An invitation to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic doesn’t come along every day, and school music programs all across the country jump at the chance to showcase their top ensembles to the event’s international audience of K-12 and college-level music educators and industry professionals during the annual gathering, which was hosted in Chicago in December.

For the Spring High School Percussion Ensemble, performing at this year’s event was a chance to shine on a national stage and show off the strength and depth of Spring ISD’s award-winning performing arts programs. The 17-student ensemble, playing a wide array of percussion instruments, presented a full program of music in a range of international styles, including several world premieres of brand-new compositions. 

Unprecedented in Midwest Clinic history, Spring ISD’s very own superintendent, Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, not only attended the performance in Chicago, but took the stage along with the students, narrating “Ideal of Hope,” melodies from the latest “Superman” movie, while Spring ISD Director of Performing and Visual Arts Dr. Joe Clark conducted.

“We’re so excited for the Spring High School Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of JD Guzman, percussion director, and Head Band Director Jason Smith, on being selected to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic and Convention,” Clark said. “This is an incredible achievement and a testament to the exceptional talent and hard work of the ensemble.”

And after the group’s performance in Chicago, the rave reviews keep coming in. 

Richard C. Crain, former director of music for Spring ISD and the immediate past president of the board of directors of The Midwest Clinic, reached out to Spring ISD Board of Trustees President Justine Durant to offer his personal congratulations on the ensemble’s performance.

“The Spring High School Percussion Ensemble exhibited a level of excellence that truly captured the spirit of the fine arts,” Crain wrote. “Their performance not only showcased the remarkable skills of the individual musicians but also reflected the high standards of your entire music education program. We were deeply impressed by the precision, passion, and artistic expression displayed by your students.”

Michigan State University Director of Bands Kevin Sedatole – who also happens to be a proud Spring High School graduate – also congratulated the school’s percussion ensemble, saying their performance brought him back to his own high school years.

“As a former student, I am grateful for the opportunities and life lessons afforded to me through our district’s commitment to the arts,” Sedatole wrote. “Seeing the Spring High School Percussion Ensemble continue to thrive fills me with pride and nostalgia. The dedication of the educators, parents, and the entire school community is truly commendable.”

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, a longtime college band director, author and currently the senior vice president of education for musical instrument manufacturer and distributor Conn Selmer, Inc., also took note.

“You well know, the performing groups who are invited to any of The Midwest Clinic stages represent the finest in the country,” Lautzenheiser wrote in a letter to the district’s performing and visual arts office. “Spring High School has a legacy status through their many appearances throughout the history of the event. Spring High School is synonymous with musical-artistic excellence, and – as always – they did not ‘meet the expected standards,’ but rather ‘set a new standard.’ Bravo!”

Crain, in his letter, also took the opportunity to commend the Spring ISD Board of Trustees for their continued support of quality arts education.

“Amid countless obstacles and challenges in public education including inadequate funding or policy support, it is heartening to see school districts like Spring ISD prioritize and invest in the arts,” Crain said. “You recognize the invaluable impact the fine arts have on the overall development of all students. Your dedication to maintaining a robust fine arts program is a testament to the importance you place on providing a well-rounded education that goes far beyond academics.”

Held annually in Chicago since its inception in 1946, The Midwest Clinic has become the world’s largest instrumental music education conference, now attended annually by an international audience of more than 18,000 music educators, students, and industry professionals. Originally launched as a way to introduce directors to new repertoire for their ensembles, the event has expanded in scope over the years, but continues to host more than 40 concerts and new music reading sessions each year, featuring top student ensembles from the U.S. and abroad.