : Dr. Michael Scott

DAT R A LO N O N

CL AR I N E T: Susan Ishii, Evgeni Karelin

Assistant Principal

SA XO PH O N E: Preston Lewis, John Stevens

Aledo ISD B OAR D O F TRUS TE E S

FR EN CH H O R N : Josh Davis TRU M PE T: Beth Losos, Darren Spurgeon

H OY T H A R R I S

DAV I D L E A R

President, Place 7

Place 1

J E S S I C A B ROW N

J E N N I F E R LO F T I N

Vice President, Place 3

Place 2

EU PH O N I U M : Troy Moeller

FO R R E S T CO L L I N S

J E N N I F E R TAY LO R

TU BA: David Barr

Secretary, Place 4

Place 5 JULIE TURNER

Place 6

TRO M B O N E: Christian Paarup

PERCUS S I O N : Dr. Tyler Wales, Lauren Stephens GU ITAR: Scott Stevens

PROGRAM TR I U M PH S!

J OS H UA V. H I N K E L

A L F R ED P U B L I S H I N G CO., I N C . ( 2 0 0 9)

GR ADE 2 | 3:03

Everyone has experienced defining moments where they have been faced with what seemed to be insurmountable challenges. We are often defined by how we succumbed to the challenge or rose to meet it. Inner strength and spirit powers us to triumph over all who might seek to test us or divert us from our desired path. Teachers know that many of these triumphs go unrecognized but can have a significant and resounding impact on our students, community, and ourselves. Triumphs! is a symbolic work that serves to celebrate these successes that occur every day in every walk of life.

S U LTA N A: 1 8 65

R A N DA LL S TA N D R I D G E

T H E FJ H M U S I C CO M PA N Y I N C . ( 2 0 2 0)

GR ADE 3 | 6:45

This programmatic work paints a portrait of the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history. In 1865, after the end of the Civil War, the Sultana was carrying Union soldiers up the Mississippi River when she exploded. This work combines original material with the classic hymn Abide with Me and two Union songs (We’re Coming, Father Abra’am and The Battle Cry of Freedom) to create a dramatic narrative that will deeply impact players and audiences alike.

N I M RO D

E DWA R D E LGA R / A R R . A LFR E D R E E D

B ELW I N - M I L L S P U B L I S H I N G CO R P. (1 96 5)

GR ADE 3 | 3:04

Elgar was still relatively unknown to the musical world when, in 1899, he completed his Variations on an Original Theme (later to be called Enigma Variations). His anonymity existed in spite of the fact that he had devoted nearly eight years of his life to writing works in the larger forms, including full-length oratorios which had been successfully performed. Thus, it was something of a minor miracle to him that the German conductor, Hans Richter (at the time the most admired orchestra conductor in London), agreed to perform a new major work by an unknown English composer. With a few short years after the first performance of Enigma Variations in 1899, Elgar became an internationally famous composer.

The Enigma Variations consist of an original theme on which are built 13 variations plus a finale. The enigma arose because Elgar had placed on each variation a title which was either a cryptic name (such as “Nimrod”) or a set of initials. He then let it be known that these represented friends of his.

This gave rise to a flood of inquiries, discussions, arguments, and some detective work on the part of many people. Today, however, it is well known exactly which persons are concerned.

The ninth variation, titled “Nimrod,” is generally agreed to be the emotional highlight of the Enigma Variations. “Nimrod,” of course, is associated in the English minds with hunting. The German word for hunter is “Jager,” and the man whom Elgar described in this variation was his noblest friend, August Jaeger, editor of the Musical Times. Jaeger gave Elgar much sound, practical advice and helped place his earlier works for publication. And so, in this beautiful, swelling musical testimonial, Elgar has not only created a picture of a noble, upright, generous person, but has produced a piece which has found many uses in English ceremonials of a solemn nature.

S I M O N B OS C H | CO N D U C TO R

O N WA R D!

