North Texas high school musical groups make history with bids to elite competition

Two area high school musical groups are making history with invitations to the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Dec. 16-19.

Trophy Club Byron Nelson, which opened eight years ago, is making its first trip to the competition, sending its symphony orchestra. It is the first time a musical group from the Northwest school district has been invited to the elite event.

Meanwhile, the Keller High School wind ensemble has also received an invitation to the 74th annual convention, the first time a top band from one of the district’s schools has been asked to participate. It is the second time a Keller High group has been invited, as the school’s chamber ensemble previously attended in 2012. They join other Keller school district musical groups that previously attended: Indian Springs Middle School wind ensemble, Keller Middle School wind ensemble and Timber Creek High School saxophone ensemble.

In addition, two Fort Worth-area middle schools have been invited: the Aledo Middle School honor winds and the Bedford Harwood Junior High percussion ensemble. Also, the University of North Texas Two O’Clock Lab Band was invited to participate among college jazz ensembles.

Nelson is one of only three high schools in the nation to be invited to perform in the High School Full Orchestra category, while Keller is one only six invited to be in the High School Band division. Harwood received the only invitation in the Middle School Percussion Ensemble division, and Aledo is one of four Middle School Band entries.

UNT is one of three in Collegiate Jazz Ensemble.

“Being recognized as a group worthy of an invitation to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic is the culmination of many hours of preparation, dedication, and hard work by our students and directors,” Nelson Orchestra Director Gary Keller said. “This invitation puts Byron Nelson High School on the map for quality performing arts education, and in the spotlight for all to see on an international stage.”

The Midwest Clinic features outstanding performing ensembles, clinics by master teachers, as well as exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest innovations in the music industry.

“We are extremely proud of the opportunity to represent Keller High School, Keller ISD, and the city of Keller at this international event,” Keller Director of Bands Mark McGahey said. “The Midwest Clinic is the largest instrumental convention in the world. It is attended by over 17,000 educators, composers and musicians. I am so proud to showcase the talents of the Keller High School Band with that many people.”

While the honor is huge, directors are being “cautiously optimistic” that their groups will get to perform, thanks to precautions being taken over the COVID-19 pandemic. As of now, however, the event is still scheduled.

“I wish I had this answer. The COVID-19 situation is one of extreme fluidity,” Keller said. “We’re hopeful, and are working to meet the Midwest Clinic deadlines set for us as though everything will go as planned. We should have a clearer view of whether we’ll be able to go by the first week of August.”