Business Details
West Mesquite High School Burnt Orange Band - Excellence in Music & Community
The West Mesquite High School Burnt Orange Band has been a cornerstone of musical excellence and community engagement for decades. Our program cultivates character, commitment, and camaraderie through rigorous musical training and performance opportunities. With a legacy of award-winning ensembles and a supportive alumni network, we empower students to grow as musicians and leaders. Our directors bring decades of combined experience, including multiple Teacher of the Year awards and leadership roles in state and national music organizations. From middle school through high school, our students consistently earn top honors at regional and state competitions.We emphasize not only technical proficiency but also the values of teamwork, discipline, and service. Our alumni continue to impact future generations, ensuring our tradition of excellence endures. Through performances, clinics, and community outreach, we strive to inspire audiences and foster a lifelong appreciation for music. Our program is built on the belief that music education transforms lives and strengthens communities.
Services
Marching Band
Wind Ensemble
Symphonic Band
Jazz Band
Percussion Program
Concert Bands
All-Region Clinics
Community Drumline Contests
Private Lessons
Student Leadership Development
Highlights and features
- Our directors have over 100 combined years of music education experience.
- We consistently earn Sweepstakes and Best in Class awards at state competitions.
- We offer specialized training in marching, concert, and jazz ensembles.
- Our alumni network supports student development through mentorship and scholarships.
- We integrate leadership development with musical instruction for holistic growth.
What people say
Musical excellence
Dedicated directors
Top honors
Strong community impact
Lasting traditions
Services
Marching Band
Our Marching Band combines precision drill with dynamic musical performance. Students develop teamwork, discipline, and stage presence through halftime shows and competition routines. The ensemble consistently earns superior ratings at regional and state events.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble offers advanced musicians challenging repertoire and performance opportunities. This select group focuses on technical mastery and expressive playing, regularly receiving top accolades at concert evaluations.
Percussion Program
Our Percussion Program provides specialized instruction in marching, concert, and jazz percussion. Students gain experience with rudiments, ensemble playing, and solo performance, achieving recognition at state competitions.
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer personalized instruction for all band instruments. Certified instructors focus on technique, repertoire, and audition preparation, helping students reach individual goals and secure placements in honor ensembles.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership Development cultivates future directors and mentors. Participants learn conducting, teaching methods, and organizational skills through hands-on experience with younger ensembles and clinics.
People
Jennifer Borders
Director of Bands
With 21 years of experience, Jennifer Borders leads our band program. A former All-State saxophonist and Drum Major, she holds degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M Commerce. She was Vanston Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2017-2018.
Lacy Brown
Associate Director
Lacy Brown, a National Board Certified Teacher, directs our Wind Symphony. She earned her Master's from Texas Christian University and was principal euphonium in their Wind Symphony. She received Mesquite ISD's ETIP District Scholar award in 2023.
Dan Dudney
Director of Percussion
Dan Dudney oversees all percussion activities. He holds degrees from Abilene Christian University and Texas Tech University. A 2012 PAS solo competition winner, he has performed internationally and is endorsed by Vic Firth/Zildjian.
Michael Gibson
Associate Director
Michael Gibson directs the Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. He has taught in multiple districts and performs with professional ensembles like the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. He holds degrees from Texas Woman's University and Texas Christian University.
Arturo Villegas
Middle School Director
Arturo Villegas directs the AC New Middle School band. He earned his degree from Tarleton State University and has taught internationally in Haiti. His ensembles consistently receive superior ratings at UIL and festival events.
Questions
What ensembles are available for students?
We offer Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and specialized percussion programs for students at all skill levels.
How do students earn leadership roles?
Leadership positions are awarded based on musical proficiency, experience, and demonstrated responsibility through annual auditions and evaluations.
What performance opportunities exist outside school?
Our bands perform at community events, regional festivals, and state competitions, with recent achievements including Lake Ridge Drumline Contest championships.
Are private lessons available for band members?
Yes, we offer private instruction for all band instruments with certified instructors to help students improve technical and performance skills.
How does the program support student development?
Beyond musical training, we emphasize character building, teamwork, and community service through mentorship programs and alumni connections.
What qualifications do directors hold?
Our directors hold advanced degrees in music education, have performed professionally, and maintain certifications from state and national music education associations.
Reviews (5)
Karla Hernandez
Oct 08, 2018
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If I can give 0 stars I will I been here one hour and 30 min my son had a doctor's appt and they couldn't get my son I'm sooooooo pist the lady at the front desk don't know how to do her job
Dr. Gina Renee Bell
Dec 03, 2017
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My children went here my daughter transferred out to Mesquite Academy after she got pregnant. During the transfer transition from West Mesquite High School while attending Mesquite Academy My daughter had accumulated numerous truency charges against her that she got arrested for after she had given birth to my grandson who was 3 weeks of age, being breastfed the officers ripped my babies apart and took her to jail for several hours. I have rated OK because I granted the issue to The Higher Authority.
Janet P.
Dec 23, 2016
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The food here is pretty much chicken everyday, my daughter is getting sick from it. You need to change that
Sylvia Castillo
Dec 14, 2016
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My son is in this school and he has learned a lot, he actually thinks it's one of the best schools and especially the ROTC program
Donnie Gossett
Feb 02, 2016
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WMHS is a fine Suburban ghetto school area which serves West Central Mesquite, Mesquite Pro Rodeo territory and, Balch Springs... Population Race 50% African American 20% White 30% Hispanic/Other races. Mesquite ISD
