Round Rock ISD’s Grisham Middle School Honor Band, Walsh Middle School Honor Band and McNeil High School’s Symphony String Orchestra were invited to perform at different national and international music conferences this school year.

Round Rock ISD Director of Fine Arts–Music, Jager Loyde, is elated that these groups have been asked to perform this year.

"It is incredibly rare and a testament to the quality of Round Rock ISD music programs for multiple ensembles to be invited to perform at national events in the same school year,” Loyde said. “Congratulations to these incredible musicians and dedicated teachers. We are proud of these amazing accomplishments and their contribution to the tradition of excellence in our district's fine arts programs!”

McNeil High School Symphony String Orchestra was asked to perform at the Music for All National Festival presented by Yamaha. This festival provides opportunities and resources for middle and high school scholastic ensembles, like McNeil’s String Orchestra.

“We are extremely excited to be invited to this wonderfully educational event. The symphony orchestra will be performing a one-hour concert at the beautiful Payne & Mencias Palladium in Carmel, Ind., in April 2027,” Justin Anderson, McNeil High School’s orchestra director, said. “The students had to submit recordings of one of their past performances, and we were judged anonymously by three nationally known adjudicators. The students are so excited, and we cannot wait to show off our work on this national stage!”

The Music for All National Festival is focused on celebrating music-making by the nation's top high school and middle school ensembles. It fosters growth and mutual respect among music programs, students, parents, and administrators. An invitation by audition signifies recognition as one of the top scholastic music ensembles.

Walsh Middle School was invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and Convention in Chicago, an honor few bands worldwide receive.

"Being selected to perform at The Midwest Clinic International Band Conference is a monumental honor for our students,” Jennifer Bergeron, Walsh Middle School’s director of bands, said. “It is a testament to their incredible dedication and passion for music, and we are thrilled to represent our community on such a prestigious international stage as we share our music with the world. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will inspire these young musicians for years to come."

The Midwest Clinic has been around for over 80 years and expects over 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 other countries. This is the second time the Walsh Honor Band will have performed at this convention in its history.

Grisham Middle School is another Honor Band that was invited to perform at an internationally recognized clinic, the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle.

"This invitation is a reflection of the incredible work ethic, dedication, and musicality that our students in the Grisham Band put into their performances,” Mason England, Grisham Middle School director of bands, said. “None of this would be possible without the support of our wonderful community at Grisham. We would like to thank our private lesson staff, clinicians, administration and vertical learning community for all of their support and encouragement. We cannot wait to craft a memorable musical performance in Seattle this November.”

The Western International Band Clinic was founded almost 50 years ago, with a focus on directors and students learning, networking and performing together in a special music learning opportunity. This would be the second time the Grisham Honor Band was invited to perform at WIBC.

Round Rock ISD’s Fine Arts programs are full of opportunities, like this, for students. All Fine Arts information can be found on our Round Rock ISD Fine Arts webpage.