Three Katy ISD Student Ensembles to Shine on State Stage at 2026 TMEA Conference
Katy ISD will once again be in the state spotlight as three of its musical ensembles have been invited to perform at the 2026 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) conference in San Antonio, scheduled for February 11–14, 2026.
The Beckendorff Junior High String Orchestra, conducted by Amy Williams, earned the title of Junior High Honor String Orchestra of Texas, a distinction considered one of the highest in state music education. The Jordan High School Warrior Treble Choir, directed by Raegan Grantham and Audrey De la Cruz, also secured an invitation. Completing the trio of honorees is Rylander Elementary’s Orff Instrumental Ensemble, led by Shaun Cherwink, which was chosen by the Texas Gulf Coast Orff Association to perform.
“Having three ensembles selected to perform at TMEA is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work, talent and dedication of our student musicians and directors,” said Katy ISD Executive Director of Fine Arts Damon Archer. “This represents the highest level of music education in Katy ISD from the elementary through high school level and places the District among the top music programs in the state. We are incredibly proud to see our schools represented on such a prestigious stage.”
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Why Music Education Matters
The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) highlights music education as essential to developing students’ academic and social skills. Research cited by TMEA shows that students enrolled in music courses score an average of 20% higher in math and reading tests compared to peers not enrolled in music. In addition, schools with robust music programs have graduation rates exceeding 90%, often higher than state and national averages.
These outcomes are reflected in Katy ISD’s longstanding recognition as one of the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education, an honor the district has received for 23 consecutive years. The NAMM designation is awarded to school districts nationwide that demonstrate exceptional commitment to music learning, with student participation rates in music programs playing a key role in the evaluation process. While specific participation numbers are not publicly disclosed, the designation confirms that music education is widely accessible and embraced across the district.
As TMEA notes, “Music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education, providing opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and creative thinking that are critical for success in today’s rapidly changing world.”
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A Competitive Selection Process
Each year, ensembles from across Texas submit recordings for evaluation, undergoing multiple rounds of rigorous judging. Only a handful of programs at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels advance to perform at TMEA’s annual conference, one of the largest music education gatherings in the country.
With three groups invited this year, Katy ISD’s commitment to cultivating excellence in music education is being recognized statewide. The district’s focus on comprehensive programming from elementary through high school highlights its belief in the transformative power of music. To learn more about Katy ISD's music programs, visit the Katy ISD website here.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates as these Katy ISD ensembles prepare for their TMEA conference performances and continue to bring home statewide recognition.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
