Submitted by Delton Brown, DeISD Director of Bands
This year the DeSoto ISD middle schools have received unprecedented support from Texas Trust Credit Union, as we revive and expand band throughout the district. With direct assistance from a grant received from TTCU, we were able to support our band programs in a manner that would not have occurred exclusive of their generosity. Our middle school directors were excited to learn of this support and offered many words of gratitude and insight. Dr. Spencer Nielsen, the Head Band Director at McCowan Middle School stated, “This is a big deal for our students. We have students who simply can’t afford to purchase their own personal instrument. This grant allows us to fully meet the needs of students who would else wise either sit in our class without an instrument or decide to leave the band program altogether.” Dave Addicks, Head Band Director of West Middle School stated, “We are rebuilding our program. Having instruments that are high in quality, fully functioning, and instruments that are available helps us keep our students both encouraged and in the program. The morale and attitude of our students are better when our community invests in them.” Delton Brown, Director of Bands for DeSoto ISD states, “The most important and the most impressionable years of a musician’s career are those initial years; that moment when you first begin. Receiving an instrument is a special moment that every musician remembers.” With the help of the grant received from TTCU, DeSoto ISD offers band at four campuses. Monica Smith, Principal at Ruby Young states, “Band and music education at Ruby Young has enhanced my students’ overall experience.” As a district, we desire all of our students to thrive in an environment where all of their needs are being met from an instructional and emotional standpoint.
DeSoto ISD has a renewed and intentional focus on the arts programs within the district. The Triple A Experience (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) and the support from TTCU gives our students an advantage and is unique to DeSoto ISD. This partnership is one of the factors that has led to DeSoto ISD receiving a Best Community for Music Education Award, as presented to programs across the United States by the National Association of Music Merchants. The NAMM Foundation recognizes and celebrates schools and districts for their support and commitment to music education and efforts to assure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.
Recent student awards for the band programs include: Superior (best) ratings in marching, concert, and sightreading; Superior ratings at the Epic Waters Music Festival for Beginning Band, and 103 Superior ratings at the DeSoto ISD Middle School Solo and Ensemble Contest.