GA RY P. G I LROY

DA EH N P U B L I C AT I O N S ( 2 0 0 6)

GR ADE 2 | 2:45

The title says it all! From the first crack of the whip this piece is off and running. Not nearly as difficult as it sounds, it’s an unbridled musical adventure crackling with excitement.

M I C H A E L RO B I N S O N | CO N D U C TO R

C A IT N I S H I M U R A G R A D E 4 | 4 :37

My fascination with the natural world began in childhood, and it wasn’t long before I learned about the harmful impacts of human activity on the environment. Old growth forests and essential ecosystems like wetlands were being replaced by housing developments and highways. As a child, I felt helpless about it all; now, as an adult, I know that there is so much we can all do to be part of the solution. Sometimes, we just need to feel empowered first, and I believe art is one of the most effective ways to inspire others.

This piece was commissioned by the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in celebration of their 75th anniversary. Wilderness celebrates and honours Earth’s remaining wild spaces and the people who fight to protect them. Through this music, I explore the range of emotions environmentalists experience, and I express my gratitude for all that nature has given me. This piece is a call-to-action for all of us to do our part in spreading awareness about climate change, to reflect on our relationship with nature, and to deepen our respect for the stewards of this land.

– CAIT NISHIMUR A

D E R IVATI O N S

M I CH A E L K A M U F

B ELW I N - M I L L S P U B L I S H I N G CO R P. ( 2 0 2 0)

GR ADE 2 | 3:08

After a mysterious introduction, this original work takes off with contrasting themes in both 4/4 and 3/4. Bold melodies, contemporary harmonies, and driving percussion combine to create a perfect opening or closing selection for your next concert or festival performance. Relentless!

S I M O N B OS C H | CO N D U C TO R

U TO PI A

RYA N M E E B O E R

EI G H T H N OT E P U B L I C AT I O N S ( 2 0 2 0)

GR ADE 2 | 3:00

Utopia is a musical reflection of the bustling life of a big city. It opens using fanfare-like chords to represent the perfection of this wonderful place. The melody is found in many sections of the band, giving the opportunity for all the instruments to shine.

C Y N T H I A L A N S FO R D | CO N D U C TO R

S I LV E RS I D E S

W I LLI A M OW E N S

M A N U S C R I P T ( 2 0 2 0)

G R A D E 2 | 2 :3 0

Aptly named for the small fish bearing silver streaks along either side of its body, the submarine USS Silversides (SS-236) was commissioned a mere eight days after the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Silversides would enjoy a highly successful five-year tenure, sinking 23 enemy ships.

Decommissioned in 1946, the vessel would eventually find its way to Muskegon, Michigan, where she now holds a prominent position in the Great Lakes Naval Memorial.

A slow, mysterious opening statement sets the tone for the venerable submarine submerging to embark on her perilous assignment. The tempo suddenly becomes fast as Silversides stealthily glides through the dark, murky waters. The music becomes increasingly intense as the vessel steadily moves forward, culminating in the inevitable conflict. After the boisterous “battle sequence,” the mood is jubilant and brisk in tempo with the music coming to an exciting finish.

RYA N J O H N S TO N E | CO N D U C TO R

K I N D E R LO U E XC ELC I A ( 2 0 2 0)

R . A L A N C A RTE R GR ADE 2 | 2:57

This march in traditional style has everything you need for festival adjudication or concert performance.

Written in the style of Fillmore, you will immediately be transported to a time when marches were king! The harmony is a refreshing throwback to olden times.

