MICHAEL LEHEW - Director of Bands, Splendora Junior High
Michael Lehew currently serves as the director of bands for Splendora Junior High. Before Splendora ISD, Mr. Lehew spent seven years as the Associate Director of Bands for Crosby ISD. During his time there, the marching band qualified for the UIL State Marching Band Championships twice. His performance ensembles have received consistent division one ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contests. The Crosby HS Non-Varsity Concert Band is a 2018 Commended Winner for the Citation of Excellence, sponsored by The Foundation for Music Education. Mr. Lehew also taught beginner low brass and double-reed classes at Crosby Middle School.
Before Crosby ISD, Mr. Lehew was affiliated with several district private lesson programs in the surrounding Houston area, including Galena Park, Deer Park, Channelview, Klein, Alvin, and Clear Creek. Under his tutelage, Mr. Lehew has produced several All-Region and Area instrumentalists, as well as a handful of All-State musicians. In his spare time, Mr. Lehew loves to travel. He also spends his summer months working with Houston area band camps to help students become the best musicians they can be. Mr. Lehew does all of this to continually mentor students outside of school and to help develop students into the leaders he knows they have the potential to become someday. Mr. Lehew is a 2010 graduate of the University of Houston and has earned his Masters in Music Education from Tarleton State University in 2021. Mr. Lehew is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the National Band Association. He also holds the rank of Eagle Scout for the Boy Scouts of America. |
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Elementary Beginning Band
Greenleaf Elementary, Peach Creek, Piney Woods and Timber Lakes elementary each have a band program on their campus. All four groups consist of sixth grade students. When combined, they become the Splendora ISD Beginning Band Ensemble. The beginning band program is under the direction of Mr. Pat Crofton and Mr. Cliff Brown.
Concert Band
The Splendora Junior High Concert Band is the sub-non-varsity ensemble. The students who make up this group are mostly those with a year of experience playing their instrument as well as those seventh and eighth graders who joined the band program later in life. Participation in region band auditions are optional, however, strongly encouraged.
Symphonic Band
The Splendora Junior High Symphonic Band is the non-varsity ensemble. The students who make up this group are those who have experienced at least one year of band, either beginning band or seventh grade, and are capable of competing at UIL. Participation in region band auditions are optional, however, strongly encouraged.
Wind Ensemble
The Splendora Junior High Wind Ensemble is the varsity ensemble. In order to be a member of this group, a student must demonstrate the highest level of musical maturity, technical proficiency and commitment to rehearsal and practice time. A student must seriously pursue individual goals on their instrument as well as working diligently toward ensemble goals.This ensemble is made up of one or two year experienced band students and competes at the highest level at all UIL events, solo and ensemble contests, region band auditions, and concert festivals. This ensemble is also eligible for State advancement every other year. All three Splendora Junior High Band Ensembles are under the direction of Mr. Michael Lehew, with assistance from Mr. Pat Crofton, Mr. Cliff Brown, and Mr. Brian Best.
Color Guard
The Splendora Junior High School Color Guard is made up of 7th and 8th grade students that learn dance with the addition of props. Their primary skill set is in the art of tossing flags, rifles, and sabres at a beginner to intermediate level. Students learn many forms of dance and movement to help develop artistic expression in their craft.
In the fall, the Color Guard performs as an auxiliary unit in conjunction with the SJH Band at all pep rallies, football games, and concert performances. In the spring season, the Color Guard participates in an independent showcase called, Winter Guard. This is a competitive organization that performs indoors without the assistance of the band.
The Color Guard program offers students the opportunity to be involved in music and dance in a new and exciting way. For more information or to join the program, please see a band director.
In the fall, the Color Guard performs as an auxiliary unit in conjunction with the SJH Band at all pep rallies, football games, and concert performances. In the spring season, the Color Guard participates in an independent showcase called, Winter Guard. This is a competitive organization that performs indoors without the assistance of the band.
The Color Guard program offers students the opportunity to be involved in music and dance in a new and exciting way. For more information or to join the program, please see a band director.