Artie Henry Middle School: 2010 TMEA CCC Honor Band Performance Program

Art ie Henry

Middle School

The Leander Independent School District

present s the

Art ie Henry Middle School Honors Band

Robert T. Herrings, III, Conductor Cara C. Vernon, Associate Conductor Steven M. Hopkins, Associate Conductor Hector J. Gil, Associate Conductor

Texas Music Educators Association CCC Honor Band February 12, 2010 2:00 p.m.

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Ballroom A San Antonio, Texas

Congratulatory Letters

Leander Independent School District 204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000

Board of Trustees Will Streit President

December 2, 2009

Grace Barber Jordan Vice President Russell Bundy Secretary

To the students, parents, and directors of Henry Middle School Band,

Elizabeth Frey Member

Congratulations on your recent honor of being selected TMEA’s Class CCC State Honor Band. I applaud the hard work and dedication it took to achieve this high honor.

Don Hisle Member Lisa Mallory Member Jim Sneeringer Member

!

Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent

In Leander ISD, we believe in building bridges to ensure that students are ready for the world outside of school. The fine arts offer a terrific opportunity for students to learn how to think creatively, collaborate well, and build self-confidence. All of these traits are necessary for the successful futures of all of our students. By participating in the fine arts (as a student, parent, or educator), you have taken a significant step in developing leaders of the future!

By achieving the level you have, you have also shown evidence of the Ethical Principle “Pursuit of Excellence”. It is always rewarding to see Leander students succeed after an outstanding effort. Special thanks to the HMS band directors Robert Herrings, Cara Vernon, and Steven Hopkins for their continued hard work and dedication, and to all the parents who contributed greatly to this accomplishment. Again, congratulations to all of you. You have every reason to be proud.

Respectfully,

Bret A. Champion Superintendent

www.leanderisd.org

Leander Independent School District 204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000

Board of Trustees Will Streit President Grace Barber Jordan Vice President Russell Bundy Secretary Elizabeth Frey Member Don Hisle Member Lisa Mallory Member Jim Sneeringer Member

!

Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent

December 2, 2009

To Henry Middle School Band students, parents, and band directors, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on behalf of all Leander ISD school board members for your selection as TMEA’s Class CCC State Honor Band. We applaud the hard work and dedication it took to compete and win top place in the state this year.

Please know how delighted we are of your outstanding achievement as State Honor Band. Your involvement, energy, and leadership in the band program is very much valued and appreciated. It is always rewarding to see the success of Leander students. Again, congratulations.

Sincerely,

William Streit Leander ISD School Board President

www.leanderisd.org

Conductors Robert T. Herrings, III Robert Tyrome Herrings is entering his seventh year of teaching and has been teaching at Henry Middle School in the Leander ISD since 2004. Prior to coming to Leander ISD, he was the Director of Bands at Rockdale Junior High in Rockdale, Texas.

In 2003, Robert received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he studied under Michael Haithcock, Jeff Grogan, Dr. Kevin Sedatole and Barry Hopper. While in college, Robert was a member of the Baylor University performing wind bands, as well as a member of the Baylor University Golden Wave Band.

At Henry Middle School, Mr. Herrings teaches the Honors Band, assists with the Symphonic and Concert bands, and teaches beginning flute and trumpet. Since beginning his career in music education, Mr. Herrings' bands have achieved consistent UIL Sweepstakes ratings, as well as unanimous first division ratings, Best In Class, and Overall Outstanding Band honors at festivals around the state. In 2009, the Henry Middle School Honors Band was selected to perform at the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, Washington, and earned distinction as a National Wind Band Honors Class AA winner. Most recently, the Henry Middle School Band program was named the 2009-2010 Texas Class CCC Honor Band.

Mr. Herrings is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association. He is also a mentor to new to profession teachers at Henry Middle School.

Mr. Herrings enjoys motivating young musicians to reach their highest level of performance by sharing his extreme love and passion for music with them on a daily basis. He feels honored, privileged and extremely blessed to have had many great mentors, band directors, and close friends who have influenced his career thus far.

