Castleberry ISD Receives Prestigious Music Education Honor for Second Consecutive Year
Castleberry ISD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement to provide music access and education to all students.
Castleberry ISD is proud to be among a select number of school districts nationwide who received the prestigious award this year, and one of only four 4A districts in Texas to receive the honor.
“Music education is an integral component of our students' academic and personal growth, and the district is committed to providing our students with a comprehensive music program,” emphasized Renee Smith-Faulkner, superintendent of schools. “Starting in pre-kindergarten, all elementary students participate in music and art through fifth grade. Our district recognizes the profound benefits of participating in the performing arts and is dedicated to ensuring our students have access to this invaluable resource.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Castleberry ISD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Castleberry ISD is home to an impressive performing arts community, with nearly 68% of the district’s 3,740 students participating in at least one music class this school year. The district’s talented musicians have been making waves in the world of music education and setting records this year.
Mariachi Los Leones, Castleberry High School’s varsity level mariachi ensemble, advanced to the 2024 UIL State Mariachi Festival for the second year in a row and earned a Superior (Division I) rating. In addition, for the first time in the school’s history, Mariachi Los Leones advanced to the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators State Competition and earned 2nd place overall.
The Honors and Symphonic bands at Irma Marsh Middle School earned the coveted sweepstakes trophy at the UIL Region 30 Concert and Sightreading Contest.
The Castleberry High School Lion Band achieved unprecedented success this year, making a remarkable four State appearances. For the second consecutive year and only the second time in program history, they advanced to the UIL State Wind Ensemble Contest, earning straight ones in both sight reading and performance at the UIL Region 30 Concert and Sight Reading Contest. Additionally, the Advanced Flute and Advanced Percussion ensembles excelled, securing a spot at the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Their achievements also included participation and advancement in the UIL State Wind Ensemble Contest and the UIL State Marching Contest.
These impressive achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of Castleberry ISD’s students and educators.