Congratulations to the Lone Star High School Wind Symphony which has been invited to perform at the 76th Annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and Convention. 

The Midwest Clinic is an internationally recognized band and orchestra clinic held in Chicago annually. Groups from all over the world apply to perform including full orchestras, bands, percussion ensembles and chamber groups. It is an opportunity for music directors, composers and performers to hear performances from the best of the best and share a variety of literature.

Director Mark Poole has been in music education for 25 years and has been with Frisco ISD for four years. 

“It is an honor to help students find success in the performing arts,” Poole said. “I cannot overstate the tremendous honor of this invitation and I’m incredibly proud of our students for this achievement.

“Soon, they will have the opportunity to perform before the greatest music educators from around the world.”

To be considered, the Wind Symphony had to send in two audio and video recordings from the current school year. The Wind Symphony submitted “Honey Boys on Parade” by Edward Cupero and “Trittico” by Václav Nelhýbel. In addition to the recordings, the ensembles submitted a profile of the band program and community that showcased all of the opportunities provided to students in the fine arts at Lone Star.

While Poole is thrilled about this opportunity for the Wind Symphony students, he’s incredibly proud of the entire band program at Lone Star High School and how he has seen students’ lives shaped through music.

“Every student deserves to have a group of people on campus with whom they feel a sense of community and belonging,” Poole said. “Through music education, students gain confidence and find purpose.

“Music is the glue that holds many of the students at Lone Star together and I am proud to see them grow from nervous ninth graders to exceptional students and musicians who graduate and do amazing things.”

The Wind Symphony is under the direction of Poole and assistant directors Timothy Hickman, Colin McKelroy, Emilio Monreal, Wade Quinn and Justin Madrid. However, Poole emphasizes that high school achievements wouldn’t be possible without the top-notch middle school music education from the four feeder middle schools. 

A special thanks goes to the incredible middle school directors who provide Lone Star musicians a strong foundation to succeed.

• Laura Bell and Chase Rogers of Stafford Middle School

• Benjamin Kelly and Jessica Hale of Trent Middle School

• Elizabeth Treadwell and Denise Soto of Cobb Middle School

• Carolyn Cansler and Greg Leutwyler of Griffin Middle School