LDHS Falcon Band
- This Week
- Weekly Schedules
- Charms
- Absence Request Form
- Staff
- Ensembles
- Potential & New Members
- Forms
- Private Lessons
- Music Adventures International - The Sound of Texas
This Week
2023 December Audition Results
Posted by Denise Kennedy on 12/13/2023
Please click the link below to view the results from the December Placement Audition. Thank you for your preparation. We are looking forward to taking all 3 bands to UIL this year and to a very productive spring semester. Results will become final pending scheduling of spring classes.
2023 December Placement Results
2023-2024 Leadership Results
Posted by Denise Kennedy on 5/4/2023 7:00:00 PM
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Falcon Band Leadership Team!
We are extremely proud of all who participated in this year's audition process and are looking forward to a productive and successful new year.
2023-2024 Falcon Band Leadership Team
2023-2024 Falcon Drumline Results
Posted by Denise Kennedy on 5/1/2023 8:00:00 PM
2023-2024 Falcon Drumline Results
Charms Password Instructions
Posted by Denise Kennedy on 6/1/2022
As we approach the new season, many families will be trying to access their student's Charms accounts. Here are instructions on how to reset your password from the comfort of your own home.
In the event that these instructions do not produce the results you desire, please send an email to Ms. Kennedy and your password will be reset manually. Note that password reset links are only good for 24 hours!
You may also change your user-generated password at any time!
Weekly Schedules
Charms
Charms Information and Log In
Charms Log In CHARMS Access What is is?
It is an online data base that allows parents and students to view:
-student information (can be updated online by you!)
-student financial information
-student forms to be turned in
-calendar information
-music and documents specific to each student
How do I access my child's information?
1. Go to www.charmsoffice.com
2. On the right side of the home screen find the "helper/parent/student" login box (upper righthand corner).
Enter "lakedallasband" in the school log-in field.
3. The next screen is the Lake Dallas Band Public Portal. To view the full Band calendar or any student information you must enter your password in the "Student Area Password" field.
- First Time User: Your student password is your LDISD username (grad year+first initial+last name). You will be prompted to set a unique password that is linked to the account. Parents & students must use the same password, therefore it is advised that together you choose a password that can be easily remembered by both parent and member.
- Non-First Time Use: Your password is the unique password that you created when you first entered your account. If your password is not working, please follow the prompts to "reset your password".
4. Once you have entered your password, you will be taken to the Student Member's home page. Select the icon that describes the information that you wish to view.
Who do I contact if I have questions or cannot access my account?
Please send an email request to Denise Kennedy at the HS Band Hall. Please keep in mind that the HS Directors teach during the regular school day and are not always available to reply immediately. Please allow 1-2 days for a response.
Forgot your password? Use these instructions to reset your password!
Need to change your password? Use these instructions to change your password!
Absence Request Form
Staff
- Denise Kennedy, Director of Bands, Director of Jazz Studies
- Brandon Kofahl, Assistant Director
- Jeff Garza, Assistant Director of Bands, Percussion Specialist
- Color Guard Instruction
- Felicia May, Director of Middle School Bands
- Keil Kimmons, Assistant Middle School Director
Denise Kennedy, Director of Bands, Director of Jazz Studies
Ms. Denise Kennedy is Director of Bands and Director of Jazz Studies for the Lake Dallas ISD Band Program. She was Associate Director for the Falcon Band for two years, prior to her appointment as Director of Bands in 2011. Mrs. Kennedy is a graduate of Tulsa Edison High School and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Ms. Kennedy has enjoyed a very successful career while employed at Lake Dallas High School, having earned consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards, in addition to consistent superior ratings in Marching, Concert and Sight-reading performance.
While teaching in the North Texas area, Ms. Kennedy also serves as the Tour Director for The Sound of Texas European Concert Tour through Music Adventures International. This group travels internationally with student musicians from the North Texas area on a 16-day European Concert Tour every other summer. She has been a staff member of this group since 2014.