PROGRAM

W I LD E R N E S S C A I T N I S H I M U R A M U S I C ( 2 0 2 1)

FLUTES Au d re y G a r re t t K a t h r y n Ja c k s o n H a r p e r Jo n e s Av a C a t e R o a r k R u b y S h ave r Ad d i s o n S p e e d S c a rl e t We r mu t h

OBOE Ja me s L e i s i n g BASSOON Sorin Hohman P i e rc e M a r t i n

Bb CLARINETS E l l a Jo h n s o n Ky l i e K i r k l a n d Ja c o b M a r b e r r y Tay lo r S a l a s Ja c k s o n S i r o i s M a d i s o n Wa t s o n BASS CLARINET A n d re w M o s e l e y

A LT O SA XOPHONES Ad d i s o n B e a n Luke Bog ner I a n F lo r a M a x we l l R e e d e r TENOR SA XOPHONE Jayd e n R a m i re z BARITONE SA XOPHONE L a e d i n Ut l e y

TRUMPETS Jay B i c e Wi l l D a n i e l s A m b e r Fu rlow Rebecca Hernandez Ad r i a n n a L a m b e r t T h e s s a l i e S t u nt z

HORNS A n d r e w B oy k i n A l e x i s Fi s h e r Jo n a t h a n Ne f f M a d e ly n Q u e e n Ky l e S t o d o l a C a rly Wa l k e r

TROMBONES Ian Campbell Christian Chevalier Ethan Hoggarth R e x Ve l a s q u e z Ayd e n We l l s

EUPHONIUMS Aiden Hog ue N a t a l i e Hu t s o n A n n a S i m mo n s

TUBAS Luke Meacham R o b b y S lo a n L o g a n Tr i n k a

PERCUSSION Ty l e r A n d e r s o n Ja x H u nt Craig Isaacs Wi l s o n L e w i s R h i a n no n M o s e s E l ij a h S i lve r H a d y n Tu r n e r D r e w Vo z e h

2 019 -2 02 0 ALE D O M I D D LE SCH O O L H O N O R WI N DS FLUTE

Bb CLARINET

BASSOON

TRUMPET

TROMBONE

TUBA

Jane Claire Anderson Skylar Cabrera Avery Caveness Ashlee Clark Danielle Hardin Maizie Stone

Nicholas Brandt Hannah Clark Tyler Jackson Rebekah Jarrell Kendal Kordis-Verner Scott Mason Abigail Pennington Tristan Reagan Eren Volkman

Jackson Grubbs Niklas Nawrocki

Parker Ansley Antonio De La Garza Michael DeLapp Derrick Jackson Elly Roach Jackson Schneider Parker White

Jonathan Bullock Brady Christenson Harrison Cornwell Gabriel Galvez Mason Heimke Benjamin Krieger Gavin Meador Marco Nava

Edgar Ayala Erik Larsen Jack Maurice Parker Watson

BASS CL ARINET

Zachary Cannell

OBOE

Anna Carpenter

Nolan Golden John Vance

A LT O S A X

Garhett Daves Ella Flowers TENOR SA X

Cole Crawford BARITONE SA X

HORN

Kayleigh Childs Jillian Guess Adrienne Henry Haley Ingram Isabella Stamper

P R O G R A M S U B M I T T E D T O T H E M I DW E S T C L I N I C :

The Washington Post – John Philip Sousa Concord – Clare Grundman

EUPHONIUM

Nicholas Oetinger Gustin Paul Abigail Souza

PERCUSSION

Jackson Arnold Dennis Baxter Logan Belt Kailyn Link David Lowry Tyler Paul Elizabeth Suchocki

J O E Y Q UALL S | D I R EC TO R

Joey Qualls is currently the Head Band Director at Aledo Middle School and has held this position since 2014. He has been a band director in Aledo ISD since 2005. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Qualls was an assistant band director at Aledo High School and Aledo Middle School, respectively.

He also served five years as Aledo’s percussion specialist and one year as Director of Percussion.

Mr. Qualls’ bands have achieved consistent UIL Sweepstakes ratings as well as unanimous first division ratings and “Best in Class” honors at several area festivals. His bands have been named “National Winners” in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Project 2015-18 and most recently in 2021. His bands have also advanced to the CCC State Honor Band Finals twice, placing eighth in 2015 and second in 2020.