Above all, his students have been his greatest inspiration!

Cara C. Vernon

Cara C. Vernon is in her fifth year of teaching at Henry Middle School. Mrs. Vernon is the conductor of the Symphonic Band, and she also teaches beginning clarinet, saxophone, bassoon and oboe. Bands under her direction have received consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards and first division ratings at various music festivals and competitions.

Mrs. Vernon is a 2002 graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. While studying at East Carolina, she was a recipient of the Friends of the School of Music Scholarship, an active officer in Sigma Alpha Iota and served as Drum Major for the ECU Marching Pirates. She also performed in various ensembles, including the ECU Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Scott Carter.

After graduating from East Carolina, she attended graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s Degree in Clarinet Performance in 2005. While studying at the University of Texas, she performed in the UT Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Winds, and the Wind Ensemble under the direction Jerry Junkin. She was also a clarinetist in the world premiere of John Corigliano’s Circus Maximus at Bass Concert Hall, the New York Premiere at Carnegie Hall and at Festival Del Sole in Napa Valley, California in July of 2007.

Mrs. Vernon’s clarinet instruction has been under Nathan Williams, Christopher Grymes and Richard MacDowell, among many others. In addition to teaching at Henry Middle School, Mrs. Vernon also enjoys teaching private clarinet lessons in the Austin area.

Her professional memberships include the Texas Music Educator’s Association, Texas Bandmaster’s Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota.

Mrs. Vernon considers herself privileged to have had many inspirational mentors and musical experiences. She credits her success to the dedication of her students, the ongoing support from her family, and the love from her husband Jamie and their beautiful daughter, Mia Nicole.

Steven M Hopkins Steven M. Hopkins is in his second year of teaching at Henry Middle School. Mr. Hopkins is a graduate of Texas State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He conducts the Concert Band and teaches beginning Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, and French horn classes.

Mr. Hopkins has had extensive performance experience throughout his education. He was an active member of the Edinburg North High School Band and Orchestra program as well a trombonist for the South Texas Youth Symphony. At Texas State, he performed with the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, and Trombone Ensemble.

Mr. Hopkins has studied trombone under Jason Rogers, Chad Dempsey, Dr. Chris Gassler, Robbie Hochstetler, and Charles Hurt. He also credits his success to his former band directors, Brian Hildreth, Wilberto Perez, and Dr. Rod Schueller. He feels fortunate to have had mentors such as Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt from Texas State University, and cooperating teacher David Stephenson.

Outside the band hall, Mr. Hopkins has an extensive background in the marching arts, both as an educator and adjudicator. He was a member of the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps for five consecutive seasons; his final season, he was the horn sergeant. He later served as a member of the Bluecoats visual staff from 2006-2008. In 2009, he joined the brass staff for the Santa Clara Vanguard, working as a low brass instructor. Mr. Hopkins has worked with the James Bowie High School Marching Band for four years, serving as a visual instructor and marching coordinator. He has also run the Bands of Bowie Movement Camp the last four summers.

Steven credits much of his success to his loving and supportive family and friends who have always been there for him. He is honored to continue learning the art of music education with his colleagues in Leander ISD.

Hector J. Gil Hector J. Gil joined the staff at Vista Ridge High School and Henry Middle School as the Director of Percussion in the fall of 2008. He is in his eighth year of teaching and has previously served as a percussion instructor at Texas Christian University, Texas A&M International University, Surround Sound Percussion, Arlington Martin High School, Leander High School, Cedar Park High School, Georgetown High School, and Laredo United High School.

Mr. Gil received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Texas A&M UniversityCommerce in 2001. During his time at TAMU-C, he performed in the Wind Ensemble, Steel Drum Band, and the drum line. He was also a member of the Percussion Ensemble that won the prestigious Percussive Arts Society “Call for Tapes” award in 2000, performed a showcase concert at PASIC, and was a member of the TAMU-C drum line that received second place at PASIC. His performance experience includes, the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps 1997-1998, the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, North East Texas Symphony Orchestra, and the Laredo Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Gil composes and arranges for numerous drum lines and serves as a clinician for several high schools throughout Texas.

