Cougar Band & Guard In the News

Treat of the Day: College Station ISD Students selected to All-State Band

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (KBTX) – Five young musicians from A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School were recently selected to perform with Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band.

Ricky Arrellano, Anderson Kurk, Abby Perryman, and Reno Ruiz, all of College Station High School, earned the honor.

Emily Downie, of A&M Consolidated High School, received the citation for her second straight year!

66,800 students from around the state competed for this chance to perform in one of 15 ensembles in band and orchestra and these five students were among those selected. Congrats!

 

Local high school bands beat the heat to raise money

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (KBTX)- Two local high school bands held their annual March-a-thon Saturday to help raise money that goes towards the bands’ events during the year.

College Station High School band and guard played a concert in front of the Tower Point H-E-B early in the morning as a way to beat the heat.

“When we saw the weather, actually on KBTX, we knew it was going to be 102 later on today,” said College Station High School band director Jon Seale, “We have a water station over here in the back with a bunch of jugs of ice water,” he said.

Seale says they have done this event for the last three years, and say it helps raise money.

“It’s just a great way to help the boosters and in turn, they help us all year long,” said Seale.

Just a few miles away, the A&M Consolidated High School Band marched the streets of Pebble Creek.

“Got here at 8 o’clock this morning, met up, and we have been marching through the neighborhood doing lots of little short concerts, and we have gotten lots of donations,” said A&M Consolidated High School band director Steve Fry.

The band marched into St. Andrews Park where they held a mini-concert for their friends and family.

Senior drum major Mia Whestone says the journey to the park was hot and filled with lots of water breaks.

“I was a little worried because it feels like its 110, but the parents are doing an excellent job at keeping us healthy,” said Whetstone.

Both bands pushed through the heat, practicing in front of an audience before the football season begins in just a few weeks.

This year the UIL state championships are in San Antonio, and both school bands say they are looking forward to competing.

For more information on College Station High School band’s fundraising, Click here

For more information on A&M Consolidated band’s fundraising, Click here

Two CSHS musicians among Texas elite young composers

College Station, Texas— 19 July 2019College Station High School juniors Jackson Bosenbark and Benjamin Roberts have each been selected as runners-up in the 2018–2019 Sarah and Ernest Butler Austin Symphony Texas Young Composers Competition. The contest is in its 9th year and is open to Texas students 18 years and younger who submit a full original orchestral composition.

Bosenbark, a violist in the College Station High School orchestra, submitted “Realms,” a piece that earned a place among the top nine compositions. Roberts, a bassoonist in the College Station High School band and cellist in the College Station High School Orchestra, also earned a spot among the elite nine young composers with his piece “Introspection.” The Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform the top nine compositions, including those of Bosenbark and Roberts, on July 26 in a special concert showcasing the composers. The event will take place at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin and tickets are available through austinsymphony.org.

Roberts and Bosenbark each submitted original compositions using standard orchestral instrumentation that balanced artistry, technical expertise, and a comprehensive knowledge of music theory.

When composing and arranging scores, Roberts draws inspiration from the film music industry, specifically compositions by John Powell.

“I strive for my music to have the same amount of energy he brings in his compositional works,” he said.

Roberts was recently selected to be a drum major for the 2019 College Station High School marching band, an honor that further showcases his grasp of musical timing and arrangement.

Bosenbark describes the style of his piece as hopeful and triumphant, and he draws inspiration from modern composers like Michael Giacchino, Thomas Newman, and John Williams. “The music I write generally reflects the emotions I’m experiencing,” he said. “My piece ‘Realm’ has a few themes and ideas that work together and really tell a story.”

Both Roberts and Bosenbark credit the musical training they receive in the College Station Independent School District for their interest in composition.

In addition to the thrill of hearing their pieces performed by the Austin Symphony, Roberts and Bosenbark will make appearances on local Austin stations ahead of the concert. They will also receive professional archival recordings of their work in performance. 

UIL to require physicals for students in marching band
Posted on 07/11/2019

If your student is participating in marching band this year, he or she will need a physical or medical history.

The new rule from the University Interscholastic League goes into effect this year. But for College Station ISD, the UIL rule change doesn’t mean much: that district has been requiring physicals for band students for years.

“Our first priority is the safety of our students,” said Eric Eaks, director of fine arts for the CSISD. “High school marching band is an incredibly hot, physical environment for the students to be a part of, so we value safety first and foremost.”

Steve Fry is the band director at A&M Consolidated High School. His team is always watching for signs of physical distress in band members, and he says, it helps to know that they don’t have any pre-existing conditions.

“Oh mercy, there’s a lot of physical activity that goes into it,” said Fry. “Running, walking at a very quick pace, and sometimes they do this for two, three, four minutes on end, without taking a break.”

For the full conversation, see the video here.

CSISD band member selected for prestigious competition
Posted on 02/06/2019

College Station High School senior Taryn Hairston recently qualified to be a quarterfinalist in the high school solo division at the 2019 National Trumpet Competition.

Hairston is one of 40 selected to the the largest instrument competition in the world, where she will perform live at the University of Kentucky in Lexington March 14-16.

In addition to this accomplishment, Taryn currently sits principal trumpet for the Houston Youth Symphony and will be attending the 2019 TMEA Conference in San Antonio as a member of the All-State Band.

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All-Region 8 Band Selections

Posted on 12/19/2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

68 CSISD musicians named all-region band


A total of 68 band students from A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School were recently named to an all-region band.

The students auditioned and were selected to one of four Texas Music Educators Association all-region 8  bands.

The all-region bands will perform in Copperas Cove on January 19 at the all-region concert.

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Historic year for CSISD marching bands
Posted on 11/14/2019

The marching bands for A&M Consolidated and College Station High Schools each placed higher in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Marching Band contest than ever before.

The Cougar Band made the area finals, placing fifth overall, while the Tiger Band just missed the finals, finishing ninth overall.

The 2019 marching band season officially began with practices starting in late July.

Directors Jon Seale (CSHS) and Steve Fry (AMCHS) echoed their gratitude for the hard work of the students and the support of the parents, staff and community as a whole.

To qualify for the Area contest, both bands received the highest possible marks from all judges at the regional contest on October 19.

