East Texas

LINDALE — The Texas Bandmasters Association has named Lindale ISD as this year’s state High School Band Program of Distinction. TBA will present the honor during its convention this month, the school was notified this week.

The award recognizes ongoing excellence and a district-wide dedication to a quality band program.

“An award like this is the accomplishment of many people,” said Steven Moore, Lindale’s director of bands. “It takes a great staff, great band students, parents, and administration.”

Moore said the band is continuing a tradition of excellence established by Butch Almany, director of bands from 1975 to 1996.

“The work he did put the Lindale band on the map,” Moore said. “Without the work he did, the Lindale band would not be where it is today.”

Superintendent Stan Surratt said the band is a source of pride.

“Our entire community and school are so proud of our band program. Being named as the Distinguished Band Program in the state of Texas is just another award or accolade that justifies the greatness of the Lindale band program and its director, Mr. Steven Moore,” Surratt said. “We truly do have one of the finest band programs in the state.”

The band began in 1949 with 33 students and has grown to a program with more than 700 students in grades 6-12, according to information from the school district.

The junior high school bands are directed by Ben Davis, Brent Cannon, Sharon Bird and Mark Perry.

The Junior High Symphonic Band has been a Region 21 Honor Band as well as an Area Honor Band. Assisting Moore as director at the high school level are Susan Scott and Casey Johnson.

The high school band, known as the Pride of Lindale, has 236 students.

The marching band has earned 33 consecutive first division awards at UIL Region Marching Contest and advanced to UIL State Marching Contest in 2002 and 2004 and placed third in 2007.

Lindale consistently wins UIL Sweepstakes awards. The band has played for President George Herbert Walker Bush and marched in a gubernatorial parade for George W. Bush.

The Lindale Wind Ensemble was an Honor Band finalist in 1986, 1988, 1990 and 2000 and was State Honor Band participants in 2004 and 3A State Honor Band in 2006.