Cockrill Middle School Honors Band

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Cockrill MS Band program begins in the 6th grade where members of the program are enrolled in classes of similar instruments. These classes meet daily and focus on establishing and developing basic musical and performance skills. In the 7th and 8th grades, students are provided their first opportunity to be a member of a full band. The bands perform from three to five concerts each year, including performances for the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading events. Students may elect to participate in the TMEA all region band audition process to further develop their individual musicianship. Rehearsal time outside the school day is usually limited to one sixty minute sectional each week. The Cockrill MS Band program consists of three performing 7th/8th grade bands and one very large beginner band. Students that are in the 7th/8th grade are also allowed to sign up to be a "band aide" during one of the beginner classes to serve as vested mentors for the future of our program. Currently there are over 340 students enrolled in the Cockrill MS Band program and they are involved in a variety of other school activities such as Athletics, Cheerleading, Art, Choir, Drama, Orchestra, Yearbook, National Junior Honors Society, and much more.

Cockrill Middle School Honors Band

Conductor's Bio

Gary Williams is in his 9th year at Cockrill Middle School in McKinney TX where he has been since the school opened in 2008. His responsibilities include directing the Honors Band, Assisting the Symphonic and Concert Bands, and teaching beginner brass and woodwind classes. Ensembles under his direction have consistently earned Superior ratings at U.I.L. Concert and Sight-Reading Contests and have been awarded “Best in Class” at festivals around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The Cockrill Middle School Honors Band has been named a “National Winner” in the National Wind Band Honors Project sponsored by Mark of Excellence in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016 and was named a “Commended Winner” in 2014. In 2015 the Cockrill Middle School Honors Band advanced to the state level of the TMEA Honors Band competition placing 10th overall and in December of 2016, the CMS Honors Band will perform at The 70th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. Prior to his appointment at Cockrill, Mr. Williams taught in Duncanville ISD and Clear Creek ISD serving as an assistant at Byrd MS, Reed MS, and Space Center Intermediate. In 2006 he was appointed as the first head director of Kennemer MS. Under his direction, the Kennemer Symphonic I Band excelled at the TMEA State Honor Band competition, placing as a state finalist in 2006. Mr. Williams is also very proud to have served on the staff of two consecutive CCC Honor Bands, Reed MS in 2002-03 and Byrd MS in 2004-05. Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce where he was a saxophone player in the Wind Ensemble. During the summer, he stays very active in teaching Band Camps around the state of Texas. Mr. Williams was elected Middle School Chairman for Region 20 and Region 25, the latter being a position he still serves today. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Most recently Mr. Williams was named the 2016 Teacher of the Year for Cockrill Middle School. Mr. Williams resides in McKinney with his wife Brittney, who is the head band director at Evans Middle School and their two kids, Olivia Paige and Joshua Grant.