His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the TAMU-C Alumni Association. He is also an endorsed artist of Innovative Percussion Inc. Mr. Gil loves to spend as much time as possible with the love of his life, his daughter Elena.

Program Sound Innovations Fanfare

Robert Sheldon

Sound Innovations Fanfare was written for the Sound Innovations method book series that will debut in the spring of 2010. Being the first method book that directors can customize for their students makes the project indeed innovative. The authors of the project asked Sheldon to write a bold and tuneful fanfare that could be used on the CDs and DVDs that accompany the series; this fanfare, scored in two versions — one for concert band and one for full orchestra — was the result.

Dublin Dances

Jan Van der Roost

I. Brian Boru's March II. The Minstrel Boy III. The Irish Washerwoman In this “Irish Rhapsody,” Van der Roost draws from the wealth of Irish folk music, and he connects three well-known melodies to form an attractive whole. In the 1980s, the first melody, "Brian Boru’s March," was world famous in a performance by renowned flutist James Galway. For this work, the march has received a refreshing touch-up; in light of the Irish folk music tradition, it is no surprise that drums and flutes play an important role. Following the march, the beautiful melody of "The Minstrel Boy," is atmospherically played by various instruments, outlined by a sober but striking harmonization. As a showstopper, there are the lively dance rhythms of the song "The Irish Washerwoman," in the six-eight meter that is typical of Irish music. This exciting and cheerful finale closes the musical visit to the endlessly green island where music and sociability are inextricably bound together.

Nessun Dorma

Giacomo Puccini

“Nessun Dorma” (“No One Sleeps”) is one of the most beautiful and famous arias for tenor voice from the three-act opera Turandot by the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924). Puccini began work on the opera in 1920-21 and left it unfinished at his death in November 1921; another composer later completed it. The complicated and poetic story of Turandot was taken from a Persian collection of stories called The Book of One Thousand and One Days. In short, an unknown prince by the name of Calaf falls in love at the first sight with the beautiful but emotionally cold Princess Turandot. According to the story, any man who wishes to marry the princess must first answer three riddles. If he fails, he will be killed. In the act before this aria, Calaf has correctly answered the three riddles put to all of Princess Turandot's prospective suitors. Nevertheless, she recoils at the thought of marriage to him. Calaf offers her another chance by challenging her to guess his name by dawn. If she does so, she can execute him; but if she does not, she must marry him. The cruel and emotionally cold princess then decrees that none of her subjects are to sleep that night until his name is discovered. If they fail, all will be killed. Turandot has become a staple of the standard operatic repertoire and is today one of the most often performed operas in North America.

Fantasy on Childhood Songs

Donald Moore

In this clever and unique setting, arranger Donald Moore draws from a rich bag of nursery rhyme songs and a fertile imagination to create this whimsical band setting. Snippets of familiar tunes are combined and tumble one into another in this colorful and surprising arrangement. The audience will delight in waiting to see what comes next!

Cara C. Vernon, Conductor Ar abian Dances

Roland Barrett

After a long day’s journey, the nomads set up camp for the evening. As the sun casts its final searing rays on the desert landscape, a campfire roars to life and the celebration begins. As the sky darkens, the festivities grow wilder and wilder until eventually, three groups of revelers take turns at the edge of the fire, each trying to outdo the other. Finally, the entire tribe joins; dancing wildly for hours until the campfire dims and morning grows near.

Steven M. Hopkins, Conductor County Clare

Bela Fleck/arr. David Steinquest

County Clare was originally written by American banjo player Béla Fleck. Fleck is widely acknowledged as one of the world's most innovative and technically proficient banjo players. He is best known for his work with the bands New Grass Revival and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. In County Clare, percussion arranger David Steinquest has captured the bluegrass sounds of Bela Fleck and has incorporated them into this piece for percussion ensemble and bass guitar.

