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Katy ISD highlights music program growth and awards in districtwide fine‑arts update
Summary
District fine‑arts leaders told the board the music program serves tens of thousands of students, cited state and national honors and described outreach and vertical alignment efforts to strengthen K–12 music education across Katy ISD.
Damon Archer, Katy ISD’s executive director of fine arts, told the board on Jan. 20 that the district’s music programs serve large numbers of students and have earned state and national recognition.
Archer framed the update around four indicators—enrollment, achievement, engagement and opportunity—and said Katy ISD has more than 15,000 secondary students enrolled in music (grades 6–12) and roughly 41,000 elementary students in certified music classes; he said total K–12 music enrollment is "over 56,000." He highlighted honors including state-level UIL placements, invitations to perform at Texas Music Educators Association events, national distinctions and an international award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
The presentation emphasized program continuity: district staff described vertical feeder concerts and a district Spring Sing designed to connect elementary, junior high and high school ensembles. Lakeisha McGowan, who supports the elementary music division, described feeder‑level choral opportunities and an elementary summer choir camp for fourth and fifth graders; Susan Chiborowski gave an update on secondary choir offerings and noted certified, degreed choir staff at every junior high and high school.
Archer pointed to data he said show academic correlations: he reported music students scored hundreds of points above national and state SAT averages (figures presented in the meeting transcript included “174 points above the national SAT average” for Katy ISD music students and higher deltas for All‑State musicians). He also said All‑State musicians’ grade‑point average was 4.35. The presenters framed those statistics as evidence that music training supports academic skills and broader developmental outcomes.
Board members and attendees responded with praise during and after the presentation; several trustees noted the emotional impact of student performances and encouraged community attendance at upcoming concerts and showcases. President Redmond thanked the fine‑arts staff; the district photographer was asked to take group photos with students and mentors following the presentation.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation itself; staff said the full annual fine‑arts information and event calendars are posted on the district’s fine‑arts web pages.
Sources: Damon Archer, Lakeisha McGowan and Susan Chiborowski’s presentation to the Katy ISD Board of Trustees; trustee remarks at the Jan. 20, 2026 meeting.