Prior to the UIL contests, the bands each had tremendous success at other contests and showcases.

Other CSHS Band Results

  • September 28 – USBands Madisonville Showcase
    • Grand Champion
    • Division (Group 4) Awards – 1st Place Band, Percussion, Colorguard, Individual Music, Music Ensemble, Visual and Overall Effect
  • October 5 – Blinn Buccaneer Marching Festival, 
    • Division (5A) Awards – 1st Place Band, Percussion, Visual, and General Effect and 2nd Place Colorguard and Drum Major

Other AMCHS Band Results

  • September 28 – USBands Madisonville Showcase
    • 2nd Place Overall
    • Division (Group 3) Awards – 1st Place Band, Percussion, Colorguard, Overall Music, Overall Visual and EffectMusic Ensemble, Visual and Overall Effect
  • October 3 – Galena Park Festival 
    • Division (5A) Awards – 3rd Place out of 15 bands

Seale named CSHS head band director
Posted on 07/12/2019

Principal Tiffany Parkerson announced today that Mr. Jon Seale will serve as the head director of the CSHS Cougar Band & Guard beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

Before becoming Head Band Director, Jon Seale served six years as the Assistant Director of Bands, Percussion Director, and Jazz Band Director at College Station High School. Prior to his role at CSHS, Mr. Seale was the Assistant Band Director for six years at A&M Consolidated Middle School, and the Beginner Band Director for two years at Cypress Grove Intermediate School.

Mr. Seale received a Bachelors of Music in Education in 2003 from West Texas A&M University, and his Master of Arts in Music in 2005 also from WTAMU. He studied percussion under Dr. Susan Tariq, and he studied conducting under Dr. Gary Garner and Mr. Donald Lefevre. As a student, Mr. Seale performed with the WTAMU drumline, percussion ensembles, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and orchestra. He also performed with the Amarillo Symphony and Opera.

During his graduate studies, Mr. Seale assisted with percussion ensembles, conducted the Jazz Band II, and was Instructor/Arranger for the WT Drumline. He also taught privately for grades 6 through 12 in the Canyon and Amarillo school districts.

Mr. Seale is an active clinician, adjudicator, composer, arranger and performer in Texas. His professional affiliations include Percussive Arts Society (PAS), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Bandmaster’s Association (TBA), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society. He is an Educator Endorser for Innovative Percussion Products and regularly composes and arranges Percussion Music for various marching bands through Eric Rath Music.

Mr. Seale and his wonderful wife Kristen (a band director at Wellborn Middle School) have been happily married since 2004. They welcomed their son Peter in May 2009 and their daughter Faith in May 2012.

Six CSISD musicians selected to all-state band

Posted on 01/17/2019

A total of six musicians from A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School were recently selected to perform with Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Band.

Michenna Allen (CSHS), Jeremiah Arenas (CSHS), Emily Downie (AMCHS), Taryn Hairston (CSHS), Abby Perryman (CSHS) and Jacob Speakman (AMCHS) were chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at district, region, and area levels.  

More than 70,000 students enter the all-state competitive process and only 1,780, students are selected to perform in one of the 15 all-state ensembles (bands, orchestras, and choirs).   Only the top 2.5% of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians.

This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 33 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in eight TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group.

All-State performances will be held as part of the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention on February 16, 2019, in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

TMEA is an organization of more than 13,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education.

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CSHS Jazz Band receives superior ratings and outstanding soloists awards

The College Station High School Jazz Ensemble performed at the 29th Annual Temple College Jazz Festival in March. The band received superior ratings from all the judges and several oustanding soloists awards. 

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KBTX Treat of the Day — Eric Eaks named CSISD’s first Director of Fine Arts
Posted on 07/02/2019
CSHS band student accepted to prestigious camp
Posted on 02/22/2019

College Station High School junior Ricky Arellano has been accepted and will attend Interlochen Arts Camp, the world’s premier summer arts program for aspiring artists.

Interlochen Arts Camp attracts students, faculty and staff from all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries. A total of 2,500 artists have been selected to attend.

Students learn from world-class instructors and produce hundreds of presentations each summer in dance, theatre, creative writing, visual arts, music and film.

Among the distinguished Camp alumni are Norah Jones, singer Josh Groban, members of the band OK Go, Rufus Wainwright, opera and concert soprano Jessye Norman, conductor Loren Maazel, jazz pianist Eldar, actor Anthony Rapp, cartoonist Cathy Guisewite and many more. 

Approximately ten percent of the nation’s professional orchestra musicians have roots at Interlochen and the alumni community has been awarded nearly 100 Grammy Awards.

In addition to hundreds of performances, presentations and readings by young artists, Interlochen brings leading artists and performers to the northern Michigan campus. In recent years, guest artists have included Joshua Bell, Josh Groban, the Decemberists, the Avett Brothers, Olga Kern, Harry Connick Jr., Trace Adkins, Branford Marsalis and many more.   

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Marching bands complete successful season

Posted on 11/30/2018

In addition to providing tremendous atmosphere at the football games, the A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School marching bands had banner years in their respective contest seasons.

Most notably, both bands earned superior ratings from all three judges at the UIL Marching contest, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.

On November 10, the A&M Consolidated marching band finished its season at the US Band’s Western Band Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.  The band finished in first place in their division, including winning first in color guard and in percussion.

The College Station marching band ended its competitive season at the Waller Invitational Marching Contest on October 27.  The Cougar Band was awarded first place in both the prelims and finals and was named the overall grand champion of the contest.  In addition, the Cougar Band won caption awards for best music, best marching, best percussion and best guard at the event.

The CSHS band is directed by Eric Eaks and the AMCHS band is directed by Steve Fry.

This success did not come easy.  According to Fry and Eaks, the bands begin practicing at the end of July and have each put in well over 200 hours of rehearsal time. In addition, many of the contests were held on Saturdays after arriving home late from Friday-night football games.

Eaks and Fry are quick to heap praise on all the band teachers in the district, parent supporters and the entire CSISD community.

“There is no way we could be this successful without all of them,” Eaks said.

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Marching bands complete successful season

Posted on 11/30/2018

In addition to providing tremendous atmosphere at the football games, the A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School marching bands had banner years in their respective contest seasons.