Hector J. Gil, Conductor The Washington Post March

John Philip Sousa

John Phillip Sousa (1854-1932), known as the most famous bandmaster-composer, wrote more than 100 marches, including the famous The Stars and Stripes Forever.

The Washington Post March was composed in 1889, when the owners of the Washington Post newspaper requested the then-current leader of the Marine Band to compose a march for the newspaper's essay contest awards ceremony. Sousa obliged, and the march — first performed at the ceremony on June 15th of the same year — was an instant hit. The march was soon adapted and identified with the new dance called "the twostep," which led to a British journalist naming Sousa "The March King." Sousa is honored in the Washington Post building for his contribution to the newspaper and to his country. The Washington Post March has remained one of Sousa’s most popular marches throughout the United States and many countries abroad.

2009-2010 Honors Band Flute Mallory Gabbard Jessica Jones Julie Joo Jin Jung 1, 2, 3 Vincent Lee Deborah Palmiere Kaysie Tam 1 Oboe Karin Davies 1, 2 Carlene Watson 1

Bassoon Steven Leal 1 Brian Maule 1, 2 Nick Meckstroth 1 Clarinet Rachael Anderson 1, 2 Kristine Chen 1 Briar Coker 1, 2 Will Doh 1, 2, 3 Ye Chan Kim India Martinez Fernanda Padron 1, 2 Keelen Vu 1 Kevin Vu 1, 2

Bass Clarinet Evan Coleman 1 Marissa Dominguez 1, 2 Alto Saxophone McKenzie Bolton 1, 2 Coy Reid 1 Rebecca Reinehr Colby Rodriguez 1 Tenor Saxophone

Connor Fryar 1 Kevin Quibodeaux

Baritone Saxophone

Johnathan Charpentier 1 Trumpet Andrew Cothrell 1, 2 Andrew Frowiss 1, 2 Luke Hoeft 1, 2 Dylan Lavelle Michael Loa 1 John Malito 1, 2 Tori Renfroe 1 Benton Sharp

French Horn Zach Barbosa Caroline Christian Trevor Downs 1 Morgan Petrinec Zac Richards Calvin Woods Trombone Alex Cate Michael McKee 1, 2 Ryan Murray 1, 2, 3 Matthew Smith 1, 2 Austin Teater 1, 2, 3

Euphonium Seth Butler 1, 2 Brandon Nguyen Tuba Jason Ayala Morgan Jones 1, 2, 3

Percussion DJ Atkinson John Cho Bianca Crowley Kevin Harris Emily Holland Alex Ma 1 Katrina Pardee Bradley Raines

1 - District Band 2 - Region Band 3 - Region Orchestra

Sections

Flutes: Mallory Gabbard, Julie Joo, Jessica Jones, Jin Jung, Vincent Lee, Deborah Palmiere, Kaysie Tam Oboes: Karin Davies, Carlene Watson Bassoons: Steven Leal, Brian Maule, Nick Meckstroth Clarinets: Rachael Anderson, Kristine Chen, Briar Coker, Will Doh, Ye Chan Kim, India Martinez, Fernanda Padron, Keelen Vu, Kevin Vu Bass Clarinets: Evan Coleman, Marissa Dominguez

Alto Saxophones: McKenzie Bolton, Coy Reid, Rebecca Reinehr, Colby Rodriguez Tenor Saxophones: Connor Fryar, Kevin Quibodeaux Baritone Saxophone: Johnathan Charpentier Trumpets: Andrew Cothrell, Andrew Frowiss, Luke Hoeft, Michael Loa, Dylan Lavelle, John Malito, Tori Renfroe, Benton Sharp French Horns: Zach Barbosa, Caroline Christian, Trevor Downs, Morgan Petrinec, Zac Richards, Calvin Woods