Her teaching experience began with a one-year assignment to Elk City Public Schools in western Oklahoma, where she was Associate Band Director and Color Guard Instructor. Following her entry year, she moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where she was Director of Music for three years at the Grove Dependent School District. She spent the next seven years working for Bixby Public Schools in Bixby, Oklahoma, as Associate Director for the Pride of Bixby High School Band, Director of Bands for Bixby Middle School and Director of Jazz and Woodwind Studies. During that time, Denise saw the high school band grow from 75 members to 120 members, and is now one of the largest 6A band programs in Oklahoma.
While at Bixby, the high school band received four state Sweepstakes Awards. The 8th grade band received three Outstanding Achievement Awards, as well as numerous superior ratings in concert and sight-reading contests. The BHS Jazz Program received three superior ratings at the State Jazz Ensemble Contest and was awarded second place in class 4A twice. Denise also worked with the BHS Woodwind Ensemble, Clarinet Choir and Saxophone Choir, each receiving consistent superior ratings. Her private students have consistently achieved membership in All-District and All-State Honor groups.
Prior to Lake Dallas, her teaching assignment was for the Mabank ISD Band Program, as Associate Director of Bands, Director of Jazz Studies and Color Guard/Winter Guard Instructor. The Mabank Bands have achieved numerous UIL Superior Ratings in Marching and Concert Band and received two Sweepstakes awards during her tenure. Under her direction, the Mabank Symphonic Band received its first UIL Sweepstakes in the history of the school. Ms. Kennedy’s Color Guard actively competed in the North Texas Color Guard Association circuit and moved from a Regional A classification to Scholastic 2A while under her direction.
Ms. Kennedy’s professional honors and awards include being elected as the TMEA Region 2 Band Chair since 2020; being named Teacher of the Year for Lake Dallas High School in 2017 and 2021, Secondary Teacher of the Year for Lake Dallas ISD in 2017, Region XI Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2017, and was a Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year Finalist in 2017; being elected as Jazz Chairman for the All-OMEA and IAJE/OBA Jazz Ensembles in 2004; being named Teacher of the Year for Bixby Middle School in 2002; being recognized as School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s “50 Director’s Who Make a Difference” in 2001; being twice named in Who’s Who Among American Teachers (1999, 2000); being named Grove School Teacher of the Year and a Masonic Teacher of Today in 1997. She is also very active as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator and private instructor throughout the states of Oklahoma and Texas.
Ms. Kennedy is a member of the Texas Bandmaster’s Association, Texas Music Educator’s Association, Texas Association of Jazz Educators, North Texas Color Guard Association, and Mu Phi Epsilon. She has also served as chairman of the Eastern District Band Director’s Association in Oklahoma and the ATSSB All-Region Jazz Band for Region 3. As a clarinetist, saxophonist and jazz pianist, Ms. Kennedy actively performs throughout Oklahoma and Texas. She has performed with jazz greats such as Bill Watrous, Rich Matteson, Lou Fischer, Shelly Berg, Diane Reeves, Paquito d’Rivera, Byron Stripling, Clark Terry, Carl Fontana and Dan Haerle.
Ms. Kennedy enjoys spending time with her three children, Kaitlyn, Zachary, and Rebecca.
Brandon Kofahl, Assistant Director
Jeff Garza, Assistant Director of Bands, Percussion Specialist
Mr. Garza attended Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas, where he performed with the Coppell High School Marching Band, Concert Band, and Honors Band under the direction of the late Scott Mason. As a sophomore, he traveled with the band to Dublin, Ireland and marched in the snare line in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade, as well as performed at a special event in Kilkenny, Ireland with the Honor Band. He also competed and received superior ratings at Texas State Solo and Ensemble and performed in numerous percussion ensembles under the direction of Jerime Harris.
Mr. Garza earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2011. While in Norman, Oklahoma, he performed with the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra and worked with phenomenal instructors and conductors, including Dr. William Wakefield, Mr. Brian Britt, Dr. John Pasquale, Dr. Debra Traficante, Dr. Jonathan Shames, and Dr. Richard Zielinksi. He participated in the OU Percussion Ensembles and Percussion Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Lance Drege, and studied percussion under Dr. Michael Wood, Dr. Nick Steward, Dr. Josh Knight, Dr. Stefan Ice, Dr. Ricardo Souza, and Dr. Nathan Daughtrey.
