Staff

Membership

Membership in these ensembles is determined by the following various factors: auditions (Fall & Spring), *academic grades (as they pertain to UIL participation), overall work ethic and participation from the previous semester/year.  Audition scores are based on scales, etudes, and sight-reading.  Directors will determine the material for auditions and post at least two weeks before auditions occur.

Requirements per ensemble

Each director will set the requirements for their respective classes, depending on the ability level of the class and the objectives for the semester.  ALL band students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances of the ensembles in which they are involved.  Failure to attend a performance, without prior notice and/or approval, could result in the loss of performing with the group, a failing summative grade, and/or the possibility of being removed from the ensemble.  Daily participation will count toward a formative grade each week, as do the required sectional/masterclass.  The number of grades given per quarter will be determined by the director, following LEHS grading guidelines.

Marching Band

The Lobo Marching Band is a great source of pride for both Little Elm High School and the community.  Little Elm ISD and Little Elm High School has enjoyed a high reputation for excellence in music performance, including marching band, for many years. The marching band is the most visible aspect of the band program. The marching band provides performance opportunities for band students while integrating the band program into school and community activities.  Over 200 members strong, the Lobo Band performs at all LEHS varsity football games, LEHS Homecoming Parade and the Little Elm Christmas Parade.

As an integral part of the band program, it is our philosophy that educationally, historically and musically, marching band is an essential ingredient in a well- rounded music education program. We believe that music students need to develop the ability to participate and perform in different ensemble experiences, which, for band students, includes marching band. As a result, marching band is required for all high school students who elect to take an academic band performance course. Philosophy regarding all aspects of high school band stems from TEA/UIL guidelines which govern all Texas schools.

As an artistic endeavor, each rehearsal and performance by the marching band is mentally and physically demanding. For the full marching band performance, students are always on task and must bring to the experience their best performance skills. As a result, each student in the marching band is eligible to receive a physical education substitution credit (max 1 credit) in accordance with TEA guidelines.

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Wind Ensemble

Prerequisite: Audition by Director

The Wind Ensemble is the highest performing ensemble in the band program. The ensemble is made up of the most musically and technically advanced students. The band will perform upper-level high school and college band literature. Most of the fall semester is focused on marching band music and All-Region preparations. The spring semester centers on solos, ensembles and concert music.  Membership is selective and determined through auditions in the Spring.

  • Performance of marching music by memory
  • Participation in marching band
  • Preparation of All-Region music during the fall
  • Audition for All-Region Band (Required)
  • Participation in UIL Solo/Ensemble (Required)
  • Participation in private lessons is strongly encouraged
  • Dedication of significant personal practice time to improve musical skills
  • Attendance at all sectional rehearsals and/or full band rehearsals (including after school)
  • Participation in all performances, including UIL and approved travel
  • Maintain academic eligibility
  • Students may be moved to a lower concert band if they do not meet the requirements of this ensemble

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Symphonic Winds

Prerequisite: Audition by Director

The Symphonic Winds is the second performing ensemble in the band program. This band is made up of students with above average musical and technical skills. Most of the fall semester is focused on marching band music and All-Region preparations. The spring semester centers on solos, ensembles and concert music. Music performed by students in this ensemble is meant to increase the student’s reading ability, strengthen fundamental performance practices, develop good overall tonal and intonation concepts and develop a higher level of musicianship.

  • Performance of marching music by memory
  • Participation in marching band
  • Preparation of All-Region music during the fall
  • Audition for All-Region Band is not required, but strongly encouraged
  • Participation in UIL Solo/Ensemble is highly encouraged
  • Participation in private lessons is strongly encouraged
  • Participation in all performances, including UIL and approved travel
  • Attendance at sectional rehearsals and/or full band rehearsals (including after school)
  • Maintain academic eligibility
  • Students may be moved to a lower concert band if they do not meet the requirements of this ensemble

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Symphonic Band

Prerequisite: Audition by Director

The Symphonic Band is the third performing ensemble within the Little Elm High School Band Department. Symphonic Band offers the opportunity for continued development at an intermediate level. The Symphonic Band will perform with members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band at football games, parades, and marching events. Performances will be given throughout the year at school and UIL events. Attendance at out-of-school rehearsals and performances is required.  Music performed by students in this ensemble is meant to increase the student’s reading ability, strengthen fundamental performance practices, develop good overall tonal and intonation concepts and develop a higher level of musicianship.

