For Tompkins High School senior Alex Lebsack, the payoff comes when the preparation is over and it is time to perform. Whether he is directing the marching band, playing euphonium or competing on the tennis court, the drum major is drawn to the moment when hours of practice are finally put to the test.

Katy ISD highlighted Lebsack on Sept. 10 as a student whose senior year brings together leadership, athletics and demanding academics. He entered the year as an all-A student taking Advanced Placement courses, with a weighted GPA above 4.6 and a long-term goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

The district described him as practical, calculated and driven, but Lebsack said the anticipation of performing is what keeps repetitive work from losing its purpose. “If it weren't for the performances, practicing would start to feel sort of dry,” he said. Knowing a performance is ahead, he explained, helps turn practice into mental preparation so he can enjoy the moment rather than feel overwhelmed by it.

Finding Band During the Pandemic

Lebsack’s path into band began during an isolating time. His family moved from another state to Texas in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he reached out to his junior high band director about joining virtual classes.

Those online classes introduced him to band and helped him meet friends. Some of those same students are now among the classmates he leads as Tompkins’ senior drum major.

By the time Lebsack arrived at Tompkins as a freshman, teachers and directors were already noticing his work ethic and personality. Band Director Stephen Bond said leadership positions require formal auditions, but directors also watch how students conduct themselves in class, during rehearsals and around the rest of the band. Lebsack emerged as a leader early and served as brass captain during his junior year.

Motivated by the Moment of Performance

The euphonium player approaches music with the performance in mind. Katy ISD reported that he values both the adrenaline of taking the field and the satisfaction that comes after a show, when the hours of preparation have paid off.

That preparation also shapes how he handles the responsibility of directing other students. Lebsack views the drum major role as training for stressful situations, teaching him to work through pressure and adversity rather than focusing only on musicianship.

A Leader on the Tennis Court

Lebsack is also a letterman and leader on the Tompkins tennis team. The district described him as an important part of the team and an example for other student-athletes because of the effort he brings to each task.

Tompkins Tennis Coach Renee Richardson said he is “able to balance intensity and focus while being personable and approachable.” She also described him as unafraid to use all of his available energy on a challenge, regardless of how demanding it may be.

AP Classes and a Goal of Neurosurgery

Lebsack brings the same focus to schoolwork. He entered his senior year with a weighted GPA above 4.6 while maintaining all A’s and taking AP classes.

His band and athletic periods are weighted at up to four grade points for an A, while eligible AP courses can receive up to five points under Katy ISD’s weighted-grade system. That distinction makes his GPA notable while also showing how fine arts and athletics fit into the academic calculation.

After high school, Lebsack plans to follow a pre-med path, attend medical school and work toward becoming a neurosurgeon. He told the district that he has long been interested in how the mind functions and believes his interest in biology will help sustain him through the years of study ahead.

Two Senior-Year Goals Still Ahead

Lebsack does not plan to join a college marching band, but he still has two major music goals for his final year at Tompkins. He is pursuing an all-state position on euphonium and hopes to lead the marching band to an appearance at the state marching contest.

Both remain goals rather than completed achievements, and Lebsack recognizes that reaching them will require the same discipline he brings to rehearsals, tennis and AP coursework. He believes the pressure that comes with serving as drum major is helping prepare him for future challenges well beyond the marching field.

Residents can follow My Neighborhood News for more student stories and campus news from Tompkins High School and Katy ISD.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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 readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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