Sections

Trombones: Alex Cate, Michael McKee, Ryan Murray, Matthew Smith, Austin Teater Euphoniums: Seth Butler, Brandon Nguyen Tubas: Jason Ayala, Morgan Jones Percussion: DJ Atkinson, John Cho, Bianca Crowley, Kevin Harris, Emily Holland, Alex Ma, Katrina Pardee, Bradley Raines

2008-2009 Honors Band

Flute Casey Hicks Jin Jung Makayla Kelso Jasmina Solankee Anisa Wakil Charles Yue Oboe Leah Powers Carlene Watson Bassoon Brian Maule Nicholas Meckstroth Rohan Nagar Clarinet Rachael Anderson Briar Coker Will Doh Angela Fogle Fernanda Padron Adam Sanders Alec Skipper Kevin Vu

Bass Clarinet Marissa Dominguez Shailen Naick Alto Saxophone

Mckenzie Bolton Aaron Carabajal-Johnson Cody Phelan Colby Rodriguez Tenor Saxophone

Michael Corbett Baritone Saxophone

Tim Paulsen Trumpet Andrew Cothrell Andrew Frowiss John Malito Shane McDonald Tori Renfroe Andrew Schlotzhauer French Horn Trevor Downs Eric Garcia Courtney McDonnell Hannah Meharg Beth Sharp

Trombone Jessica Comer Grant Kjeldsen Michael McKee Matt Smith Austin Teater Euphonium Seth Butler Ty Chism Tuba Max Arisco Jack Henry Morgan Jones Percussion Alex Ma Christine Cheney Chandlee Cresap Kevin Harris Jonathan Hill Josh Murley

About Leander ISD The Leander Independent School District, located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Texas encompasses 200 square miles and has campuses sited within the cities of Leander, Cedar Park and Austin, Texas.

This dynamic school district is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas, serves and enrollment of over 29,000 students with 36 campuses and auxiliary facilities, while maintaining stands of excellence throughout the system. The district has 23 elementary school, 6 middle schools, 5 high schools and 2 alternative schools.

LISD boasts the best area average for college enrollment. According to Texas Monthly Magazine, LISD Schools rank among the best in the state, with the high schools in the top 5 percent.

The Leander ISD Vision is that every student is encouraged, supported, and challenged to achieve the highest levels of knowledge, skills, and character. Every LISD graduate is prepared with the knowledge, academic foundation, and life skills to be a productive learner, an effective communicator, and a responsible citizen, in order to be successful in an ever-changing world.

About Artie Henry Middle School Henry Middle School is part of the Leander Independent School District, located a few miles northwest of Austin, Texas. The school opened in 2002 as a sixth, seventh and eighth grade campus that serves approximately 1,300 students today.

The students of Henry Middle School love learning, are consistently self-motivated, and take ownership of personal decisions. They excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Our students exemplify ethical behavior, care about others, and are proud of themselves and their school. HMS students are nationally recognized and seek a higher level of success as life-long learners.

Henry Middle School is a great place to work and learn. The atmosphere is nothing short of kind and respectful, with a dedication from all in our quest for excellence. At HMS, parents are a part of our school culture and are seen in and interact with the school frequently and in a variety of activities. We have a large and active parent-volunteer program and PTA Parents bring valuable insight and a unique perspective, which serves to improve home-school relationships, student behaviors and academic achievement. Parents, businesses and community leaders come together with teachers and administrators to develop a collective vision and purpose for our school and set goals to improve our school and the excellence we maintain.

About the Henry Middle School Band The band program at Henry Middle School serves more than 350 students, with seventh and eighth graders enrolled in one of three performing bands, and sixth grade beginning band classes in a homogeneous setting.

Since the school opened in 2002, Henry bands have been consistent UIL Sweepstakes winners, and they have been well-represented at Solo and Ensemble contest, Region Band and Orchestra auditions. Under the direction of Robert Herrings, Cara Vernon, Steven Hopkins and Hector Gil, the Henry bands have earned numerous honors and awards at festivals in Texas, and in 2008, the band was invited to perform at the prestigious Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, Washington.

