Almost Famous...

K L E I N N E W S 

Office of Public Information

Klein Independent School District

7200 Spring-Cypress Road

Klein, Texas 77379

Phone (832) 249-4000 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2009

Mike Rogers Builds a Strong Band at Klein Intermediate School

During the four years that Mr. Mike Rogers has directed the band at Klein Intermediate School, the band has grown from 72 members to an enrollment of almost 300. Since beginning his career at Klein Intermediate, Mr. Rogers has relied on his training in music education at Baylor University, his musical history, and his guidance from the Klein Intermediate administrative team to assist him in building a successful program. 

Mr. Rogers began his study of music by taking piano and clarinet lessons. In the sixth grade, he discovered that the trumpet was the instrument for him. He continued in band through MacArthur High School in Irving and at Baylor. The selection of music education as his major seemed natural for Mr. Rogers. He loves music. He learned leadership skills that would be valuable in a teaching career while earning the Eagle Scout rank. And he had enjoyed leading youth in a church setting. 

In working with students and their parents, Mr. Rogers tries to maintain a servant attitude. He listens to discover what the parents and students want and how he can work with them to meet their needs. 

As momentum has grown for becoming a member of the Klein Intermediate band, Mr. Rogers has worked to take care of his students. He has found ways to teach the knowledge and skills required by the state curriculum while allowing students to play songs that are similar to their musical interests. As a result of his awareness of the interests of students, they have become more willing and excited about playing more traditional intermediate school band music. After broadening students’ horizons, they also have begun to listen to and enjoy music of various cultures. 

Words of praise from officials at the South Coast Music Festival reflect the team work and discipline that Mr. Rogers’ students learn while they are growing as musicians. After the recent festival, an official indicated to Mr. Rogers that Klein Intermediate students knew what to do when they performed and when they were a part of the audience while other groups performed.

Mr. Rogers is assisted by Mr. Chase DeBord. As time allows, he is also assisted by Mr. Paul Worosello, Ms. Lynda Eubanks, Mr. Ryan Barker, and Mr. Ray Ulibarri who are members of the Klein Forest band staff.

Mr. Rogers is married to Suzi Rogers who is a teacher at Dueitt Middle School in the Spring ISD. She, like Mr. Rogers, graduated from MacArthur High School and Baylor University.

* I'm a very proud wife! *