Mr. Garza also earned his Master’s of Music degree in Percussion Performance from New Mexico State University in 2013 and worked as a graduate assistant. While in Las Cruces, New Mexico, he wrote music for and taught the Pride of New Mexico Marching Band and taught the percussion methods class for undergraduate music education majors. He also played as the Principal Percussionist for the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra and the NMSU Wind Symphony under the direction of Mr. Monty Hill and Dr. Chris Hughes. During his second year of his master’s degree, he played in a few dozen different recitals and concerts, including solo, chamber, and ensemble performances. He wrote his thesis about the compositional techniques of Casey Cangelosi’s marimba pieces and, at the suggestion of Mr. Cangelosi himself, submitted it to the Percussive Arts Society where it was published in their Percussive Notes journal in January 2014. During his time at New Mexico State, Mr. Garza was a student of Dr. Fred Bugbee, but was also influenced heavily by Dr. Rhonda Taylor.
Following the completion of his master’s degree, Mr. Garza served as the percussion director for Sulphur Springs ISD in Sulphur Springs, Texas for eight years where he taught anything and everything percussion to students grades 6-12. In addition to his percussion responsibilities, he taught concert band for four years and jazz band for two.
Mr. Garza’s professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society and the Texas Music Educator’s Association and is a proud endorser of Vic Firth and Zildjian. He lives with his wife Amber Harmon, their two dogs, and three cats.
Color Guard Instruction
Felicia May, Director of Middle School Bands
Mrs. Felicia May is Middle School Director of Bands at Lake Dallas Middle School and began her tenure at Lake Dallas ISD in August of 2000. She is a graduate of Washington School in Greenville, Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. She earned a Master of Music Education degree from The University of North Texas.
Her teaching experience began as Director of Bands at Union Public Schools in Union, MS where she taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation for two years. She led the Union High School Band to the first ever Mississippi Marching Band Championship as one of two 2A high school bands to receive that honor. Under her leadership the Union High School Band received unanimous superior ratings in all contests entered and a Best in Class at the District III State Marching Band Contest in October 1996.
Mrs. May’s professional honors and awards include being inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society and Kappa Delta Pi National Education Honor Society in Spring 1995. She was named Secondary Teacher of the Year for Lake Dallas ISD in 2013. She served as Treasurer for Region 24 Middle School Bands for 7 years. She is an active adjudicator and clinician in the North Texas region. Her professional affiliations include The Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association.
Mrs. May enjoys cooking, creating recipes, photographing her food, and watching Ole Miss football, the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers with her husband John. She and her husband also love to arrange music for their company Lost Key Music.
Lake Dallas Middle School Band - Webpage
Keil Kimmons, Assistant Middle School Director
Ensembles
Falcon Marching Band
Marching Band class is scheduled as a “zero” hour class and meets outside of the school day. All members of the Falcon Band program are required to participate in the Falcon Marching Band. The rehearsal demands on students are rigorous, and the highest level of commitment is expected. Due to illness, absences, eligibility, etc., the marching band must have an alternate policy in place. Please see our alternate policy in this handbook. Performances include all home and away varsity football games, pep rallies, parades, and marching competitions throughout the season. Please see the calendar for exact dates/times.