Most notably, both bands earned superior ratings from all three judges at the UIL Marching contest, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.

On November 10, the A&M Consolidated marching band finished its season at the US Band’s Western Band Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.  The band finished in first place in their division, including winning first in color guard and in percussion.

The College Station marching band ended its competitive season at the Waller Invitational Marching Contest on October 27.  The Cougar Band was awarded first place in both the prelims and finals and was named the overall grand champion of the contest.  In addition, the Cougar Band won caption awards for best music, best marching, best percussion and best guard at the event.

The CSHS band is directed by Eric Eaks and the AMCHS band is directed by Steve Fry.

This success did not come easy.  According to Fry and Eaks, the bands begin practicing at the end of July and have each put in well over 200 hours of rehearsal time. In addition, many of the contests were held on Saturdays after arriving home late from Friday-night football games.

Eaks and Fry are quick to heap praise on all the band teachers in the district, parent supporters and the entire CSISD community.

“There is no way we could be this successful without all of them,” Eaks said.

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College Station High School marching band holds March-A-Thon

The College Station High School marching band began its season Aug. 18 with a fundraising March-A-Thon through the Castlegate neighborhood.

Band members accepted donations and performed lawn concerts for $100, with proceeds benefiting the band program’s marching show and other activities

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, September 2, 2018

CSHS Band and Guard kicks off season with Saturday parade

College Station High School’s Cougar Band and Guard will kick off its marching season Saturday with a parade through the Castlegate neighborhood.

The parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Castlegate Park and go down Ravenstone Loop, Rockcliffe Loop and Rockingham Loop before returning to the park.

Donations will be accepted, and lawn concerts are available for $100. Residents are encouraged to join the parade, line the streets or watch from lawn chairs.

Proceeds from the event will fund the band’s marching show and other activities. Band members will participate in three marching contests this year, in addition to halftime performances at the high school football games.

Last year’s March-a-Thon through the neighborhood raised about $25,000, and band members are hoping to exceed that amount this year.

For information about donating or purchasing a lawn concert, visit MarchAThon.com, email marchathon@marchathon.com or call 777-4888.

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2018

CSISD student to perform in national trumpet competition

CSHS junior Taryn Hairston has advanced to the quarterfinals of the High School Solo Division of the 2018 National Trumpet Competition — the largest instrument competition in the world.

She was selected as one of 36 competitors from a nationwide audition to perform live March 8-10 at the University of North Texas.  #SuccessCSISD

Source: College Station ISD
Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2017

64 CSISD band members earn all-region, all-area

In all, 48 students were named all-region selections on one of the varsity bands, while 30 of those students also earned the all-area distinction and the opportunity to audition for all-state band.

 Additionally, 16 CSHS band members were named to the freshman all-region band and one was selected as an alternate.  AMCHS elects to have its freshmen compete with the upperclassmen.
Source: College Station ISD
Date: Friday, January 12, 2018

CS Student to Perform at All-American Bowl

A College Station student has earned a spot on the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl halftime performance.

Each year, the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band recognizes 125 seniors in high school marching bands and color guards. This year, College Station High School student Hannah Rodlund made the list.

Rodlund, a member of her school’s color guard, was officially presented with the distinction this month, and on Jan. 6, she will perform on national TV at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, November 26, 2017

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (KBTX)- Middle School and high school bands throughout the Brazos Valley battled against one another for the title of the best drumline.

The 5th Annual Drums Along the Brazos drumline contest took place at College Station High School.

“Five years ago we decided to start our own competition here in the Brazos Valley for students in band to show off all of their skills they have learned throughout marching band season,” said College Station High School’s Assistant Band Director, Jon Seale.

Since its founding in 2013, the contest has featured many high school and middle school drumlines from across Central Texas.

“It’s nice to see lots of group, really start to turn out and say hey we want to come this way and we want to get a good performance in we have wonderful judges,” said Seale.

The Drums Along the Brazos is geared to be an end of the “marching band” performance for drumlines to show off their skills they have acquired since the start of the fall.

Awards are given at the end of the competition for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in all classifications.

Also Individual Section Awards: Outstanding Snare Line, Tenor Line, Bass Line, Front Ensemble and Cymbal Line.


Source: KBTX News 3 of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2017

41st Blinn College Buccaneer Marching Band Festival set for Saturday

BRENHAM — Hundreds of high school musicians from 23 bands from across Texas will get a taste of performing at the college level Saturday during the 41st annual Blinn College Buccaneer Marching Band Festival.

The festival will be in Brenham High School’s Cub Stadium, starting with Hempstead High School at 1:15 p.m. and concluding with the Blinn Buccaneer Band at 8:45 p.m. The Blinn College drum line will perform at 3 p.m.

The festival is free and open to the public.

The bands will perform before a panel of marching band judges, whose critiques will help the bands prepare for the upcoming University Interscholastic League contests. The Blinn band will host an open rehearsal at 6 p.m.

Sarah Burke, director of Blinn bands, said, “This will give high school students an inside look at a college band rehearsal.”

She said, “It is an excellent opportunity for high school students to see what we are about,” Burke said. “When they get to hear us, they have a better opportunity to make a decision about playing for us.”

Burke said, “The fact that Blinn College has kept this festival going for 41 years shows high school students that Blinn is committed to music and band.”

(Eagle photos by Laura McKenzie)


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Friday, October 06, 2017

Former College Station High School band members march on

Former College Station High School band members Lance Sebesta and Joseph Cohn have been hard at work this summer practicing with the Bearkat Marching Band at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX (www.theeagle.com)
Date: Sunday, August 20, 2017

College Station High School Band Holds Marchathon

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (KBTX)- A few neighbors in south College Station started their day with a bang.

“They’re marching through our neighborhood and several of us got together and donated some money for them to stop here and play for us,” said Nancy Roberts, a neighbor and band mom.

The Cougar Band is playing for donations and neighbors around Castle Gate got the opportunity to have their very own “mini-concert” in their front yard for a fee of $150.

The College Station High School Cougar Band wants to raise $25,000 for new equipment and uniforms.

“We’re marching around Castle Gate to collect some money and to just get the word out about the band and about all the great work that we’re doing over he summer,” explained Taryn Hairston, a Junior Band member.

