Three Katy ISD Ensembles Selected for TMEA Conference

KATY, TX [July 29, 2025] – Katy ISD will once again showcase musical excellence at the 2026 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) conference, set to take place in San Antonio Feb. 11 – 14.   

The string orchestra from Beckendorff Junior High School, which was named the Junior High Honor String Orchestra of Texas, conducted by Amy Williams, has been invited to perform. Also invited is the Jordan High School Warrior Treble Choir, directed by Raegan Grantham and Audrey De la Cruz.    

The Orff Instrumental Ensemble from Rylander Elementary School, under the direction of Shaun Cherwink, was chosen to perform at the convention by the Texas Gulf Coast Orff Association.   

“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’s 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.”   

Each year, elementary, junior high, and high school music programs compete through a head-to-head competition. Programs submit recorded performances that advance via several rounds of judging to determine the overall winner.  

Katy ISD orchestras were chosen to perform at the TMEA Conference in San Antonio in February.

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