Student accomplishments, organized by what matters most.
Since September 1993, Leota's students have won scholarships, seats in top college orchestras, All-Region and All-State placements, and consistent superior ratings at competition. Recent highlights are below — a selected record of results from the past three decades is one click further down.
What students are achieving right now.
The most current stories — the same ones featured on the homepage — before a selected record of past results below.
Named The Fifth Grade Orchestra Student of the Year by her director, Harper was promoted to Clark Intermediate's top orchestra after just one semester — and performed a solo after only three months of study.
Named "Most Outstanding Freshman Performer" in the Chamber Orchestra and Principal (First Chair) of the Viola Section all year — following a #1 ranking as a junior high violist in Region IX.
Principal (First Chair) Viola of the Conroe ISD Sixth Grade Honor Orchestra and of her school's Chamber Orchestra all year — Julia won her chair after just two weeks of lessons.
Earned a Superior Rating at Solo & Ensemble Contest performing the first movement of Seitz's Concerto No. 5, with a level of commitment rare for his age.
A violist in the Chamber Orchestra — the top orchestra at Irons Junior High — Nadia earned a Superior Rating performing Martini's "Gavotte" at Solo & Ensemble Contest.
A violist in Kleb Intermediate's Chamber Orchestra and a straight-A student, Lucas earned a Superior Rating performing Paganini's "Theme from Witches' Dance."
Colby Sheppard
Fiddle · Young Bob Wills, “A Ride with Bob” · 2010–2012
One of the highlights of my teaching career was working with young fiddler Colby Sheppard during an extraordinary period in his musical development. When Colby was given the opportunity to audition for Ray Benson, founder of Asleep at the Wheel, I personally coached and prepared him for that important audition. Colby won the role of young Bob Wills in Ray Benson and Anne Rapp's musical A Ride with Bob, celebrating the life and music of legendary Western Swing bandleader Bob Wills.
In July 2011, while still my student, Colby appeared with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel in A Ride with Bob at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, Texas, performing the role of young Bob Wills during the July 8–10 engagement.
Colby's accomplishments during these years extended well beyond the theatrical stage. On December 21, 2010, he was featured as a special guest at Ray Price's Christmas concert at the historic Crighton Theatre in Conroe, Texas, where the legendary country singer performed with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra.
His talent also earned recognition within the Western Swing community. Colby was named a Top Five nominee for Young Artist of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists in both 2011 and 2012, and in 2012 he received the Cowtown Society of Western Music's Rising Star of the Year award.
See more results from the past three decades.
A representative selection of scholarships, orchestra chairs, regional placements, and competition ratings since 1996 — organized by category, not by year. This is not a complete list of every student's every achievement.
Ready to find out what your student is capable of?
Schedule your informational interview and lesson by texting or calling (713) 502-8608.