Marcus High School Wind Symphony

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Marcus Wind Symphony, from Flower Mound, TX, hails from Lewisville ISD, a district with a vast history of award-winning musical ensembles. The Marcus High School Band program was founded in 1981 and has had only four head directors since its inception. The Marcus High School Wind Symphony is one of four performing concert bands at Edward S. Marcus High School. Its student musicians participate in a rigorous annual TMEA Region, Area, and All-State audition process, Solo Festival, Chamber Ensemble Contest, and Studio Showcase performances. Students flourish under the dynamic leadership of a gifted team of band directors, private studio faculty, dedicated parents, and via the encouragement of their peers. The Wind Symphony earns consistent Sweepstakes ratings at UIL Concert/Sightreading Contest. Under Amanda Drinkwater’s leadership, the Marcus Wind Symphony was a five-time TMEA 5A Honor Band state finalist. In 2015, the Marcus Wind Symphony was honored to be named the TMEA 5A State Honor Band. The Marcus Wind Symphony has been a featured ensemble at the Midwest Band and Orchestra clinic in 2007 and 2012, and was the recipient of the 2014 John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Flag. It has been recognized five times as a National Wind Band Honors finalist. The Marcus High School Wind Symphony is humbled and honored to perform at The 77th Midwest Clinic and is proud to represent the greater Flower Mound area, Lewisville Independent School District, and the state of Texas.

Marcus High School Wind Symphony

Conductor's Bio

Jeffrey D. Jones has served as Director of Bands at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, since June 2018. His responsibilities include direction of the Marcus Wind Symphony and the Marcus Marching Band, as well as leadership of the Marcus Band cluster. Prior to joining the Marcus Band Staff, Mr. Jones served twelve years as Director of Bands at North Mesquite High School and six years as an assistant director at Dr. Ralph H. Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas. Musicians under Mr. Jones’ direction have received consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards. During his tenure, the Marcus Marching Band has advanced to the UIL 6A State Marching Contest Finals four times, earning the Bronze Medal in 2021. The Marcus Band has performed annually at the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional Championship Finals and in 2021 at the Bands of America Grand Nationals Championship Finals. They were honored to receive the Outstanding Music Award at the 2019 BOA San Antonio Super Regional Championship and the 2021 BOA Grand Nationals Semi Finals. Away from his active schedule as an adjudicator, clinician, and teacher, Mr. Jones enjoys spending time working with students of all ages to increase their influence through his jonesLeadership consulting firm or driving with the greats of our profession in his (wife’s) Honda Odyssey Minivan. You can learn more at jonesLeadership.com and MaestrosInMinivans.com. Mr. Jones holds both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music Education Degree from Texas Tech University, Summa Cum Laude, and The University of North Texas, Magna Cum Laude, respectively. He and his wife, Bethany, also a Lewisville ISD music educator, reside with their three children, Caitlyn (Oboe), Esther (Flute), and Seth (French Horn), in Highland Village, Texas.

Additional Directors

Kennan Wylie

Nick VandenBush

Cole Ousley