School Board hears band update
Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra: Navasota Rattler Band sophomore student Francisco Herrera models a proposed uniform that will be voted on by the NISD School Board during the December board meeting.
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Navasota’s Fine Arts department was recognized at the monthly Navasota Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting Monday, Nov. 15.
The Navasota Fine Arts Department was recognized as a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction. Navasota Junior High Art Teacher Nathan Vogt represented Navasota ISD at the TAEA’s Council at Large Meeting at the Fall TAEA Conference at Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Friday, Nov. 5. Other NISD team members making the award possible were Brule Elementary Art Teacher Sylvia Harrison, NJH Art Teacher Aaron Musgrove, NHS Art Teacher Jesse Meeler, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Ronnie Gonzalez, Dr. Tracy Bates and Superintendent Dr. Stu Musick.
Proposed Band Uniforms
Navasota High School Band Director David Holland is in his first year in Navasota. He spoke to the school board about the band program. “We are looking to grow in every way possible,” he explained.
One of the areas of growth are in numbers. Currently Holland said there are 149 students enrolled in band from sixth through 12th grade. By the year 2027, he projects to have at least that number of students in the high school program and close to 400 in the program overall. There were 50 students enrolled in beginner band this year, but that number is projected to reach 75-80 students each year.
Holland stated the band also wants to grow musically by challenging students to play harder music and by competing in solo and group competitions.
Most recently Holland was a band director at Huntsville ISD, a 5A program. “One of the mission statements at Navasota High School is big time opportunities while instilling small-town values,” said Holland. “I want to bring some of the big-time opportunities to the students in Navasota.”
Some of the opportunities Holland plans to implement are a jazz band beginning in January and hopefully next year forming an indoor drumline and competitive winter guard to compete in the Texas Color Guard Percussion Circuit. Championships for the circuit are held at Reed Arena. “The Rattler Band is the most visible, but big schools know if you have winter guard and an indoor drumline, that makes your marching band that much stronger,” said Holland
Navasota’s Band is on the scheduled rotation for new uniforms this year from booster funds. A model of the proposed uniform was presented to board members. The uniforms feature a lighter-weight, more breathable fabric that is cooler during warm weather. The pants are more tapered which Holland stated will show more definition when marching. The cape is removable and interchangeable. Gauntlets (cover forearm and wrist) will slide over the hand and tighten with Velcro, the current lays flat and requires assistance to put on. The hat also features an interchangeable wrap and plume.
The cost per uniform is approximately $552 and includes everything except gloves and shoes. If approved by the NISD Board of Trustees at the December meeting, approximately 114 uniforms will be ordered. It will take approximately 210 days to receive uniforms if approved.
Navasota’s next scheduled board meeting is Monday, Dec. 13.