  • Performance of marching music by memory
  • Participation in marching band
  • Participation in Solo/Ensemble is not required, but highly encouraged if enrolled in private lessons
  • Participation in private lessons is strongly encouraged
  • Participation in all performances, including UIL and approved travel
  • Maintain academic eligibility
  • Students may be moved to a lower concert band if they do not meet the requirements of this ensemble

Directed By:
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Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Band at Little Elm High School is one of the most popular organizations within the band department. Jazz Band is open to all current members of the LEHS Band only (with possibly exception of bass, piano and guitar).  Membership is selective and is an audition based class.  Jazz Band meets after school beginning in the late fall.  

The conductor of the Jazz Ensemble is Mr. Kevin Swaim. Mr. Swaim is a professional trumpet player who performs in several jazz groups around the DFW metroplex. Mr. Swaim has performed with the One O’Clock Lab Band while at UNT and has several recordings with UNT as both a performer and composer.

The Jazz Band performs frequently throughout the year, including select jazz festivals and competitions.  The goal of the Jazz Ensemble is to expose LEHS band students to the medium of jazz, the various styles in jazz literature, as well as the art of improvisation.

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Color Guard

2019 Scholastic Open Results:
WGI World Championships – 6th Place
NTCA Championships – 1st Place
WGI Denton Super Regional – 3rd Place
WGI Austin Regional – 3rd Place
NTCA – Summit HS – 2nd Place
WGI Dallas Regional – 5th Place
NTCA – Coppell HS – 2nd Place

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Staff

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Staff

Laura Sturch

Laura Sturch

Director of Bands

Little Elm ISD

Laura Sturch is entering her 25th year as a band director and her 3rd year as Director of Bands at Little Elm High School. Mrs. Sturch conducts the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and oversees all aspects of the band program.

Prior to Little Elm, Mrs. Sturch served six years in Plano ISD as Director of Bands at Clark High School, seven years in Forney ISD, eight years in Alice ISD and one year in Florida. Bands under her direction have earned superior ratings at UIL, Best in Class and Superior ratings at local festivals and have been recognized in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Contest.

Mrs. Sturch has been involved in Drum Corps International as a performing member with Dutch Boy (1992, 1993) and The Cadets of Bergen County (1994). She served on the brass staff for The Glassmen (2005-2010) and The Troopers (2018- 2020).

Ms. Sturch holds the Bachelor of Music Education Degree and a Masters of Music Education Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. She is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, The Texas Bandmasters Association and is a provisional member of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. She has served as the assistant region band chair for TMEA Region 24 as well as a band organizer for Region 24.

Mrs. Sturch enjoys fitness and health and is always training for upcoming races. She and her husband Greg reside in McKinney.

Kyle Bond

Kyle Bond

Associate Director of Bands

Little Elm ISD

Kyle Bond is thrilled to be in his first year as the Associate Director of Bands at Little Elm High School! Mr. Bond is a Little Elm native and graduated from the University of North Texas with honors in 2021. Mr. Bond studied classical saxophone with Dr. Eric Nestler and jazz saxophone with One O’Clock Lab Band tenor saxophonist Andrew Larsen. He performed in various performing groups such as the Wind Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, Green Brigade Marching Band, and numerous chamber ensembles. During his time in the UNT Green Brigade, Mr. Bond served on the leadership team from 2017-2019 with roles as a section leader and field technician. His saxophone quartet, the Aurora Quartet, was invited to perform in the 42nd Annual Navy Band Saxophone Symposium at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Other roles at UNT included being named Vice President of the UNT Jazz Pedagogy Ensemble, helping conduct and write music for a Saxophone Choir, and serving on the Executive Committee of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, whose chief mission is to develop brotherhood through music.

Mr. Bond started teaching as a visual and music technician for marching bands in the DFW metroplex, including the Wakeland High School Marching Band, Coppell High School Marching Band, and Creekview High School Marching Band. These bands became finalists at multiple BOA Regionals, BOA Super Regionals, and UIL State Marching Contests. He taught Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute private lessons in the North Texas area and served as a substitute band director for 12 different band programs in both Frisco ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Mr. Bond has also professionally performed with the Frisco Jazz Band and Toccare Winds.

