Time:
Thursday
December, 18, 2025
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Location:
W375AB
Category
High School Concert Band
Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
South Grand Prairie High School is located in the heart of the “Metroplex,” nestled in between Dallas and Ft. Worth, Texas. The school was established in 1969 and currently serves nearly 3,350 students. With a 92% minority enrollment rate, South Grand Prairie High School is home to a highly diverse student population. Currently, the SGP Band program has 200 members, comprising a variety of performing ensembles, including the marching band, 3 concert ensembles, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and 2 winter guards. Our concert and marching bands consistently earn first division ratings at UIL-sanctioned competitions. Furthermore, The Foundation for Music Education has recognized the Wind Ensemble multiple times as a Mark of Excellence National and Commended winner. Most recently, the SGP Percussion Ensemble was named winner of the 2023 PASIC International Percussion Ensemble Competition and was a featured performer at the 2024 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The members of the SGP Wind Ensemble are committed to achieving both academic and musical excellence, representative of the most dedicated and passionate students in Grand Prairie ISD. A large percentage of the students in this ensemble earn positions in the All-Region Band, and in 2025, three students were selected for membership in the prestigious Texas All-State Bands. With help from a veteran lesson staff and booster-funded private lesson scholarships, nearly 99% of students in the Wind Ensemble are enrolled in private lessons. Wind Ensemble students consistently qualify for the UIL Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest, and in 2024, two of our students were named Texas State Solo & Ensemble “Outstanding Soloists.”
South Grand Prairie High School Wind Ensemble
Conductor's Bio
Originally from the Midwest, Michelle Ross earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and her Master of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where she studied under James Keene.
Mrs. Ross started working at South Grand Prairie High School in 2012 and was named Director of Bands in 2018. Ensembles under her direction consistently earn superior ratings at UIL Marching Contest and UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest. The SGP Wind Ensemble has been recognized four times by the Foundation for Music Education as a Mark of Excellence National Winner in 2021-22 and Commended Winner in 2023-24. Most recently, the SGP Percussion Ensemble was named as a winner of the 2023 PASIC International Percussion Ensemble Competition and was a featured performer at the 2024 Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
Prior to her time in Grand Prairie ISD, she worked as an assistant band director in Lubbock, TX at Estacado High School and then as an assistant band director at North Forney High School in Forney, TX. She currently resides in Mansfield, TX., with her husband, Scott Ward.
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