The band director says interest in joining the band has increased throughout the years.

“It’s the first year we’ve ever done any thing like this but it’s been marvelous, it’s been really really fantastic,” said Eric Eaks, the Cougar Band Director.

The 215 member band started at Castle Park and followed a parade route down Ravenstone and Rockcliffe loop.

“It was a lot of fun the neighbors were excited, we’re all excited, it’s bringing us all together too,” added Roberts.

With a little music and encouragement the band surpassed their goal and then some.

“Seeing all the support from people is so encouraging and we hope that the rest of the band sees that and they’re encouraged to do more and just really become active just in not only the band but in the community as well ,” said Hairston.


Source: KBTX News 3 of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2017

CSHS Band holds Marchathon in local neighborhood

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. The College Station High School Band is getting ready for the season with a Marchathon over the weekend. The band will be marching through the Castlegate Neighborhood in College Station and holding mini concerts for people who donate in their yards.

It will cost $150 to reserve a mini concert with the band. Funds raised during the Marchathon will go toward day-to-day expenses for the band, new instruments and senior scholarships.

The Marchathon kicks off on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. If you would like to donate or have the band to play at your house, visit marchathon.com.


Source: KBTX News 3 of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CSHS Bands in concert

College Station High School held recitals by their bands Monday evening outdoors under the amphitheater at Wolf Pen Creek during the 5th annual CSHS Bands Spring Concert. What started as a moderately-sized audience quickly grew as surrounding residents were drawn out to the tight sounds created by the student ensembles that included the concert band, Jazz Band and a steel drum band.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX (www.theeagle.com)
Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

CSHS bands hosting outdoor concert

By: Robert C. Borden

There was a time in America when virtually every community had a gazebo or band shell in a public park at which townspeople would enjoy music on warm summer nights. Nothing says summer more than good music played by a great band in an outdoor setting.

On Monday, area residents will have the chance to travel back to that gentler time when the College Station High School bands will present their fifth annual Pops in the Park concert at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. The free concert begins at 6 p.m. and will feature a variety of music performed by the Symphonic and Concert Bands, the Jazz Band and the Steel Drum Ensemble.

The Symphonic and Concert Bands, under the direction of Eric Eaks and Jon Seale, both won the top-of-the-competition Sweepstakes at this year’s UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation. The music performed at that competition was pretty heavy, but the young musicians will cut loose with light fare Monday night. The bands will perform music from films, some Sinatra and other popular tunes.

The 20-piece jazz band plays the music of the likes of Glen Miller and Maynard Ferguson.

And anyone who frequents Facebook no doubt has seen video clips of steel band musicians performing everything from Amazing Grace to Stand By Me. I’m a fan.

Thanks to a grant from the CSISD Education Foundation, the College Station High School Band now has a fine collection of steel drums and the young musicians will carry the audience away to a Caribbean Island. Ya, mon!

To make the evening complete, Fire Truck Crepes and Kona Ice will be for sale. Members of the community are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy dinner and a free concert in the park.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2017

CSISD bands get high marks at regional concert and sight reading contest

Bands from A&M Consolidated High School, College Station High School, A&M Consolidated Middle School and College Station Middle school all recently earned high scores at the Region 8 Concert and Sightreading Contest.

Both high school bands received the “Sweepstakes” award for their respective performances, with the CSHS band earning straight first division ratings.

In addition, both middle school bands received overall first division ratings for their performances.


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Monday, April 24, 2017

69 CSISD band members earn all-region, all-area

A total of 69 band members from A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School recently earned spots on the Texas Music Educators Association all-region and all-area bands.

In all, 48 students were named all-region selections on one of the varsity bands, while 29 of those students also earned the all-area distinction and the opportunity to audition for all-state band.  Three students were named as alternates to the all-region band.

Additionally, 16 CSHS band members were named to the freshman all-region band and one was selected as an alternate.  AMCHS elects to have its freshmen compete with the upperclassmen.

Source: College Station ISD
Date: Monday, January 09, 2017

CSISD marching bands receive perfect scores at regionals

The A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School bands each recently received superior ratings in the Region 8 marching band contest.

Three judges score the marching bands and all three judges gave a superior rating to each marching band’s performance.

CSISD bands are directed by Pieter DuPlooy and Adam Mothersole at AMCHS and Eric Eaks and Jon Seale at CSHS.

 

Source: College Station ISD
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2016

CSISD students earn all-region jazz band accolades

A pair of College Station High School band members recently earned a spot on the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region 8 jazz band.

Braden Yosko and Matthew Smalley were first overall on trombone and bass trombone, respectively, in the region 8 auditions.

Both have been selected to submit a taped audition for the TMEA all-state jazz band.  All-state results will be released in November. 


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Friday, October 21, 2016

Our Neighbors: College Station High School Color Guard

The College Station High School Fortissimo color guard won first place at the Texas Color Guard Circuit State meet in Sugar Land on March 19, becoming the East Regional state champions.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, March 27, 2016

CSHS Color Guard wins championship

The CSHS guard earned the highest score of 93 competitors with a 92.24. The Texas Color Guard Circuit is the third largest color guard circuit in the Nation with over 200 competing units.   

Color guard, known as the “sport of the arts,” is one of the fastest growing activities in today’s high schools. It is a high-energy sport that advances students into a new area of performing and visual arts, including dance, gymnastics, theater, acrobatics, equipment manipulation (including flags, rifles, sabers and other props), and visual color. A variety of dance styles are incorporated, including ballet, jazz, and modern styles.

The CSHS Color Guard performs and competes with the marching band in the fall season and act as the visual representation of the music played.  In the winter and spring season, they compete without the band as a visual ensemble in an indoor setting to a pre-recorded piece of music.  

The CSHS Color Guard is under the direction on Milo Salinas.


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Wednesday, January 06, 2016

CSISD orchestras shine at UIL concert and sightreading contest

Orchestras from College Station ISD middle and high schools recently scored high marks at the Region 8 UIL Concert and Sightreading Competition.

Breaking new ground this year, College Station High School created a full orchestra by combining the orchestra and band programs to create one large performing ensemble.  