To improve their individual skills and musicianship, all students in the HMS Band Program attend weekly section rehearsals, and many students take advantage of the opportunity for private lessons through the LISD Private Lesson Program. In addition to their involvement in band activities, HMS Band students are also active in other activities, including National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Leadership, Yearbook/Journalism, Athletics, Art, Cheerleading, Dance Team, Theatre and many more.

Through the dedicated work of many individuals, the program has built a tradition of success that has flourished within the school and in the community.

Acknowledgement s Leander ISD Administr ation Dr. Bret A. Champion, Superintendent Monta Akin, Assistant Superintendent, Instruction Karie Lynn McSpadden, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Ellen Skoviera, Assistant Superintendent, Business Operations Dick Ellis, Director of School and Community Relations Peter Warshaw, Fine Arts Director Henry Middle School Administration Dr. David Ellis, Principal Steve Britton, Assistant Principal Lauren Gleason, Assistant Principal Katie Weeks, Assistant Principal Ginger Carter, Administrative Assistant Michelle Kitchens, Registrar Leander ISD Board of Trustees Will Streit, President Grace Barber Jordan, Vice President Russell Bundy, Secretary Elizabeth Frey Don Hisle Lisa Mallory Jim Sneeringer HMS Private Lesson Staff Flute: Ann Kjerulf Knien, Le Anne Morales Oboe: Lisa Edwards Bassoon: Julia Windle Clarinet: Rachel Lynn, Rebecca Jordan Saxophone: Billy McPhail, Kevin Gibbs, Dr. Brian Trittin French Horn: Christopher Pickens Trumpet: Gilbert Elorreaga, Dr. Bob Cannon Trombone: Matthew Cardona Euphonium: Ron Moulton Tuba: Tom Crail Percussion: Jessica Garrow

Our Family of Band Directors in Leander ISD for their support and guidance: Vista Ridge High School: Bryan Christian, Kyle Ruschhaupt, Hector Gil and Andrew Straight Cedar Park High School: Steve Wessels, Bob Chreste, Evan Van Doren and Paul Pape Leander High School: Nils Gundersen, Laura Cross, Robert Selaiden and Juan Carrera Rouse High School: Lee Crochet, Art Jimenez and Brittany Brown Vandegrift High School: Jeremy Spicer and Mike Howard Cedar Park Middle School: Manuel C. San Luis, David Barnes and Jessica Gonzales Canyon Ridge Middle School: Amy Allison, Christopher Yee and Carter Matschek Leander Middle School: Cathy Teltschik, Daniel Schmidt and Adrian Martinez Running Brushy Middle School: Edward Pagliai, Van Robison and Erin Knight Wiley Middle School: Garland Chiasson, Jennifer Arnold and Brittany Brown

Special Thanks To the Henry Middle School Band Parents, for their continued and endless support of the band program and music education!

Our families, thank you for all your unwavering love, understanding and appreciation.

Our band parent volunteers, for all you do throughout the school year!

Pam Downs, Kelly Garcia, Amy Renfroe, Gina Arevalo and Maggie Chavez, thank you for always taking good care of the directors and your endless service to our kids and the band program!

Robin Wilson, for all the time and effort spent in designing and creating our beautiful programs! If the world had more people like you, it would be a better place.

Steve Britton, David Ellis, Lauren Gleason and Katy Weeks, Principals of Henry Middle School, for your incredible support of the Henry Band program.

The Henry Middle School faculty and staff, for your support of our students and our program.

To the HMS Private Teaching Staff, for your continued hard work and dedication to the kids in not only our band program, but in all the band programs you teach for. The sharing of your love and talent in music is clear in every student you teach.

Mark Van Dokkumburg and Horizon Printing, for your help with printing the program.

Ernie Welch and Capitol Photography, for your generosity and amazing photos of the band.