Wind Symphony
The Wind Symphony is the top performing ensemble in the band program at LDHS. This ensemble is open to students in all four grades by audition and consistently performs upper-level high school and collegiate band literature. Members of this group have demonstrated the highest level of musical maturity, technical proficiency, and commitment to the LDHS band program. As a part of this ensemble, students are REQUIRED to attend weekly sectionals throughout the year, participate in scheduled concert clinic rehearsals, participate in UIL Solo Contest in late February, and attend daily before school (8:00 am) full ensemble rehearsals beginning mid-November and ending at the director’s discretion (generally mid-May). Students are also strongly encouraged to audition for the All-Region Band audition. Students must consciously work both in and out of rehearsal to improve their individual musicianship while also pursuing individual and ensemble goals. Members are strongly encouraged to take private lessons. The Wind Symphony performs at band concerts, concert band festivals, and at the UIL concert contest in the spring each year.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is the second performing ensemble in the band program at LDHS. This ensemble is open to students in all four grades by audition and consistently performs upper-level high school band literature. Members of this group have demonstrated a high level of musical maturity, technical proficiency, and commitment to the LDHS band program. A strong emphasis is placed on the continued development of proper tone quality, internalized pulse, rhythmic understanding, intonation skills, technical facility, and stylistic concepts in addition to overall ensemble skills. As a part of this ensemble, students are REQUIRED to attend weekly sectionals throughout the year, participate in scheduled concert clinic rehearsals, participate in either the UIL Solo Contest in late February or the LDISD Solo and Ensemble Festival in mid-April, and attend daily after school full ensemble rehearsals (until 4:00 pm) beginning mid-November and ending at the director’s discretion (generally mid-May). Students are also strongly encouraged to prepare portions of the All-Region Band audition music. Students must consciously work both in and out of rehearsal to improve their individual musicianship while also pursuing individual and ensemble goals. Members are strongly encouraged to take private lessons. The Symphonic Band performs at band concerts, concert band festivals, and at the UIL Concert and Sight-reading contest in the spring each year.
Concert Band
The Concert Band is the third performing ensemble in the band program at LDHS. This ensemble is open to students in all four grades by audition and consistently performs mid-level high school band literature. Members of this group have demonstrated musical maturity, technical proficiency, and commitment to the LDHS band program. Strong emphasis is placed on developing essential individual fundamentals and ensemble skills. As a part of this ensemble, students are strongly encouraged to prepare portions of the All-Region Band audition music and will be required to participate in the LDISD Solo and Ensemble Festival in late spring. Members may participate in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest with director approval, only. Students must consciously work both in and out of rehearsal to improve their individual musicianship while also pursuing individual and ensemble goals. Members are strongly encouraged to take private lessons. The Concert Band performs at band concerts and performance at the UIL concert contest in the spring is determined by group eligibility and director discretion.
Percussion
Membership in Falcon Percussion is open to all percussionists who have successfully participated in a middle school band program. The members of Falcon Percussion will focus on the Falcon Marching Band Competition show as well as All-State Concert and Jazz etudes during the fall semester. During the Fall Semester, percussion students will be scheduled according to their drumline assignments. The Battery and Front Ensemble students MUST be enrolled in either first or fifth period band class, as determined by the band staff. The Falcon Drumline participates at all events as part of the Falcon Marching Band, as well as regional drumline competitions in the fall. During the spring semester the Lake Dallas Percussion students will audition and be placed into an ability-based band class for UIL Concert and Sight-reading preparation. The performing ensembles include the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. In addition, the students will perform individually at the UIL Solo Contest in February and also present a percussion ensemble concert in the spring.
Jazz Ensembles
The Lake Dallas High School Jazz Bands are open by audition to all students currently enrolled in the LDHS Band program. The Falcon Jazz Ensembles meet during the school day. Students will be placed into one of two jazz ensembles based on their fundamental technique, knowledge of jazz performance and a spring audition.
- Jazz Ensemble 1 performs at multiple community events, band concerts, and competitive festivals. The focus of Jazz Ensemble 1 is performance, while working on advanced improvisational techniques throughout the year.
- Jazz Ensemble 2 performs at band concerts and a competitive festival. The focus of Jazz Ensemble 2 is to develop fundamental jazz technique with an introduction to elementary/intermediate improvisational techniques.
Color Guard
The Falcon Guard is most well known for their contribution to the marching band in the fall. Using rifles, sabers, props, and a wide assortment of flags, the guard provides a fantastic visual effect to the show. During the spring, membership continues in the form of “Winter Guard” and the Falcon Guard competes in the North Texas Colorguard Association competitive circuit. The Colorguard class is scheduled as a “zero” hour and meets outside of the school day. Membership is determined by audition and is open any LDHS student in all four grades, except those noted below. While we strive to recruit students from outside the Falcon Band program, occasionally band members choose to audition. Students who already play a wind instrument must agree to continue playing their concert instrument in conjunction with their colorguard / winterguard participation. Members of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble 1 or Percussion students are NOT eligible to participate in Color Guard and/or Winterguard, due to the extensive rehearsal, practice and performance nature of these ensembles.