In addition to teaching at Aledo Middle School, Mr. Qualls has served as a clinician for area bands, adjudicated UIL/TMEA events, and has been a guest conductor at the University of Texas A&M Corpus Christi Summer Band Camp. Mr. Qualls’ professional affiliations include Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and the Percussive Arts Society. Mr. Qualls considers himself privileged to teach in Aledo, and he credits his success to God and to the many mentors, band directors, and teachers that He has placed in his life. It is their influence, knowledge, and passion that continue to shape who he is as a teacher.

When Mr. Qualls is not at the band hall, he enjoys spending time mountain biking and playing with his two dogs Jake and Molly. He and his wife, Amy, were blessed with their beautiful daughter, Hayleigh, in November.

S I M O N B OSCH | AS S ISTANT D I R EC TO R

Simon Bosch joined the Aledo Middle School band staff in 2014, having previously worked as a freelance musician and private teacher in the area. Originally from Colorado, Simon earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University and a master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University, where he also served as a graduate teaching assistant for the trumpet studio.

Mr. Bosch is the primary director for the Aledo Middle School non-varsity ensemble, the Symphonic Winds, and he assists with the AMS Honor Winds and Concert Band. He also teaches beginner trumpet, French horn, and tuba. Under Mr. Bosch’s direction, AMS bands have earned exclusively unanimous first division ratings at UIL Concert & Sightreading contests and at numerous festivals across north Texas.

His ensembles have received Best in Class awards at multiple festivals, including the Peak Music Festival in Denton, Texas, and class champion at the 2021 North Texas Festival of Distinction. The Aledo Middle School Symphonic Winds have been named a winner in The Citation of Excellence project through The Foundation for Music Education for five consecutive years (2017-2021).

As a performer, Simon has had the pleasure of performing with various ensembles at TMEA, ABA, CBDNA, and ITG conferences and has made numerous appearances in the semifinals and finals at the National Trumpet Competition. His playing can be heard on albums with the Florida State University Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble as well as the C3 Big Band. Simon’s primary trumpet teachers include Bill Pfund, Wiff Rudd, and Dr. Christopher Moore.

In his free time, Simon enjoys spending time with his wife Stephanie (who is also a band director) and their four cats, as well as playing disc golf. They are excitedly expecting their first child in January 2022!

M I CHAE L RO B I NSO N | AS S ISTANT D I R EC TO R

Michael Robinson joined the Aledo Band Staff in 2003. Previous to Aledo, he taught in Fort Worth ISD at Western Hills High School, Leonard Middle School, and Leonard Sixth Grade.

Mr. Robinson currently teaches beginning woodwinds at McAnally Intermediate and conducts the Concert Band at Aledo Middle School. Both McAnally Intermediate and the AMS Concert Band have won Best in Class at the Beach Within Reach and NRH20 Festivals in the Dallas Fort Worth area. The Concert Band has been a consistent sweepstakes recipient at the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest.

Mr. Robinson attended Texas Wesleyan University where he received his Bachelor’s of Music Education degree. Professionally, he belongs to Texas Music Educators Association as well as Texas Bandmasters Association.

He and his wife, April, have one child, Meagan, who is currently attending Weatherford College.

C YNTH IA L ANS FO R D | G U E S T CO N D U C TO R

After graduating with a degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University in 1976, Cindy Lansford began her teaching career at her alma mater, Robert E. Lee High School, in Baytown, Texas. After relocating to north Texas in 1978, she began a twelve-year stint in the Plano Independent School District, first at Plano Senior High School, followed by 10 years at Carpenter Middle School. In 1991, Ms. Lansford joined the Birdville Independent School District and taught at Haltom High School. In 1996, she moved to North Ridge Middle School in the B. I. S. D., where she taught until her retirement in 2007.

During her tenure at Carpenter, Ms. Lansford was named Teacher of the Year and was a recipient of the Ross Perot Excellence in Teaching Award. She was again named Teacher of the Year at North Ridge. Ms. Lansford served on the Prescribed Music List selection committee 2002-2006 and served her regions throughout the years in various leadership positions. She has been a frequent presenter at conventions for both Texas and Oklahoma Music Educators Associations. She has also been a frequent presenter at the Texas and Oklahoma Bandmasters Associations as well as through the T. B. A. Professional Development program. In 2008 Ms. Lansford received the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Texas Bandmasters Association.

