Royal High School Jazz Band Earns First-Ever Superior Rating, Marking Milestone for Royal ISD Music Program
For families in Royal ISD, moments like this reflect more than a single performance—they signal the growth of opportunities, pride, and investment in student success across the community.
Royal High School’s jazz band has reached a new milestone, earning its first-ever Superior Rating—the highest possible distinction—at the Jazz in the Woods Festival, hosted at Spring Woods High School. For a program still in just its third year, the achievement highlights how quickly Royal ISD’s fine arts programs are evolving and gaining recognition across Texas.
The recognition not only celebrates musical excellence, but also reinforces the role that arts education plays in shaping well-rounded students, strengthening school culture, and building long-term community identity in Royal and surrounding areas.
A Breakthrough Moment for Royal ISD Fine Arts
The Jazz in the Woods Festival is known for bringing together competitive high school jazz programs from across the region, challenging students to perform at a high level in both technical skill and musical expression.
For Royal High School to earn a Superior Rating—especially as a relatively new program—marks a turning point.
It reflects years of groundwork, from recruiting student musicians to building ensemble cohesion and establishing a standard of excellence. For parents, educators, and residents, it’s a visible sign that Royal ISD’s investment in fine arts is delivering results that extend beyond the classroom.
Student Achievement Reaches the State Level
In addition to the band’s overall success, one student’s accomplishment stood out on a statewide stage.
Rafael Garces, bass guitarist in the rhythm section, earned 3rd place in Texas 4A All-State Jazz—an honor that places him among the top student jazz musicians in his classification across Texas.
Individual recognitions like this not only highlight personal dedication but also elevate the profile of Royal High School’s music program statewide, opening doors for future students and strengthening the district’s academic and extracurricular reputation.
Meet the Royal High School Jazz Band
The historic performance was the result of a full ensemble effort, with students representing multiple sections of the band:
Rhythm Section
- Rafael Garces – Bass Guitar (3rd Place Texas 4A All-State Jazz)
- Viviana Medina – Auxiliary Percussion
- Manuel Rodriguez – Drum Set
Trumpets
- Devin Ruley – All-Region Jazz Band Member
- Christian Solorio
- Gloria Gomez
Trombones
- Justin Segura – All-Region Jazz Band Member
- Timiyah Johnson
- Mason Martin
Saxophones
- Lindsey Moreno – Alto Saxophone
- Angel Ramirez – Alto Saxophone
- Vin Turner – Tenor Saxophone
- Uriel Flores – Baritone Saxophone
- Natalia Hernandez – Alto Saxophone
Their collective performance reflects not only individual talent, but also the discipline and collaboration required in a successful jazz ensemble.
Leadership Driving Growth at Royal High School
Behind the scenes, the program’s rapid progress points to strong leadership and a clear vision for what music education can become in Royal ISD.
Head Jazz Band Director Willie Smith and Director of Bands Gary S. Miller Jr. have played a key role in building the program from the ground up. Their efforts have focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students, emphasizing both performance excellence and personal growth.
For many families, this kind of leadership is part of what makes Royal ISD an increasingly attractive district—where students are encouraged to explore talents beyond academics and pursue excellence in diverse fields.
Why This Matters for the Royal Community
Achievements like this extend beyond the stage.
A strong fine arts program contributes to:
- Increased student engagement and confidence
- Broader college and scholarship opportunities
- Enhanced school pride and community connection
- A more well-rounded educational experience
As Royal ISD continues to grow, milestones like this signal a district investing in the full development of its students—not just academically, but creatively and culturally.
What Comes Next for Royal Jazz
With its first Superior Rating now part of school history, Royal High School’s jazz program is positioned for continued growth.
As younger students see what’s possible and more performers gain experience, the expectation is that Royal Jazz will continue to compete—and succeed—at increasingly high levels across Texas.
For now, this moment stands as both a celebration and a foundation—a sign that something meaningful is being built in Royal ISD.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more updates on Royal ISD achievements, local student success stories, and community developments shaping the future of the area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.