Peter Warshaw, for your help with this journey! You’re amazing!

Sheila Olenich, thank you for the countless hours you put into the Fine Arts programs in LISD. You’re an angel, and we are truly blessed to have you.

The Vista Ridge High School Band Staff and Boosters Colleagues and friends for whom we are grateful, including, but not limited to: Michael Haithcock, Jeff Grogan, Kevin Sedatole, Barry Hopper, Frances Hudson, Betty Pierce, Cynthia Lansford, John Curtin, Paul Crockett, Jackie Fullerton, Jack Green, Susan Young, Robin Wilson, Rebecca Allen, Bryan Christian, Kyle Ruschhaupt, Andrew Straight, Hector Gil, Manuel San Luis, Amy Allison, David Barnes, Chris Yee, Jessica Gonzales, Carter Matschek and Jenna Yee. Our student teachers Michelle Bueche, Christopher Crummel, Steve Novak and Caitlin Schmidt for your work with our kids while you were with our program.

A Very Special Thanks to our Financial Contributors. Your thoughtfulness and generosity will always be remembered. && Leander Independent School District

&& Strait Music Company

&& Hillje Music Company

&& Terrence Kitchens and USA Fundraisers

&& Margaret and Jerry Sorgee

&& Tom Nimmons and Thomas Musical Repair

&& Henry MS Choir

&& Ed Downs

My P ersonal Thanks To God, for your Love, Strength, Health and countless Blessings!

The Honors Band of 2008-2009: Thank you very much for all your hard work and dedication throughout your

middle school years. Your commitment to excellence paved the road for this honor, and I love and admire each and every one of you.

The Honors Band of 2009-2010: Thank you for your patience, time and hard work in preparation for this performance.

You are unique and extremely gifted. We, the directors, admire you more than you will ever know. We are honored to be called your teachers. You are our greatest inspiration!

My Mom, Gr andmother and Gr andfather : Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to follow my

dreams. None of this would have happened without your love, patience and support. You all are a special gift that God gave to me.

My Brother, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins: Thanks for believing in me. I’m blessed to have such

a wonderful family.

Cara, Steven and Hector: Thank you so much for all your hard work, time, dedication and devotion to our kids and our program. I am so grateful to work with such an amazing team! Each of you is invaluable and I have found guidance, friendship, discipline and love in each of you. You are a blessing to kids and to me. Thank you!

Betty Pierce: Thank you so much for your guidance, encouragement and friendship! Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such an amazing mentor in my life. I am so blessed to share this experience with you.

Cindy Lansford: Thank you for all of your help the last three years. You are truly a master teacher and motivator. You have

taught me more than I can put into words. Thanks for sharing your love and passion for music with our students and with my staff. We appreciate you!

Manuel San Luis: You are truly a dear friend to me. Your wisdom, guidance, encouragement and spirit have inspired me to

become a better teacher. Your love and support of our students is endless, and I thank you for that. You are my hero and mentor!

David Ellis, Peter Warshaw, Michael Haithcock, Jeff Grogan, Kevin Sedatole, Barry Hopper, Frances Hudson, John Curtin, Paul Crockett, Jack Green, Susan Young, Robin Wilson and Rebecca Allen: Thank you for your inspiration and guidance. Each one of you has been an excellent mentor! Thanks for

taking a chance on me.

Ryan Straten: Words cannot convey my gratitude for all your help this year. You are truly a wonderful teacher and a great friend. Thanks for stepping in when we needed you and for sharing your love and passion with our students. We have so many memories together, and each and every one of them is a treasure to me. I am honored to call you my friend.

Amy Allison, Jackie Fullerton, Christopher Yee and Carter Matschek : Thanks for believing in me. You

are all master teachers and I am honored to have you as friends.

Abbie, Courtney, Kristi, Roman, Ryan, Shavonne and Tim: A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your

heart, and that is exactly what each of you has done. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for the roles you play in my life.

A Commit ment t o Excellence