Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Forest Middle School (SFMS) is celebrating a historic achievement after all of its Performing Arts departments—Band, Orchestra, and Choir—earned Superior ratings across the board at this year’s UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.

This accomplishment, known as a "Sweepstakes" or a "Sweep," is a rare feat. The UIL competition, which evaluates both concert performance and sight-reading abilities, challenges students to excel beyond their academic studies, pushing them to think creatively, work together, and express themselves with confidence.

The success of SFMS not only highlights the talent of the Bobcats but also emphasizes the role of arts education in developing well-rounded students. In alignment with Spring Branch ISD’s (SBISD) focus on the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate, this accomplishment demonstrates how students can excel academically, creatively, and personally. The skills developed through the arts—such as collaboration, critical thinking, and discipline—are invaluable in preparing students for success.

SBISD has been recognized as a District of Distinction for the Arts for four consecutive years. The achievement at Spring Forest is a powerful reflection of the high standards and outcomes consistently demonstrated across the district.

Spring Forest’s Performing Arts Team attributes their success to a deep culture of collaboration and mutual support.

Choir Director Emily Cheesman shared that SFMS's Performing Arts teachers "rally each other on," creating an environment where both staff and students thrive. Cheesman, who has been part of the "Magnificent M-Hall" for ten years, noted that her choirs—including the Non-Varsity Treble Choir (Bella Voce), Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir (Cambiata), and Varsity Treble Choir (Caelestis)—have consistently earned Sweepstakes honors.

Cheesman credits their success to a "recipe of consistency," a willingness of students to take direction, and a shared passion for music: "We sing because music is alive in our souls. We sing because music moves us and makes us human."

Band Director Christine Kennel, who leads the Honors Band, expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing how the performing arts programs reflect the diversity and excellence of the Spring Forest community through performances and community involvement. Kennel shared her pride in being part of a team that continually lifts each other up and strives for greatness year after year.

Assistant Band Director Luis Ramirez, who leads the Symphonic Band, also praised the students’ dedication, perseverance, and resilience: "Showing up and giving your best every single day isn’t easy, but these students pushed through and rose to the challenge."

Orchestra Director Kareem Goode echoed this praise, underscoring the hard work and commitment students demonstrated to achieve such outstanding results.

Adding to this year’s celebration, Cheesman also played a leadership role by planning and organizing the Choir Contest for all SBISD middle schools. This opportunity expanded access to the UIL experience for many students across the district, further demonstrating the commitment of SFMS Fine Arts educators to lifting up every student.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our students and directors at Spring Forest,” said Houston Hayes, Director of Performing and Visual Arts.

“This achievement is a direct result of the commitment to excellence in arts education throughout SBISD, and we owe this success to the passion and tireless effort of our teachers. Their dedication to fostering talent in every student is what makes these accomplishments possible, and we look forward to continued growth and success in all of our Fine Arts programs.”

For further details on UIL competition results visit: https://www.texasmusicforms.com/csrrptUILpublic.asp

SBISD’s Performing and Visual Arts programs are integral in nurturing both the creative and academic growth of our students, preparing them to excel as leaders and innovators in any field they pursue. 

#SBISDProud