Mr. Bond graduated with honors from Wakeland High School and participated in the marching band, Jazz Ensemble, and Wind Symphony. He was also named the recipient of the John Phillips Sousa Band Award which recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. Kyle holds affiliations with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Texas Music Educators Association.

Matt Neal

Matt Neal

Assistant Director / Percussion Director

Little Elm ISD

Matt Neal is currently the percussion director/assistant director at Little Elm High School in Little Elm ISD. He coordinates all aspects of the high school percussion program, as well as instruction of the beginning percussion classes, middle school percussion sections and percussion ensembles. Mr. Neal held the same position at Creekview High School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch from 2013-2017, Rockwall-Heath High School in Rockwall, Texas, for the 2012-2013 school year and North Lamar High School in Paris, Texas, from 2005-2012. Mr. Neal’s students have been recognized at the state and national level in all areas of performance, including concert and marching percussion ensemble, and in their solo endeavors.

Since 2004 Mr. Neal has been a percussion instructor and the music coordinator for the Red River Drum and Auxiliary Camp, an annual summer camp providing instruction for marching percussion, color guard and drum majors. It is one of the largest and most successful summer camps of its kind in the country. From 2007 to 2010 Mr. Neal was the percussion arranger/writer for the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Marching Band in Durant, Oklahoma.

Mr. Neal graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma, with a degree in Instrumental Music Performance in 2003. Following his time at SOSU, he earned a Master’s degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in Percussion Performance in 2005. Mr. Neal currently resides in Little Elm, Texas with his wife Angela, an Orff specialist and an elementary music teacher in Frisco ISD.

Donald Gee

Donald Gee

Retired, LEISD "Mentor" Band Director

Kristen Zotti

Kristen Zotti

Color Guard / Winter Guard Director

Little Elm ISD

Kristen Zotti is the Guard Director at Little Elm High School. She is originally from Cheshire, Connecticut, where she began her marching career with the Cheshire High School Band and their Scholastic World Class Winter Guard from 2005-2009. During high school, she independently participated in the Connecticut Hurricanes DCI drum and bugle corp from 2007-2010. Following high school, Ms. Zotti performed with the Independent World Guard, Alter Ego, from 2010-2012. She then moved to Dayton, Ohio, to be with the Zydeco Winter Guard for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

As well as her winter guard endevors, Ms. Zotti marched with the DCI corp, the Blue Stars, for two years. During her summers, Kristen Zotti serves as a camp clinician for Fred J. Miller camps. She has worked with many high school guards in Connecticut and Ohio, such as Cheshire, Southington, and Lakota West High Schools.

Daniel Hartselle

Daniel Hartselle

Color Guard / Winter Guard Tech

Daniel Hartselle is the Color Guard tech and visual coordinator at Little Elm High School. Mr. Hartselle also serves as director of the Color Guard program at Keller Central High School. His responsibilities include teaching the color guard year-round, as well as assisting with design and instruction of the Marching Band show in the fall. In the winter season Mr. Hartselle leads a varsity and junior varsity winter guard that compete both locally and nationally, including a WGI Finals appearance in 2016.

Prior to Central High School, Mr. Hartselle taught at Colleyville-Heritage High School in Colleyville, TX.

Frank Felice

Frank Felice

Director of Fine Arts

Little Elm ISD

Frank Felice serves Little Elm ISD as the Director of Fine Arts . Prior to his appointment to this position, Mr. Felice served as the Director of Bands at Little Elm High School for seventeen years. In this capacity, he oversaw the band program district-wide, while also serving ten of those years as Fine Arts Coordinator and department chair at Little Elm High School. Mr. Felice's bands have competed in the Bands of America Concert Band Festival, Dallas Wind Symphony Invitational at the Meyerson Symphony Center, National Adjudicators Invitational Festival in San Antonio, the All-American Music Festival in Orlando, Magic Music Days in Orlando, The Breckenridge Music Festival, the Gulfcoast Showcase of Music in South Padre, and many other various festivals throughout the country. Mr. Felice's bands have received numerous Sweepstakes and "Superior" ratings from the University Interscholastic League and throughout the states of Texas and Louisiana.

Over the past twenty-six years, Mr. Felice has served as a guest honor band clinician, adjudicator, marching clinician, drill instructor, low brass technician, and summer band camp conductor. He is also currently the Associate Conductor of one of the premier civic wind ensembles in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the Metropolitan Winds. In this role, Mr. Felice serves both as conductor and performer on euphonium. Mr. Felice has also performed throughout Louisiana and Texas as a guest performer on euphonium, trombone, and tuba.

