Dr. William Summerhill, Head of Amarillo's Ascension Academy, has been recognized by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), joining a small group of only 200 administrators who have received such an honor.

The TMEA Distinguished Administrator Award program recognizes school administrators whose support has been critical to the music program successes in schools across the state. Dr. Summerhill was nominated by the Ascension Academy Music Department.

"When Dr. Summerhill took the helm at Ascension Academy, we had a small choir and an orchestra program, but no band," says teacher Kellie Bartley. "Over the next few months, he was so steadfast in the desire to form a band that he made several accommodations to the master schedule to fit in this new class at the only time I could be on campus to teach."

The band, which started with only nine students, quickly doubled in size and a second section was added for advanced players. That's when Dr. Summerhill decided it was time for the band to play at pep rallies.

"I told Dr. Summerhill that we had no percussionist to play. After all, what's a pep rally without drummers?" recalls Bartley. "Well this did not deter his plans one bit! He picked up a pair of sticks and worked up a beat on a donated electric drum set and played with us at the first pep rally!"

Because of Dr. Summerhill's love for band, Ascension Academy has also added a private lesson program and a percussion component. The band has successfully competed in spring competitions, placed students in middle and high school Region Bands, and now performs annually as a full orchestra for Christmas programs and spring graduation.

Read the original here:

Head of Amarillo's Ascension Academy Recognized by TMEA - - MyHighPlains