Our Non-Varsity Band: "Symphonic Band"
The Shadow Ridge Symphonic Band
Alicia DeSoto has been the Associate Director of Bands at Shadow Ridge Middle School in Flower Mound, Texas since 2009. Her responsibilities include directing the Symphonic Band, assisting Honor Winds, and teaching the beginning flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and saxophone classes. Ensembles at Shadow Ridge have consistently earned sweepstakes at UIL Concert & Sightreading contests, have been selected by the Foundation for Music Education as a National Winner in the National Wind Band Honors Project (2010-2018), and have been selected to perform at the 66th and 72nd Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. The Shadow Ridge Middle School band program has been named a 2017 recipient of The John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Cup. Mrs. DeSoto earned her Bachelor degree from the University of North Texas, and her Masters degree from Southern Methodist University. Mrs. DeSoto has been honored with the Texas PTA Lifetime Member Award and her professional affiliations include Texas Bandmasters Association and Texas Music Educators Association. Mrs. DeSoto is an active adjudicator, guest clinician and lecturer. Current projects include Rhythm Rockers: a rhythmic progression for young musicians and the Musical Mastery Beginner Band series with Asa Burk, Chris Meredith, Kathy Johnson, and Dominic Talanca.
Contact: [email protected] |
The Blalack Symphonic Band
Keith Marshall is in his 15th year teaching and 2nd year as Director of Bands for Blalack Middle School in Carrollton, TX. Previously he was an Assistant Director at Ted Polk Middle School (8th years) and Blalack Middle School (5 years). In his first year as Director of Bands at Blalack Middle School the Blalack Full Orchestra was selected as a Mark of Excellence recognition from the Foundation for Music Education. During his time as an Assistant Director, his Non-Varsity Bands received numerous First Division and Sweepstakes Awards. In 2007 his band became the first Middle School Sub Non-Varsity Band in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD to receive a Sweepstakes Award at UIL. While at Ted Polk Middle School he had a >95% retention of students from in his non varsity bands. For 10 years Mr. Marshall organized and conducted "Tuba Holiday", a Tuba/Euphonium Christmas Concert geared towards encouraging excitement and retention in Middle School and High School students.
Contact: [email protected] |