The bands under Ms. Lansford’s direction enjoyed much success throughout the years. Continuous achievement at U. I. L. contests, numerous festivals, as well as state recognition were the norm, and individual student accomplishments were status quo. In 2004, the North Ridge Middle School Band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Cup award presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation to outstanding middle school bands.

In 2005 the North Ridge Honors Band performed at the Fifty-Ninth Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. In 2006, the North Ridge Band was the first middle school band program to be recognized by the Texas Bandmasters Association as “An Exemplary Program.”

The 2007-2008 school year marked the first year of retirement from a public school position for Ms. Lansford, and she started her second “career,” doing freelance work as a consultant, clinician, mentor, adjudicator and teacher. She has been in contact with hundreds of teachers and thousands of students through region and all state bands and band camps stretching from Alaska to Georgia. She also works one-on-one with individual programs and teachers.

Ms. Lansford’s professional affiliations include Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and she is past president of Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters Fraternity. She is currently serving on the Executive Board of Phi Beta Mu International. Ms. Lansford was recently inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Hall of Fame in Texas.

RYAN J O H NS TO N E

| G U E S T CO N D U C TO R

Ryan Johnstone is currently director of bands at Rouse High School in Leander, Texas. This is a position he has held since 2020. Previously, Mr. Johnstone was an associate director at Rouse for four years. At Rouse, Mr. Johnstone conducts the Honor Band and serves as the music coordinator for the marching band. All concert ensembles under his direction at Rouse have earned straight superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluations. Additionally, the Rouse High School Marching Band was recently awarded the silver medal for the class 5A Texas State Marching Band Championships.

Prior to his positions at Rouse, Mr. Johnstone served as band director at Canyon Vista Middle School in Austin, Texas for two years. Mr. Johnstone also served as head band director of the Aledo Middle School Band program for five years and as an associate director at Aledo High School from 2006-2009.

His bands at Canyon Vista and Aledo Middle School were consistent superior award winners at UIL and invitational festivals. Top groups at each school also advanced to the Texas Music Educators Association’s State Honor Band Competition three times under his direction, placing fourth in 2011, second in 2013, and sixth in 2015 (his first year at Canyon Vista). Additionally, the AMS Honor Winds were invited performers at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in December 2013. In 2012, Mr. Johnstone was honored by Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Mu, being named “Texas Young Bandmaster of the Year.”

In addition to his teaching at Rouse High School, Mr. Johnstone is active as a guest clinician and music education consultant for other public school music programs. He has also been a guest conductor/teacher for the Baylor University and TCU Summer Music Camps and has served on the brass staff for the Crossmen Drum Corps based in San Antonio, Texas. As an adjudicator, he’s served at events throughout Texas (UIL/TMEA) as well as Utah and Canada. His professional affiliations include membership in the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Johnstone has previously served as a member of the UIL Sight Reading Committee and PML Committees, the UIL Marching Band Rules Committee, and the TMAA Committee on Standards of Adjudication and Performance Practices. He has presented clinics and served on panel discussions at the Midwest Clinic, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Texas Bandmasters Convention.

He feels privileged and honored to have many fellow music educators, mentors, and friends who have influenced his teaching and career thus far, and he is grateful for his family and wife, Rachel, for their love and support.

Mr. Johnstone is a graduate of the Curtis Institute and Yale University.

SCOT T S TE PH E NS | D I R EC TO R O F PE RCUS S I O N

Scott Stephens has been the Director of Percussion for Aledo ISD since 2019. He graduated from Texas Christian University in May 2018 with his Bachelor of Music Education degree. While attending TCU, Mr. Stephens’ performance experiences included the TCU Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Horned Frog Marching Band, Steel Band, PASIC Snare Ensemble, and the PASIC Champion TCU Percussion Orchestra. He studied with Dr. Brian A. West, Dr. Andrew Eldridge, Dr. Richard Gipson, Jeff Hodge, and Joey Carter among others.