The CSHS full orchestra, along with the varsity orchestras from A&M Consolidated High School, CSHS, A&M Consolidated Middle School and College Station Middle School, and junior varsity orchestras from CSHS and AMCMS, earned superior ratings in both concert and sightreading to win sweepstakes trophies.

The AMCHS and CSMS junior-varsity orchestras earned excellent ratings in concert and superior ratings in sightreading.

CSISD orchestras are directed by Jennifer Day (CSMS), Paul Duston (AMCMS), Jason Hooper (CSHS) and Jane McCormick (AMCHS). CSHS band director Eric Eaks assisted with the CSHS full orchestra ensemble.


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2016

CSISD musician selected to all-state band

Musician Braden Yosko from College Station High School was recently selected to perform with Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Band. Yosko was chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at district, region, and area levels. Only the top three percent of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians.  Approximately 1,600 students are selected to perform in one of the 15 all-state ensembles (bands, orchestras, and choirs).

Yosko is a student of Dr. David Wilborn and plays at school under the direction of Eric Eaks. This is Yosko’s second time to perform as a member of a TMEA All-State organization. He is the son of Rick and Samantha Yosko.

The all-state band will perform at the TMEA State Clinic and Convention at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Saturday, February 13, 2016

TMEA is an organization of more than 11,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education. TMEA comprises five divisions: Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Elementary and College. TMEA leaders carefully monitor the actions of all state decision-making bodies on issues affecting fine arts instruction.


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2016

26 CSHS band members earn all-region accolades

A total of 26 band members from College Station High School recently earned a spot on one of the Texas Music Educators Association all-region bands.

Of the 26 all-region selections, 14 students also earned the all-area distinction and the opportunity to audition for an all-state band in January.

Source: College Station ISD
Date: Wednesday, January 06, 2016

Our Neighbors: UIL Region Marching Band Contest

Three local high school marching bands received Division I ratings by all three judges at the UIL Region Marching Band Contest at Waco-Midway Panther Stadium on Oct. 17. The College Station High School, A&M Consolidated High School and Bryan High School marching bands each received Sweepstakes Awards and advanced to UIL Area D Marching Contest in Leander.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Monday, October 26, 2015

The beat goes on as third annual drumline contest nears

 

Photo courtesy of Cody LeBlanc. College Station High School’s drumline performs during the second annual Drums Along the Brazos Drumline Contest last fall. The third annual contest will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at College Station High School Cougar Stadium. Admission is $5, with children 12 and younger admitted free.

When I was in high school in Bryan in the dark ages, I played percussion in the band under director Jack Briggs. I wasn’t very good — OK, I wasn’t any good at all — but I had fun.

Truth be told, I was just about the only one big enough and dumb enough to carry the bass drum in the marching band. The rest of the year, I played triangle or, if the music was simple enough, the tambourine.

I haven’t played the drums since, but I am a big fan of the 2002 movie Drumline, starring Nick Cannon, Zoë Saldaña and Orlando Jones. In the film, the bands of the fictional Atlanta A&T University and its rival, the real Morris Brown College, meet for the prestigious championship of the BET Big Southern Classic. When the bands tie, the drumlines from each school face off for top honors. In the movie, the Morris Brown band portrayed both bands.

All this is to say how excited I am about Saturday’s third annual Drums Along the Brazos Drumline Contest, hosted by the College Station High School Band. The contest starts at 11 a.m. in the College Station High School Cougar Stadium and continues throughout the afternoon and early evening.

The contest is open to all high school and middle school drumlines. Last year, drumlines from McGregor, Hutto, Madisonville, Belton, Elgin, Bastrop, Teague, Cypress, Lorena, Italy, Blanco and Holland joined schools from College Station and Bryan in the competition.

This year, many of the same schools are returning on Saturday, joined by schools from Caldwell, Groesbeck,Corsicana, Austin, Killeen and Midway.

The percussion section of a marching band consists of different parts:

• The Battery — Snare drums, tenors, bass drums and cymbals. This is the section most often seen marching with the band on the field at halftime.

• The Pit or Front Ensemble — The stationary group of percussionists in front of the Battery on the sidelines. Typical Front Ensemble instrumentation may include melodic instruments such as marimbas, xylophones, glockenspiels and vibraphones, as well as non-melodic instruments such as cymbals, wind chimes, cowbells and more.

Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place will be given out in all school classifications.

Individual section Awards will be made for outstanding snare line, tenor line, bass line, front ensemble and cymbal line.

The contest is open to the public. Those older than 12 will be admitted for $5, while children 12 and younger will be admitted free. Concessions and contest T-shirts will be available for purchase.

For more information, go to www.cshsbands.com/drumline-contest.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2015

Our Neighbors: College Station High School Band

The College Station High School Marching Band began summer rehearsals on Aug. 3. With almost 150 members, the band has its sights set on the area finals on Oct. 24. The band’s show for the season is called “Illumina Noctem: From Dusk to Dawn.” Drum majors for the 2015 season are Davis Ponjuan, Alonso Hernandez and Marianna Vizquerra. The band is under the direction of Eric Eaks, Jon Seale, Greg Montgomery, Michael Dixon, Kelly Montgomery and Milo Salinas.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2015

28 CSHS band students earn high marks at state contest

A total of 28 band members from College Station High School recently earned superior or excellent ratings at the Texas Solo and Ensemble Contest.

A judging panel of university professors and professional musicians used stringent evaluation standards to rank each soloist and ensemble. The superior, or first division rating, is the highest, followed by the excellent, or second division rating.

