![a group of orchestra students and staff holding a trophy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785939371/cfbisdedu/rakjz4iidkxcvdgqay4r/Polkorchestra.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785939371/cfbisdedu/rakjz4iidkxcvdgqay4r/Polkorchestra.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1785939371/cfbisdedu/rakjz4iidkxcvdgqay4r/Polkorchestra.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785939371/cfbisdedu/rakjz4iidkxcvdgqay4r/Polkorchestra.jpg","width":860}])
Ted Polk Middle School’s orchestra program, under the leadership of directors Les Sellers and Jesse Samaripa II, has been selected as a 2027 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Orchestra Division Invited Program Spotlight and will be featured at the 2027 TMEA convention in San Antonio.
This honor recognizes outstanding orchestra programs that exemplify innovative teaching, meaningful student experiences and positive impacts on their school and community. The invitation process celebrates the diverse ways Texas orchestra programs foster student growth and musical achievement. Programs of all classifications were eligible to apply, and two programs from across the state were selected to present and perform during the 2027 convention.
“Only one middle school in the entire state gets this honor each year,” Sellers emphasized. “Our amazing students absolutely nailed it this time around.”
Fellow director Jesse Samaripa added to that sentiment.
“Being selected as a spotlight orchestra is an extraordinary honor and a tremendous accomplishment for our students, school and district,” Samaripa said. “This recognition has been a dream come true, and I am incredibly excited and honored for us to represent our community at TMEA.”
Polk’s orchestra will present a clinic during the convention in February, which attracts more than 30,000 attendees annually and offers educators opportunities to learn from successful programs.
“We couldn’t be prouder of what these students and staff have accomplished,” added Mark Rohwer, CFBISD director of fine arts. “To have them featured at a leading convention like TMEA just validates how remarkable these kids and their directors are.”
About Ted Polk Middle School orchestra
Serving approximately 350 students, the Ted Polk Middle School orchestra has built a reputation for excellence. Through record-setting All-Region representation, consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards and a commitment to advanced repertoire, the program emphasizes both musical achievement and character development. Guided by the philosophy that strong instructional systems empower every child to succeed regardless of background, the Polk orchestra continues to serve as a national model for equity and excellence in music education.