Mr. Stephens student taught in Aledo ISD in Spring 2018. The following year he then served as Assistant Percussion Director. He taught private lessons and assisted with sixth- through twelfthgrade percussionists, including the award-winning Aledo High School Drumline, Front Ensemble, and Percussion Ensembles. Mr. Stephens also has teaching experience in other districts including Burleson, Keller, and Springtown ISDs. Currently, Mr. Stephens teaches all percussion classes in the district including Aledo High School/Daniel Ninth Grade Campus, Aledo Middle School, and McAnally Intermediate School. He is also an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Percussive Arts Society.

C AIT N IS H I M U R A

| CO M P OS E R

Cait Nishimura (she/her) is a Canadian composer, musician, and educator based in Waterloo, Ontario. Known for writing melody-driven, programmatic music, Cait has quickly established herself as a prominent voice in the concert band community.

With influences from minimalism and pop music, her work is full of simple yet lush harmonies, and themes that linger in listeners’ minds. As a lifelong environmentalist, she not only draws inspiration from the natural world but also uses her platform to advocate for conservation awareness and action.

Cait’s music has been presented at The Midwest Clinic, MusicFest Canada, and numerous other conferences and festivals across North America. Her work has become increasingly popular among educational music programs as well as within the professional new music scene, with new works being regularly commissioned and performed by ensembles and individuals around the world. Cait is committed to creating contemporary music that is approachable, relevant, and enjoyable for all, and she is passionate about setting a positive example for future generations of musicians — especially those from historically underrepresented groups– through her creative work, her social media presence, and her dedication to mental health awareness.

Cait was the winner of the Canadian Band Association’s composition prize in 2017.

She holds degrees in music and education from the University of Toronto, but is an advocate of people pursuing their passions regardless of their field of study.

All of Cait’s works are self-published under Cait Nishimura Music. For more information, please visit caitnishimura.com.

ACK N OWLE D G E M E NTS

PE RSO NAL THAN KS

2 0 1 9 -2 02 0 H O N O R W I N D S : I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for all of you. You are all an incredible group of students, hard working and talented. Our year was cut short and we never got to finish what we started; yet, you accomplished so much. None of us knew the morning we recorded for Midwest would be the last time we got to make music together. I still cherish that morning and the time I got to spend with you on that stage.

We have this opportunity because of you and hope to make you proud with our performance today.

TO MY MOM AND DAD: For always supporting me and believing in me. I would not be doing what I am today without your love and encouragement. Mom, thank you for your prayers and always being willing to listen when I needed to talk.

2 02 0 -2 02 1 H O N O R W I N D S : Although you did not get to perform at

the Midwest Clinic and Concert, you still pushed through one of the toughest times in recent history. You could have given up, but instead you chose to work hard and persevere. I will always be thankful for the work you did and the music we got to make. You are all a special group of students and without your hard work the MS band program would not be what it is today.

2 02 1 -2 02 2 H O N O R W I N D S : Thank you for your hard work and

dedication in getting ready for this concert. I am inspired by your pursuit of excellence, each one of you are unique and extremely gifted in so many ways. I am blessed to share the stage with you today and share with the world what I already know, that you are all an incredibly talented group of young musicians!

I am incredibly blessed to share this moment with you!

S PECIAL THAN KS TO D R . S U S A N B O H N A N D T H E B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S : For

your support of the Fine Arts programs in Aledo ISD. TO THE ALEDO MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND PARENTS: For your endless support and dedication to your students and the Aledo MS Band program. We would not have the program we have without you and your support.

O U R FA M I L I E S : For supporting all of us with your love, understanding

and appreciation.

M I DW E S T C H A P E R O N E S : For your help on this trip and giving of your

time to make this trip a success!

K R I S T I N M O R A L E S : For the wonderful photos and sharing your talent

and expertise with us to make this program so special.

R O B I N W I L S O N : For working with us and designing this incredible

program! You truly have a gift!