  • Eli Argueta, CSHS: Superior in Solo, Excellent in Ensemble
  • Kaytlyn Batson, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Emily Brown, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Joseph Cohn, CSHS: Two Excellent Ensemble Ratings
  • Jeremy Dudo, CSHS: Two Excellent Ensemble Ratings
  • Lillian Ford, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Kayla Framsted, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Jason Fry, CSHS: Excellent in Solo and Ensemble
  • Cade Garner, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Alonso Hernandez, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Caleb Holt, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Dorothy Hudson, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Hunter Jones, CSHS: Superior in Ensemble
  • Allison Klemm, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Spencer Larson, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Jang Soo Lee, CSHS: Excellent in Solo
  • Cassie Lewis, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Collin Littlefield, CSHS: Excellent in Solo and Ensemble
  • Amber Macha, CSHS: Superior in Ensemble and Excellent in Ensemble
  • Andrew Macha, CSHS: Superior in Ensemble and Excellent in Ensemble
  • Brenden McIntyre, CSHS: Excellent in Solo and Ensemble
  • Zach Neal, CSHS: Two Excellent in Ensemble Ratings
  • Duncan Park, CSHS: Superior in Ensemble
  • Riley Park, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Davis Ponjuan, CSHS: Superior in Solo
  • Lance Sebesta, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Marianna Vizquerra, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble
  • Ellen Wang, CSHS: Excellent in Ensemble

Source: College Station ISD
Date: Thursday, July 09, 2015

Band Director

Eric Eaks, head band director at College Station High School, is one of 213 music teachers chosen from more than 4,500 nominees as a quarter-finalist for the Music Educator Award presented by The Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation. The winner will receive a $10,000 award and a $10,000 grant for his or her school, while nine other finalists will receive awards and grants of $1,000 each. Eaks has been a band director for 13 years, including the last three as the founding director of College Station High School’s band.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2015

CSISD bands earn highest rankings at Region 8 contest

Several bands from College Station High School and College Station Middle School earned sweepstakes awards at the recent Region 8 Concert and Sight Reading Contest.

High School Bands

CSHS Wind Ensemble (varsity) – sweepstakes award and highest possible rating from all 6 judges

CSHS Symphonic Band (non-varsity) – sweepstakes award and highest possible rating from all 6 judges

Middle School Bands

CSMS Symphonic – sweepstakes award superior ratings in concert and sight-reading.

CSMS Concert – sweepstakes award superior ratings in concert and sight-reading.


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Our Neighbors: Jazz Band

The College Station High School Jazz Band recently earned high marks at the 57th Annual Bill Watrous Jazz Festival at Sam Houston State University. The band received straight 1’s for its performance, while band member Derek Lemons earned the inaugural Vincent Bach/Bill Watrous Jazz Scholarship to SHSU. Fellow musician Davis Ponjuan also took home the Best Soloist award.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Tuesday, April 07, 2015

20 CSHS Band members earn all-region accolades

A total of 20 band members from College Station High School recently earned a spot on one of the Texas Music Educators Association all-region bands.

Of the 20 all-region selections, 10 students also earned the all-area distinction and the opportunity to audition for an all-state band in January.  Additionally, five students were named as first alternates to the all-region band.

 CSHS Band members selected to all-area and all-region bands:

 Flute

  • Kayla Framsted, CSHS – All-Region Symphonic Band

Clarinet

  • Davis Ponjuan, CSHS – 1st Chair, All Area-Band, All-Region Orchestra and Wind Symphony

  • Amber Macha, CSHS –  All-Area Band, All-Region Wind Symphony

  • Emily Brown, CSHS – All-Region Concert Band

Alto Clarinet

  • Alonso Hernandez, CSHS – 1st Chair, All-Area Band, All-Region Wind Symphony

Contra Clarinet

  • Paige Hooks, CSHS – 1st Chair, All-Area Band, All-Region Wind Symphony

Alto Saxaphone

  • Andrew Macha, CSHS – 1st Chair, All-Area Band, All-Region Concert Band

  • Riley Park, CSHS – All-Region Concert Band

Baritone Saxaphone

  • Cade Garner, CSHS – 1st Chair, All Area Band, All-Region Wind Symphony

Trumpet

  • Kathleen Roberts, CSHS – All-Region Concert Band

Trombone

  • Matthew Smalley, CSHS – All-Area Band, All-Region Wind Symphony

Bass Trombone

  • Braden Yosko, CSHS – 1st Chair, All-Area Band, All-Region Orchestra and Wind Symphony

Euphonium

  • Chandler Martin, CSHS – All-Area Band, All-Region Wind Symphony

  • Hayden Stellges, CSHS – All-Region Concert Band

Percussion

  • Jason Fry, CSHS – 1st Chair, All-Area Band, All-Region Orchestra and Wind Symphony

  • Joesph Cohn, CSHS – All-Region Symphonic Band

  • Eli Aurgeta, CSHS – All-Region Symphonic Band

  • Jeremy Dudo, CSHS – All-Region Concert Band

1st Alternates

  • Davis Bednorz, CSHS – Bass Clarinet

  • Ellen Wang, CSHS – Flute


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Drums Along the Brazos

The College Station High School drumline hosted its second Drums Along the Brazos competition Saturday with 20 high school and middle drumlines performing.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, November 09, 2014

CSHS marching band receives perfect scores at regionals

The College Station High School Band recently received superior ratings in the Region 8 marching band contest.

Three judges score the marching band and all three judges gave a superior rating to the marching band’s performance.

The bands are directed by Eric Eaks and Jon Seale at CSHS.


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Friday, October 24, 2014

Two CSISD jazz students earn all-region awards

Two members of the College Station High School Jazz Band recently earned a spot in the Region 8 Texas Music Educators Jazz Band.

Braden Yosko (Bass Trombone) and Matthew Smalley (Tenor Trombone) were selected after playing three prepared pieces as well as performing an improvisation to an accompanied music track in their audition.

Yosko finished first overall in the Bass Trombone auditions and earned the right to audition via digital recording for the TMEA All-State Jazz Band.  He will also be first chair in the Top Region Jazz Band.

Matthew placed fourth overall in the Tenor Trombone auditions and will be the Lead Trombone in the second region jazz band

The TMEA Region Jazz Band Concert will be held at Temple HS on November 8 in Temple.

Directors for the CSHS Jazz Band are Jon Seale and Clifton Jones.

Source: College Station ISD
Date: Thursday, October 02, 2014

Preparing for the Season

The College Station High School Cougar Band holds a summer band rehearsal on Aug. 4 with its first senior class.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, August 17, 2014

Alert-trained service dogs expensive for families, but life-saving

Hannah Henry is 14, and she won’t let her Type 1 diabetes slow her down. Her summer is scheduled for many days marching in the sun as a member of the drum line at College Station High School.

After spending last fall as a member of the front percussion ensemble, she learned that her performance under the Friday night lights took a toll on her blood sugar hours after she stepped off the field and slipped into bed.