Frank Felice received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Louisiana State University and holds membership in the Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and the Texas Music Administrators Conference. In his free time, Mr. Felice loves to spend time travelling with his family and cooking outdoors. He and his wife, Ginger, are most proud of their two children, Claire and Ryan.

Staff

Welcome

Welcome to the Little Elm High School Band! We are excited to have you as part of our program and look forward to making music with you.

Our band is composed of talented and dedicated students who share a passion for music and a commitment to excellence. We believe that music is not only a form of artistic expression, but also a powerful tool for personal growth and teamwork.

As a member of our band, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of musical experiences, from performances at school events to competitions and festivals throughout the region. Our program is designed to provide a fun and enriching experience for all students, regardless of their level of musical experience.

We are also proud to have an outstanding team of directors, instructors, and volunteers who are dedicated to supporting our students and helping them to achieve their musical goals. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, we are here to support you every step of the way.

We encourage all students and parents to get involved with our program and help us to make our band even stronger. Together, we can create a musical community that fosters creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.

Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Little Elm High School Band. Let's make some beautiful music together!

Important Forms

lehs-lobo-band.webflow.io/students-parents/volunteer-interest-form

UIL Physical Medical History Forms

Download English / Spanish

UIL 8 Hour Acknowledgement Form

Download English / Spanish

Medical Travel Release From

Download file

2023-2024 LEISD Usage Fees Form

Download file

LEHS Band Handbook

The 2023 Summer Band Camp Schedule/Calendar

Private Lessons

The Little Elm ISD Private Lesson Program provides students with the most effective opportunity to improve their musical ability through private study with an instructor specializing in their instrument. Unlike the larger band classes, which are designed to teach fundamental skills to multiple students, private lessons allow each student to receive custom-tailored instruction to develop his/her specific needs. Lessons last approximately 25 minutes and cost only $20 per weekly lesson (outside the schools, lesson costs can range from $24 – $150 per lesson!). The HS Band Staff auditions private instructors in order to maintain high lesson quality, and private instructors must undergo regular criminal background checks in the interest of safety.

Private music lessons are certainly not required for your student to be successful in the band, but they are HIGHLY encouraged. Most advanced students do study privately. Lessons are intended to be enrichment activities and will actually become the focus of each student’s individual practice and development. The earlier students start lessons, the more effective they are. Private lessons are not part of your student’s grade.

Every effort is made to place any student desiring supplemental music lessons with an approved teacher. If a teacher is not available, the student’s request for lessons will be kept on file until an approved instructor is available.

Private teachers maintain their own schedules and handle their own financial records. Some lessons may be scheduled during your child’s band class or after school, depending on the instructor’s schedule. Once a student is signed up for private lessons, they are expected to continue with lessons for the entire school year (many continue over the summer as well). Each private teacher will provide more information about scheduling and payment.

A link to the LEISD Private Lesson Handbook is available below. Questions or comments regarding private lessons can be directed to Laura Sturch, LEHS Director of Bands.

FLUTE

Giovanni Perez, giovanni.perez.loya@gmail.com

BASSOON

Anthony Adario, anthonyadario2017@u.northwestern.edu (617) 910-8588

OBOE

Ha Eun An, HaeunAn@my.unt.edu

CLARINET

Lori Bryson, brysonclarinets@verizon.net

SAXOPHONE

Grace Frarey, gmfrarey@gmail.com

Dr. Andre Acevedo, andreacevedo251@gmail.com (910) 461-9151

TRUMPET

Kevin Swaim, swaimkevin@gmail.com (817) 832-9545

HORN

Scott Mayo, scott.mayo.horn@gmail.com

TROMBONE

Jack Courtright, jackson.courtright@gmail.com

EUPHONIUM

Bradley Halloran, halloranbr@gmail.com

TUBA

Matthew McGarvey, lessons.mcgarvey@gmail.com

PERCUSSION

Daniel Beckwith, dbeckwith36@gmail.com (847) 814-2296

** Private Lesson Teachers – Please be sure that you have a W-9 or W-8BEN on file with LEISD and the Little Elm Band Boosters.  LEISD also requires that each private instructor have level three background clearance with LEISD. Please follow the App Garden LINK and complete the online background information.  Must submit a new background check each year after July 1.