M A N DY M U S S E LW H I T E , M I C H E A L D I A Z , DAT R A LO N O N , P R I N C I PA L S O F A L E D O M I D D L E S C H O O L : For your support of

the band program and the kids of Aledo Middle School. You are the best group of Administrators I have ever worked with!

T H E A L E D O M I D D L E S C H O O L FAC U LT Y A N D S TA F F: For

sharing our students and supporting them in our program.

A N G E L D O D S O N A N D TA R P L E Y ’ S M U S I C : For your excellent

service to our band students and families.

C H R I S H E A R N A N D N -T U N E M U S I C : For your excellent service to

our band students and families. Also, thank you for your support in covering the cost of our programs for today’s concert!

T H E A L E D O B A N D B O O S T E R S : For your unwavering support and commitment to helping our students and the program in so many ways.

DR. DANIEL COOK AND UNT SCHOOL OF MUSIC: For being a gracious host and allowing us to use your beautiful Performing Arts facility.

W Y L I E B R A N C H : For helping us with our uniforms and making sure we

look our best on stage.

L I S A L A I R D A N D T H E P E R F O R M A M E R I C A S TA F F: We are grateful for all your hard work in making this trip possible, especially in the middle of a pandemic!

HONOR WINDS FAMILY: Thank you so much for your continued and endless support of the band program and music education! Your unwavering dedication, sacrifices, and flexibility truly display your love for your child and the passion involved with producing the quality musical performance presented today. Thank you for all that you have done so that our students can be successful and for allowing me the privilege of teaching them each day.

ALEDO MUSIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM LESSON TEACHERS:

Thank you for your tremendous guidance and commitment to our students and the band staff. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible group of inspiring musicians to help mold our students into what they are today! Thank you for being such a valuable resource and for lending your pedagogical expertise to the band staff.

SIMON, MICHAEL, AND SCOTT: Thank you for your hard work, love and dedication to the band program and our kids. It takes a village, and the program would not be what it is without your support and dedication to our kids. You guys are such a great team to work with, and I appreciate you more than you know. I will always be thankful for what you have done to help our kids be successful.

C I N DY L A N S F O R D : Wow… I can not begin to tell you how thankful I am for you. You are such a wonderful mentor, and I am so thankful for your help over the years. You are the backbone of the Aledo MS band program and have been instrumental in keeping us on track, even through a pandemic. You are such a giving and caring person. We are all in debt for your willingness to share your knowledge with the band community, and I am so blessed to not only have you as my mentor, but also as a friend!

J O E Y PAU L : Thank you for taking a chance on me and trusting me with the MS band program. Your support, guidance, and willingness to help when needed are invaluable. I will always be thankful for what you have done for me and the students in the Aledo Band Program.

D E X X A N D JA K E : Thank you for your support of the MS band program and all that you do to continue the music education and band experience for our students at the high school.

RYA N J O H N S TO N E : Thank you for your help over the years and getting ready for this concert. Your knowledge, musicianship, ear, and attention to detail are unmatched. I have learned so much from you and will always be thankful for your support and friendship.

M Y W I F E , A M Y: I can’t even begin to tell you thank you enough for all your support over the years. You are the reason I am able to be on stage today. Your support, love, and encouragement no matter what are truly what help me each day. You believe in me even in times when I do not believe in myself. Thank you!

I love you so much!

CO L L E AG U E S A N D F R I E N D S F O R W H O M I A M G R AT E F U L , I N C L U D I N G B U T N OT L I M I T E D TO : Cindy Lansford, Joey Paul,

Ryan Johnstone, Jeff Bradford, Robert Herrings, William Owens, David Burks, Eric Bolden, David Puckett, Christine Cumberledge, Ryan Straten, Chris Sebesta, Dean Surface, Hunter Lewis, Rylon Guidry, Jolette Wine, Gary Whitman, Nate Neugent, Gary Williams, Stacey Dunn, Melodianne Mallow, Greg Dick, Jeff Ausdemore, and many MANY more!