Alumni Newsletter Spring 2022

Hello Mustang Band Alumni!

We hope you are all well and healthy! We wanted take a moment to connect and keep you up-to-date with what is happening in the Mustang Band program. You are a valued part of our history and we want to keep you connected to our wonderful program.

In this newsletter we will share the most current information in our program. As always, you can visit www.grapevinehsband.com any time to see what's happening.

TMEA sponsors the Texas All-State audition process to promote students’ dedication to their musical knowledge and skill and to encourage educators to support their students in this development.

Beginning each fall, over 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA Region. Individuals perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. A select group of musicians advances to compete against musicians from other Regions in their TMEA Area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles sponsored by the Band, Orchestra, and Vocal Divisions.

This year, the Mustang Band program had a great showing at all levels of the TMEA Audition Process.

Auditioned for Region Band - 88

Auditioned for 9th Grade Region Band - 40

Advanced to Region Phase 2 - 33

Placed in a Region Band (including 9th Grade) - 32

Advanced to Area - 8

Placed in an All-State Ensemble - 2

We are proud of our students for representing Grapevine High School!

Last school year (22/23) the GHS Wind Ensemble (Varsity) and Honors Band (Non Varsity) received 1st Division Ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading.

The Wind Ensemble recorded for the Mark of Excellence, which is a national recognition award presented by the Foundation for Music Education, for outstanding varsity bands. The band was selected as a Commended Winner for the 3rd consecutive year!

The Honors Band recorded for the Citation of Excellence, also presented by the Foundation for Music Education, which is recording contest for Texas Non Varsity Bands. The Honors Band was selected as the Class 5A Winner for the 3rd consecutive year! The band also enter and was named the National Winner, for the 3rd consecutive year, for the Medal of Distinction.

We plan to continue our pursuit of excellence as we prepare for Spring 2024.

Fundraising and Corporate Sponsorships make up over 60% of our annual operating budget! Community Partners and Alumni support are imperative for our program's success.

We are currently running a campaign with Up Tempo Fundraising and our goal is to raise $60,000. We kicked off our fundraiser campaign last Tuesday and have raised over $15,000 already. We know with your help, we can achieve our goals and provide excellent experiences for our Mustang Band Members. All donations are tax deductible and all donation amounts help! For example: if everyone receiving this newsletter donated only $20, we would raise over $30,000!

We thank you for your support and consideration! To donate visit, HERE.

Corporate Sponsorships

If you are a business owner and would like to partner with the band, please contact us for more information. (e): fundraising@grapevinehsband.com

In the Spring of 2025, the Mustang Band will travel to Ireland and perform in the 2025 Dublin, Ireland St. Patrick's Day Parade! Stay tuned to the Band Website for more information.

Mr. Slate serves as one of the assistant directors at Grapevine High School. Mr. Slate is the director of the symphonic band and jazz band, and assists with the wind ensemble, honors band, and marching band. Mr. Slate also serves as the director of the musical pit orchestra.

Mr. Slate is entering his first year of teaching at Grapevine High School. Prior to his appointment at Grapevine High School, Mr. Slate student taught at Southlake Carroll Senior High School with Ken Johnson and Dawson Middle School with Chase Howard. During his time at Carroll Senior High School, Mr. Slate helped the Carroll Dragon Band become finalists at the UIL State Marching Contest and the Bands of America Grand National Championships.

Mr. Slate is originally from Carrollton, Texas, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Christian University where he received a Bachelor’s degree of Music Education. During his four years at TCU, Mr. Slate performed with the TCU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz Bands, and the Horned Frog Marching Band. During his final year, Mr. Slate served as the Drum Major for the Horned Frog Band.
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Mr. Slate was a member and section leader for the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps from 2018-2021. As a member in 2019, Mr. Slate won the DCI World Championships and the John Brazale award for Best Visual Performance. Mr. Slate’s professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and Kappa Kappa Psi.

Ryan started his color guard career in Los Angeles, California. He has participated with the marching arts for 7 years, performing with ensembles such as Coronado Independent Winterguard, Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.

Before moving to Texas, Ryan was an instructor at Tarpon Springs High School in Tarpon Springs, Florida. During his time there, they were a finalist at BOA Grand Nationals, appeared at the 2022 New York Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and earned a Scholastic World Class Silver Medal at the WGI World Championships in 2023.

Ryan also works with multiple groups across the nation as a choreographer and weapon technician. These groups include: William Mason High School, Pebble Hills High School, and Glory Independent.

Under the direction of Mr. Bender, the Mustang Guard as raced to the top of their competitive circuit. The Mustang Guard's 2024 Production is titled, "Flying." "Flying" will be performed at several North Texas Color Guard Association shows this spring. Check the BAND CALENDAR for more info.

The Mustang Guard placed 1st in their class the last two weekends! Go Guard!

We are excited for the growth and development of the guard program!

Connect with us!

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Instagram - @grapevinehsband

X - @grapevinehsband

Email: James.rees@gcisd.net
Website: grapevinehsband.com
Location: 2332 Mustang Drive, Grapevine, TX, USA
Phone: 817-251-5049