Katy ISD Ensembles Recognized at State Competition

Several Katy ISD music ensembles will be starting their new school year with a distinguished state recognition.  At the end of July, the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) named Alexander Elementary Choir as the #1 Elementary School Choir in Texas, while Beckendorff Junior High took the top spot in the School String Orchestra Division.  Six additional Katy ISD music groups were among the top 10 recognitions.  Both Alexander Elementary Choir and Beckendorff Junior High Orchestra received an honorary invitation to perform at the February 2023 TMEA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Each year TMEA holds a statewide contest to recognize the highest performing ensembles across the state of Texas.  To be considered, each group must submit a recording of their ensemble to a panel of judges for evaluation, and to provide a final state ranking. “This year Katy ISD had eight groups that advanced to finals, which was the most of any district in this state-level competition,” said Damon Archer, Executive Director of the Fine Arts Department in Katy ISD.  “Students were anxiously awaiting these results during the summer.  To receive this prestigious recognition just weeks from the first day of school will surely contribute to a motivating school year,” added Archer. The final rankings for each Katy ISD group, by division, are: Elementary Division Alexander Elementary Choir – 1^st Place Junior High/Middle School String Orchestra Division Beckendorff Junior High – 1^st Place Tays Junior High – 4^th Place Junior High/Middle School Full Orchestra Cinco Ranch Junior High – 6^th Place High School Full Orchestra Seven Lakes High School – 2^nd Place Tompkins High School – 4^th Place 2C Junior High/Middle School Band Memorial Parkway Junior High – 10^th Place 6A High School Band Tompkins High School – 9^th Place

Alexander Elementary Choir

Beckendorff Junior High Orchestra