Until recently, Hannah and her parents had no warning of when she could go into diabetic shock.

“Sometimes my blood sugar drops before I can feel it,” Hannah said, sitting next to an 8-month-old yellow Labrador named Nala.

Nala is a Diabetes Alert Dog in training and the newest member of the Henry family.

For Melodi Henry, Hannah’s mother, Nala is her peace of mind.

The young pup is trained to recognize the smell of Hannah’s breath when her blood sugar is low or high, then use her paw to press on Hannah to alert her, Henry said.

At night, the dog will continue to press on Hannah until she wakes up. If she stays asleep, Henry said, Nala will get on her chest to try and wake Hannah. The final recourse is to alert Hannah’s parents.

“I’ve slept every night for the past seven days,” Henry said, sitting at her kitchen table.

The mother of eight — ages 21 to 7 with six still living in the house — spent nearly a decade thinking she would never be able to afford a service dog.

Training costs are upwards of $30,000 for diabetes and seizure alert dogs. Health care options are nonexistent, forcing families to pay out of pocket for some peace of mind.

When Hannah was diagnosed at age 6, her mother could only find one company in California that specialized in diabetes alert training.

“There was just no way we ever thought we could afford it,” she said. “We couldn’t even afford $2,000, let alone $15,000.”

The Henrys’ saving grace were Hannah’s doctors and the assistance of family, friends, church members, teachers, marching band members and one special donor — Randy French.

The owner of Stylecraft Builders heard from one of his employees, and member of the Henrys’ congregation, about the fundraiser for the service dog.

French said on Tuesday that his experiences raising his daughter, Phyllis, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11, made him sympathetic to the hardships the Henrys face. French donated the final $5,000 needed pay for the dog and added another $5,000 to settle the Henrys’ medical debt.

“She’s just a precious girl,” French said of Hannah, adding, “I was delighted to do it.”

Nala comes from Brooks Labradors in Lucas, where the dogs are trained from pups through 2 years old to work as different service dogs.

Nala is part of a pilot program. The younger puppy will continue to train with Hannah to learn the basic commands — sit, stay, go potty, etc. — as well as become accustomed to Hannah’s scent when her blood sugar fluctuates.

Service alert dogs can be trained to detect more than seizures and low blood sugar. Their use has been extended to therapeutic rehabilitation of war veterans with post traumatic stress disorder, children with attention deficit hyper disorder and to guide the blind.

Peace of mind is just an added bonus for the parents, according to Gayla Ballew, another College Station parent who is hoping to get a service dog.

Ballew’s daughter, Crystal, 31, has a rare syndrome called 10q Trisomy that typically causes death in the teen years.

Crystal has defied the odds, surviving with numerous ailments — kidney and heart problems, balance issues, kidney problems, scoliosis, blindness, hearing difficulty and grand mal seizures — which make it difficult to place a service dog.

The family is fundraising through FirstGiving.com, and is more than halfway toward the $14,000 goal. The money will pay for a dog to come from 4 Paws for Ability, a company in western Ohio with dogs specially trained to work with everything from autism to diabetes and, in Crystal’s case, multipurpose assistance.

Crystal still lives with her parents, though Gayla and her husband, Sam, maintain that she lives as independently as possible.

“She has her room set up like a little apartment,” Gayla said.

But at nights, when seizures can strike unexpectedly, Gayla worries if her daughter will continue to defy the odds.

“Her health is declining,” Gayla said. “Her last seizure put her in the hospital for a week.”

Gayla said finding 4 Paws for Abilities was an uphill battle, after being turned away from so many trainers because of Crystal’s needs. The application and training process is extensive and includes a video recording of one of Crystal’s seizures. Crystal and Gayla also will travel for a few weeks of training at the 4 Paws facility in Xenia, Ohio.

Some families fall into a trap when searching for an affordable solution to service dogs.

When Henry started researching service dogs in November, she said she noticed a lot of articles about people who were scammed and got untrained dogs from disreputable breeders.

The Diabetes Alert Dogs Alliance warns parents about these scams and recommends finding a breeder or trainer that meets the new training guidelines established in January by the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

More information may also be found at the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners’s website, www.iaadp.org.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2014

CSISD bands members earn 22 individual awards at state competition

Qualifying members of the A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School bands recently performed at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest (TSSEC).

In all, 20 students earned 22 “Superior” or “Excellent” ratings in solo and ensemble categories.

  • Eli Argueta, CSHS – Superior Rating (Solo)

  • Joesph Cohn, CSHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Connor Countryman, AMCHS – Excellent Rating (Solo)

  • Isabela Cruz-Vespa, AMCHS – Superior Rating (Solo), Excellent Rating (Solo)

  • Jeremy Dudo, CSHS – Superior Rating (Solo)

  • Nicolas Farmer, AMCHS – Superior Rating (Solo)

  • Cade Garner, CSHS – Superior Rating (Ensemble)

  • Alonso Hernandez, CSHS – Superior Rating (Ensemble)

  • Spencer Larson, CSHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Christian Lee, AMCHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Collin Littlefield, CSHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Andrew Macha, CSHS – Superior Rating (Ensemble)

  • Thomas Morgan, AMCHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Zach Neal, CSHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Riley Park, CSHS – Superior Rating (Ensemble)

  • Davis Ponjuan, CSHS – Superior Rating (Solo), Superior Rating (Ensemble)

  • Dahlia Rohm, AMCHS – Superior Rating (Solo)

  • Tito Selosee, , AMCHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Sebastian Tchaikerian, AMCHS – Excellent Rating (Ensemble)

  • Rebekah Walker, AMCHS – Superior Rating (Solo)


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Friday, May 30, 2014

Our Neighbors: College Station High School Band

The College Station High School band traveled to San Antonio April 25-26 for its spring trip. The band performed at the American Classic-Bluebonnet Classic Festival at John Marshall High School, earning a Division I Superior Rating for Symphonic and Jazz Bands, Best in Class Award for Symphonic Band, and Outstanding Performance for Symphonic and Jazz Bands. An Outstanding Soloist award was won by clarinetist Davis Ponjuan. The band concluded its trip with a visit to Fiesta Texas. The band is directed by Eric Eaks, Jon Seale, Greg Montgomery and Clifton Jones.

 Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, May 04, 2014

Our Neighbors: All-State Band

Simon Kapler, from A&M Consolidated High School and Amber Macha, Davis Ponjuan, Alonso Hernandez and Brandon Yosko, students from College Station High School, all earned a seat in the all-state band by auditioning at the all-area tryouts. Kapler, a sophomore, became the first AMCHS student to earn all-state band since 2009 and was one of 18 AMCHS musicians who qualified to audition at the all-area tryout. As a 5A school, AMCHS competes in the Texas Music Educators Association sanctioned contest. Kapler will rehearse and perform with the TMEA All-State Band in February in San Antonio.

CSHS students Macha, Ponjuan, Hernandez and Yosko were four of 290 students statewide selected to the Association of Texas Small School Bands. The all-state band will rehearse and perform in San Antonio in February at the ATSSB All-State Band Clinic and Concert.

 Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, January 19, 2014

Mattress fundraising event to benefit students

Custom Fundraising Solutions and Eric Eaks, director of bands for the College Station High School Band, have partnered to host the Mattress Fundraiser Sale on Nov. 10. The fundraiser will be at College Station High School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to raise funds for a band trip to San Antonio.

More than 20 beds will be on display for customers to try, including Consumer Digest Best Buy and Women’s Choice Award-winning beds. The mattress sets are 30 to 60 percent off retail price and come complete with factory warranties. Proceeds from the sale will help Eaks create scholarships for the seniors. The partnership with school organizations has allowed Custom Fundraising Solutions to give more than $60,000 to local schools, with the ultimate goal of raising $100,000 by the end of 2013.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2013

CSHS band earns superior ratings at regional competition

The College Station High School marching band recently earned superior ratings at the UIL Region 8 marching band competition.

The band earned the highest rating possible from all three judges at the competition.


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Monday, October 21, 2013

CSHS band wins big at Midway competition

The College Station High School Band recently earned the AAA championship and second place overall at the Waco Midway marching competition.

CSHS bested five other AAA bands and went head to head with mostly 4A and 5A bands in the finals, earning a second place overall finish.

In addition, the Cougar band won best music, best marching, best color guard and best percussion in the preliminary portion of the competition.

 

 


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Our Neighbors: College Station High School Band

The 2013-14 College Station High School Cougar Marching Band has been working on its halftime and contest show titled “Stampede” this summer. Directors for the Cougar Band are Eric Eaks, Jon Seale, Greg Montgomery and Clifton Jones. Drum Majors are Amber Macha, Riley Park and Evan Maraist.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2013

Our Neighbors: College Station High School Winter Guard

The Winter Guard at College Station High School competed Saturday at the Texas Color Guard Circuit for the first time, sweeping up first place in its category against five other high schools.

The team advanced to the next TCGC competition, which was on Saturday at Dawson High School in Pearland.

Milo Salinas serves as director for the guard. Guard captain is Natalie Hasson and co-captain is Chloe French. Members include Danielle Rogers, Madeline Jordan, Jordan Hafer, Crystal Morris, Gaby Garza, Morgan Hill and Molly Holiday.

  


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Tuesday, February 05, 2013

CSHS color guard wins competition

The color guard from College Station High School recently won its respective division at the Cypress Lakes High School Texas Color Guard Circuit (TCGC) competition. CSHS color guard won the novice division.

The guard will continue competition this spring. CSHS will compete at Dawson High School on February 2.

CSHS Color Guard:
Natalie Hasson, captain
Chloe French, co-captain
Danielle Rogers
Madeline Jordan
Jordan Hafer
Crystal Morris
Gaby Garza
Morgan Hill
Molly Holliday
Cody LeBlanc, photographer


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Our Neighbors: Regional high school band

Forty-three College Station students have been invited to participate in the Texas Music Educators Association regional band after individual auditions Dec. 1.

The College Station High School band members were Amber Macha, Aggela Polymenis, Paige Hooks, Alonso Hernandez, Riley Park, Jamie Roberman, Kathleen Roberts, Michael Fitz and Kaleigh Syler.

Of the 43 students, 21 earned an all-area distinction and will advance to the all-state band auditions in January. They were, from College Station High: Macha, Polymenis and Hooks.

The College Station High School band consisted of only freshman and sophomores this year.


Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, December 09, 2012

10 CSHS band members earn spot on all-region band

3 to compete for all-state bands

Ten members of the College Station High School Cougar Band recently earned spots on the all-regional band.

Despite only having freshmen and sophomores this year, eight Cougar band members were selected for an all-region band by the Association of Texas Small School Bands.

Of the 10 all-region selections, three CSHS students also earned an all-area distinction and the opportunity to audition for an all-state band in January.

All-Area band selections:

Name, Instrument, Chair, Band
Paige Hooks, contra clarinet, 2nd, symphonic
Amber Macha, clarinet, 7th, symphonic
Aggela Polymenis, clarinet, 7th, symphonic

All-Region band selections:

Name, Instrument, Chair, Band
Michael Fitz, french horn, 3rd, concert
Alonso Hernandez, bass clarinet, 3rd, concert
Riley Park, saxophone, 3rd, concert
Megan Reynolds, percussion, 6th, symphonic
Jamie Roberman, clarinet, 10th, symphonic
Kathleen Roberts, trumpet, 2nd, concert
Kaleigh Syler, trombone, 1st alt., concert


Source: College Station ISD
Date: Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Our Neighbors: College Station High School Band

The College Station High School Band competed at the UIL Region 8 Marching Contest in Waco on Oct. 20, and earned a Division I Rating and an advancement to the area competition in Waxahachie on Oct. 27.

It was the first division win in the band’s history.

 

Source: The Eagle Newspaper of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, October 28, 2012

KBTX Gem of the Day – October 22, 2012

The 65 member College Station High School Cougar Band earned a Division I rating at the UIL Region 8 Marching Contest in Waco this past Saturday, making it their first ever division win in program history.

The Cougar Band competed against other 3A marching bands in the region. They will advance to Area Competition in Waxahachie.

Directors for the Cougar Band are Eric Eaks, Greg Montgomery and Clif Jones.


Source: KBTX News 3 of Bryan/College Station, TX
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2012