Potential & New Members
Future Falcon Band Members
Pre-Participation Evaluation - Required by the UIL for ALL band members
- Page One - Medical History: To be filled out by the parent
- Page Two - Doctor's Physical Examination: To be filled out by a qualified medical professional
A Parent's Guide to the Lake Dallas Falcon Band - Revised June 2020
A Parent's Guide to Band Competition - Revised June 2020
New Member Survival Guide - Sage advice from those who came before you!
New Member Meeting Presentation - Slides from April 26th, 2022 meeting
Charms Access - All new accounts will be available for access June 1, 2022
Forms
Required Forms for Band - 2023-2024
ALL Falcon Band members, regardless of participation level, are required to participate in a yearly doctor's physical. This requirement is more stringent than required by the UIL.
Pre-Participation Physical Examination Forms (PPE)
- Page 1 - Medical History (to be completed by the parent)
- Page 2 - Doctor's Evaluation (to be completed by a physician)
Please submit your completed and SIGNED forms to the Band Office PRIOR to the first day of July Band Camp.*
*Per UIL, students will be unable to actively participate without these completed documents on file.
Other Helpful Forms and Documents!
Checklist for Marching Band_2023 - Use this handy list to make sure that you have everything you need for our fall marching season!
Registration Day Information
Registration Day 2023-2024 Cover Letter
Registration Day Guide 2023-2024
Registration Forms
Please complete the following forms prior to our Registration Day (June 1, 2023)
UIL Acknowledgement Form 2023-2024
Medical & Emergency Authorization 2023-2024
Drug, Alcohol & Social Media Policy 2023-2024
Handbook Acknowledgement Form 2023-2024
- Falcon Band Handbook - revised June 2023
Print the form below that applies to you & bring it with you on Registration Day.
New Member Fee Sheet - Winds & Percussion
Returning Member Fee Sheet - Winds & Percussion
New Member Fee Sheet - Colorguard - coming soon
Returning Member Fee Sheet - Colorguard - coming soon
Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Why take private lessons?
As you know, learning to play an instrument does not end after the sixth grade, but continues as a lifelong study, which requires practice and instruction. Private lessons are a way to continue that learning process at a detailed level that is difficult to achieve in a full band setting. Students take private lessons for a variety of reasons - advanced training, remedial training, and one-on-one assistance, to name a few.
Private lessons are strongly encouraged for ALL band members. The Falcon Band program has established a private lesson program made up of the finest private teachers in the North Dallas area. All students will greatly benefit from the individual attention that private lessons offer, allowing them the opportunity to enhance their performance abilities and knowledge of their instrument and music.
For the convenience of the students and parents, private lessons can be arranged at school, both during and outside of the band class time. Lessons can be arranged at any time during the school year, as well as during the summer months.
Private lessons are provided at the weekly rate of $20.00 per 30 minute lesson. Financial aid is available to students who qualify based on need.
To sign up to participate in our private lesson program, please click the link below to fill out the online enrollment form. An instructor will contact you to make lesson arrangements.
Private Lesson Scholarships
Because we want to make lessons accessible to all members, our Band Boosters generously raise money for the sole purpose of providing financial assistance for private lessons. Scholarships are for half-tuition ($10.00) per weekly 30 minutelesson and are awarded based on need.
The application for a scholarship is available at the end of the Private Lesson Enrollment Form. It is important to mention that all information provided in the application will be kept confidential and will not be shared or discussed outside of the band staff. Awards will be determined by the band staff.
The number of available scholarships is limited, so we encourage you to get your applications submitted in a timely manner. Scholarships will be awarded as long as finances are available.
If you have questions regarding our private lesson program, please speak to one of the band staff.