Walking through the vast, open spaces of the Connally High School band halls might lead you to believe that the summer months are the off season for musicians throughout the district. To head director Dr. Nora Mosby, however, they represent the calm before the storm.
Mosby fancies herself a bit of a storm chaser. Her happy place is in the middle of the chaos, and there is nothing more chaotic than her favorite two words: “summer band”.
“I love summer band because it gives me a chance to meet all of the students and their families,” Mosby said. “It provides a unique experience to truly make your own family within the band hall.”
Mosby’s first contracted day as the head director of the Pride of the Cadets was on July 5th. In her 27 years as a music educator, she has held positions in the Rogers, Manor, and Lexington Independent School Districts. Mosby is taking over the podium from Mr. Lee Smith, who left CISD at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
“The thing that most excites me about taking the position at CHS is the opportunity that it presents,” Mosby said. “There are so many students who are hungry for success, and I cannot wait to work with them to achieve it.”
Members of the band student leadership team met with their new directors on July 17th. After hearing about the changes that they intend to make, the team feels confident and motivated.
“It is so exciting to have a team of directors that are ready to lead,” senior drum major Rainique Guardiola said. “I take a lot of pride in being a member of the band. I want us to have a positive reputation everywhere we go, and I think that these directors can help us do that.”
This year’s UIL marching band competition performance is entitled “Aurora”. The show features musical selections by Phil Collins, Luke MacMillan, and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the composers of “The Greatest Showman”.
“This year’s UIL show is exciting because it is the perfect opportunity to showcase the NEW Connally High School band,” Guardiola said. “We have a lot of young musicians joining us just at the right time.”
Summer band rehearsals start on July 24 at 4:30 PM. Students can expect hard work, disciplined teaching, and Dr. Mosby’s biggest priority: lots of fun.
“The best part of the summer band experience is that it is all about making memories,” Mosby said. “Sure, we’re going to play some great music and do some interactive activities, but 20 years from now, I want the students telling their own children about how much fun they had. Oh, and we’ll be practicing some brand new stands tunes!”
While she knows that this season’s practice hours will be long and the temperatures will be hot, Dr. Mosby is ready to jump right into the fire.
“I just want the kids to have fun and be happy,” Mosby said. “I’ve found that one of the best ways to do that is to have success. So that’s what we’re going to do this year.”