FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 2014
TEXAS BANDMASTERS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
2014 EXEMPLARY BAND PROGRAM AWARDS
San Antonio, Texas – The Texas Bandmasters Association has named the Argyle High School Band as recipient of a 2014 Exemplary Band Program Award. Kathy Johnson is the director of the band. A description of the band program and Mrs. Johnson follows.
The Texas Bandmasters Association promotes the value of music education in our society and the important role instrumental music plays in our cultural, intellectual and social lives. The Exemplary Band Program Award is given once a year by the TBA Board of Directors to one Texas high school and one middle school band program that has proven to consistently produce an exemplary performing band program for an extended period of time. The awards are celebrated at the TBA’s summer convention.
This year marks the 67th annual Convention/Clinic hosted by TBA. Over six thousand band directors, music teachers, and university music students from across the state will attend the convention July 27-30 in San Antonio. Housed at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, TBA presents over 60 educational clinics and professional concerts to its membership of persons working in or retired from the music education profession. TBA also designed special full-day programs for first-year and new-to-Texas directors, middle and high school band students, and Booster Club members. An Exhibit Hall of over 650 vendors presenting the latest products from leaders in the music industry will be available to convention attendees. The TBA website www.texasbandmasters.org offers information on the Convention/Clinic and an extended catalog of educational material for band directors, music teachers and students.
Argyle High School Band
The band program in Argyle has over 300 students participating from grades 6-12. In Argyle, band begins in the sixth grade and is team-taught by both the middle school and high school directors. In beginning band, each student receives daily instruction in homogeneous classes. Careful attention is given to tone production, music theory, rhythmic concepts, individual development, ensemble skills, and music reading skills. After their beginner year, students are placed in one of two ability-based bands.
At Argyle HS, all students participate in the Argyle Eagle Marching Band during the majority of the fall semester. The marching band is a musical and visual representation of the music program in Argyle, performing at varsity football games while preparing for marching festivals and UIL contests.
The Argyle Eagle Marching Band has enjoyed a rich history of success including being named the 2008, 2010, and 2012 UIL 3A State Marching Band Champions and made significant contributions to attaining the UIL Lone Star Cup for Argyle ISD in 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2013.
Although the marching band is a staple for the music program, the concert bands make up the foundation of the organization. Students participate in one of two ability-based bands—the Wind Ensemble or the Symphonic Band—which meet daily for 50 minutes. Both ensembles participate in concerts throughout the year as well as UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest and various other music festivals in the spring. In 2007, the Wind Ensemble was selected to perform in Chicago at The Midwest Clinic and was the 2009 Texas Music Educators Association 3A State Honor Band. In addition, in 2009 the Argyle Band program was awarded the Outstanding Band Program Award by the Texas Chapter of the American School Band Director’s Association.
As individuals, all students participate in the Region Band process and in Solo & Ensemble. Fifty percent of the high school band students earned a spot in the All-Region Band and twenty-three percent qualified for area with nine percent advancing to the ATSSB All-State band.
The Argyle band program is fortunate to have the steadfast support of a dynamic band booster organization. In addition to raising funds, these caring individuals provide physical, mental, and moral support to all of the students and staff.
Kathy Johnson
Director Kathy Johnson, a veteran of 28 years of teaching in Texas, is currently in her eighth year as Director of Bands at Argyle HS. Prior, she taught for 20 years in Lewisville ISD at three different middle schools. A founding member of the Dallas Wind Symphony, she continues to regularly perform as a flutist. Mrs. Johnson was a contributor in the development of the Tonal Energy Tuner application for iPad and iPhone, one of the most widely used applications in the country. Mrs. Johnson received both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Music Education from The University of North Texas. Professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu (board member), TMEA, TBA (representative for Region 2), ATSSB, Women’s Band Directors International and the TMAA.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Brashear, Executive Director, Texas Bandmasters Association, [email protected], (210) 492-8878
