Band

The Lyles MS Lumberjack Band has been a proud part of Lyles Middle School since its opening in the fall of 1987. Over the years, band students have achieved numerous honors, including superior ratings in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, selection for the Garland ISD Middle School All-City Band and the Middle School All-Region Band, as well as awards in the GISD Solo and Ensemble Competition.

Shaun Gray, Head Director

Mr. Gray is in his 18th year as a music educator, his 6th year with Garland ISD, and his 5th year as Head Director of the Lumberjack Band.

His primary teaching responsibilities include Beginning Woodwinds, Beginning Percussion, and the Honors Band (Varsity). He also serves as an assistant instructor for the Symphonic Band (Non-Varsity) and Jazz Band.

A native of Houston, Mr. Gray attended magnet schools throughout his early education and graduated from the renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). He earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2003. During his time at UNT, he played clarinet and bass clarinet in concert bands and alto saxophone in the ‘Green Brigade’ Marching Band and Basketball Band. In his final year, he was honored to serve as Drum Major of the Green Brigade Marching Band.

David Castillo, Assistant Director

Mr. Castillo is the new Associate Band Director at Lyles Collegiate Middle School in Garland, Texas.

His teaching responsibilities include Beginning Brass, Symphonic Band (Non- Varsity), and Jazz Band. He assists with the Honors Band (Varsity).

With a deep passion for music education and extensive experience, Mr. Castillo is excited to become a part of the Lumberjack Band program. Originally from Frisco, Texas, David earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2017.

Future members

If your student is interested in signing up for Band next year:

1) They MUST mark BAND as #1 on their Elective course card

2) They MUST attend the Instrument Tryout in order to know what they will play in middle school.

3) Parents then need to begin contacting a music store to set up instrument RENTAL. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SCHOOL STARTS next year.

Find out more details on this process on the GISD Fine Arts Band page.

Visit the Lyles Band Page to get more information on the Lumberjack band!

Lyles band achieves Historic success

The Lyles Band had a record-breaking year, competing against schools from Garland ISD, Mesquite, Rockwall, Forney, and Royse City. Our students set new school records with 7 All-Region Band members, 3 Top 10 rankings, and 2 All-Region Wind Ensemble placements!

Solo and ensemble achievements included:
🎵 8 Division II (Excellent) ratings – Strong performances with room for growth.
🎵 60 Division I (Superior) ratings – Most in recent history, demonstrating outstanding musicianship!
🎵 10 Division I+ (Outstanding) ratings – Exceptional performances exceeding expectations.

Both Symphonic and Honors Bands made school history by earning the UIL Sweepstakes Trophy! Both ensembles received Superior ratings on Stage and in Sightreading, marking the first time Lyles sent two bands to UIL and both won Sweepstakes.

TMEA Region 3 All-Region Band 2024

Congratulations to the students who earned a seat in the TMEA Region 3 All-Region Band!

Pictured from left to right: Imara Sims, flute; Johnny Huyn, flute; Malcom Pavon, tenor saxophone; Graham Binu, horn; Eva Hammond, trombone; Mariyah Harrell, alto saxophone; Ailynn Diaz, clarinet (7^th grade)

Students are pictured with Lyles Administration Team members (left to right) Patrece King, Dean of Students; Gabrielle Craig, Assistant Principal (8^th Grade), Dr. Ansil Howard, Principal; and Jennifer Fowler, Assistant Principal (7^th grade).

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