**LEISD Private Lesson Handbook

Little Elm Band Boosters

The Little Elm Band Boosters are a nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of supporting the band and color guard education programs at the Little Elm High School within the Little Elm School District.

The band booster organization depends solely on volunteers to run and support booster activities such as this site. We are always looking for volunteers both to server on the Band Booster board and help run fund raisers like Concessions, Classic on the Lake and other various events. The parent or guardian of each registered student are a General Member of the Little Elm Band Boosters and receive one General Member Vote at Annual and General Meetings held throughout the year.

In addition to approving the yearly budget for the organization the General Members vote in the Executive board of directors. The president on the board of directors then nominates the members who shall serve on the Management Board and those nominations are then confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Each chairperson nominated to the board have a voting position. Additionally other Co-Chairs and Coordinators can be elected by the board as needed, however these are non-voting positions.

Current Executive Board

Management Board

Co-Chairs and Coordinators

  • Treasurer Co-Chair - TBD
  • Secretary Co-Chair - TBD
  • Band Banquet Co-Chair - TBD
  • Charms Co-Chair - TBD
  • Classic on the Lake Co-Chair - TBD
  • Concessions Co-Chair - TBD
  • Uniforms Co-Chair - TBD
  • Color/Winter Guard Coordinator- Andrea Allen & Nancy Hicks
  • Percussion Coordinator - Staci Horvath
  • Lobo Cafe Coordinator - VACANT
  • Publicity Coordinator & Photographer - Laura Childress

Volunteer Interest Form

Volunteer Interest

As a nonprofit we thrive on and require volunteers. Please let us know any way you would like to volunteer or help support the Lobo High School Band. We look forward to hearing from you.

Volunteer Background Check

Volunteers will need to complete a Level 2 background check each year.

LOBO Band SmugMug

Staff

Classic on the Lake

September 23, 2023

Little Elm High School Athletic Complex Little Elm. TX

Entry Classifications

Class A = 50 Winds or Less
Class AA = 51-71 Winds
Class AAA = 72-100 Winds
Class AAAA = 101 + Winds


Judging System

UIL Area Contest System
5 Judges +
Separate Judges for Guard & Percussion
Competition Suite Software
Finals - 10 Bands
*Highest Scoring, regardless of class
*Should a Class Champion not advance to
Finals, the may elect to perform in Exhibition.


Entry Fee: $400

Online Entry: https://bit.ly/COTL2023REG

Prelims Awards:
(per classification)

Outstanding Music
Outstanding Visual
Outstanding Percussion
Outstanding Color Guard
Best in Class

Finals Awards:

Outstanding Music
Outstanding Visual
Outstanding Percussion
Outstanding Color Guard
2nd-10th Place
Grand Champion

Easy Access On/Off Field
Great Prop Field Access
New Track (Wide) & Turf
Experienced Contest Staff

Contact:
Laura Sturch, Director of Bands
Isturch@littleelmisd.net

Staff

Little Elm Band Boosters

The Little Elm Band Boosters are a nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of supporting the band and color guard education programs at the Little Elm High School within the Little Elm School District.

The band booster organization depends solely on volunteers to run and support booster activities such as this site. We are always looking for volunteers both to server on the Band Booster board and help run fund raisers like Concessions, Classic on the Lake and other various events. The parent or guardian of each registered student are a General Member of the Little Elm Band Boosters and receive one General Member Vote at Annual and General Meetings held throughout the year.

In addition to approving the yearly budget for the organization the General Members vote in the Executive board of directors. The president on the board of directors then nominates the members who shall serve on the Management Board and those nominations are then confirmed by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Each chairperson nominated to the board have a voting position. Additionally other Co-Chairs and Coordinators can be elected by the board as needed, however these are non-voting positions.

Current Executive Board

Management Board

Coordinators

  • Treasurer Coordinator - OPEN
  • Secretary Coordinator - OPEN
  • Band Banquet Coordinator - OPEN
  • Charms Coordinator - OPEN
  • Classic on the Lake Coordinator - OPEN
  • Concessions Coordinator - OPEN
  • Uniforms Coordinator - OPEN
  • Hospitality (Formally Lobo Cafe) Coordinator - OPEN
  • Photographer Coordinator - Guy Terry

Click Here for Volunteer Interest Form