Kevin Garza, Director and Conductor, Symphony Orchestra
Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degree in composition from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in 2014. He studied trombone with Carl Lenthe and composition with Elliott Bark, Don Freund, and Aaron Travers. During his time at IU he played in some of the university’s most prestigious ensembles, including the IU Philharmonic Orchestra and New Music Ensemble. After leaving IU, Kevin continued to compose and perform, as well as become involved in music education. For three years he was heavily involved with the New Albany High School Band Program, both as a teacher and composer. For two years he was very active as a trombonist, performing as a member of the Louisville Winds and Brass Band of Louisville, the latter in which he performed as a soloist. Kevin continued to teach low brass both in southern Indiana and later in Dallas, where for a few years he gave masterclasses and clinics to a handful of school districts in addition to maintaining a private lesson studio. As a conductor, Kevin earned his Master’s in orchestral conducting from Southern Methodist University in 2019 and studied with Paul Phillips, the now-retired Director of Orchestral Activities and Music Director of the Meadows Symphony. In 2018 he was selected as a conducting fellow to attend the Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute held on Whidbey Island. Kevin is currently the Director of Orchestras at Williams High School in Plano ISD, where he took over the position two weeks into the 2020 school year. Since his arrival the program is getting back on its feet with the reinstatement of the Williams High School Orchestra Booster Club, and the orchestra earning a sweepstakes at UIL Contest in 2022 and 2023. When not poring over scores or chattering on about Bach, Kevin enjoys cooking, coffee, reading, yard work, and visiting friends and family.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Minimum 8th Grade - 12th Grade Rehearsals: 4:00 - 6:30 Pm Conductor and Director, Kevin Garza
The Symphony orchestra is a full orchestra for advanced/ intermediate orchestra students in High school and select middle school students. This orchestra is a great training orchestra for students who are on their way to becoming fully accomplished all region or all state selectees. This will help them gain the experience and confidence to progress into the high demands of the Young Artist Orchestra. The Symphony will learn major symphonic works and will perform 4 concerts per season.