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Band

The Band program at PCA seeks to fulfill Psalm 150:3-6 (…Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!) and awaken a love and understanding of music in our students.  We want this to lead to a better understanding of worship and how creating and performing music is part of being made in God’s image. 

At Pantego Christian Academy, we focus on different styles of music that allow multiple experiences and opportunities for students beyond their years at PCA.  We teach jazz, worship band, and marching.  Lessons about time management, personal responsibility and teamwork are taught daily.

History of the Pantego Panther Band

Directors Joey Guess (2001 - 2003) and Don Hanna (2003 - 2004) began our band program. Mr. Ross Brown was Director of Bands 2004 - 2017. Mr. Brown grew the program to include our marching band (2006 - present) and jazz band (2007 - present). During this time the band advanced to the TAPPS State level numerous times and the bands performed at many community events and venues, including AT&T Cowboys Stadium, Barnes & Noble (Parks Mall), and The Levitt Pavilion. 2009 brought about the middle and high school concert bands becoming independent ensembles.

In 2011, Cody Schwartz was hired to start the beginner band at the Mansfield campus, and the following year he began directing the jazz band and assisting in woodwind instruction with the Arlington Elementary and middle school bands. In 2018, Mr. Schwartz was named Director of Bands for PCA.

Band Courses

Advanced Band  - This is our "top" performance ensemble. Advanced Band plays chapels throughout the year including Veterans and Christmas and regularly seeks events to perform at throughout the community. We compete in marching band, drumline, and jazz band competitions throughout the year, in addition to All State auditions and solo and ensemble opportunities. Must have two years of playing experience.

Intermediate Band - This band plays at middle school pep rallies throughout the year and attends a jazz festival in the spring. Students also compete in the TPSMEA Middle School Honor Band and participate in solo and ensemble contests. This is for students with 1-3 years of playing experience, but that are not quite ready for marching band.

Beginner Band - For students with no playing experience on any instrument, or the instrument they wish to play. Our Beginner Band performs at a fun festival in the spring, usually at Epic Waters.

Pre-Band - Fifth grade elective; Students will learn about instruments offered at Pantego, how to read music, and what opportunities Pantego has to offer future musicians.

Pantego Panther Band Accomplishments 

  • 2022 Band State Runner Up, 4A

Marching Band:

  • 2025 Welcome to the Funky Disco! 3rd Place TAPPS State Marching Band, outstanding soloists Amiya Rayburn and Phillip Harvey.
  • 2024 Totally Tubular 80s! Sweepstakes First Division TAPPS State Marching Band, 2nd place Drumline, Outstanding Tenor Drums & Outstanding Bass Drums
  • 2023 You’re Deep in our Hearts, Texas! TAPPS State Champion Marching Band, 2nd place Drumline
  • 2022 Songs from our Childhood TAPPS State Champion Drumline, 2nd place Marching Band. TPSMEA 3rd place Marching Band
  • 2021 Let’s Groove! with Earth, Wind & Fire (Sweepstakes First Division, TAPPS State Championships)
  • 2020 Power! (Superior Rating, 3rd place TAPPS State Championships)
  • 2013 Les Miserables (Superior Rating, 3rd place TPSMEA State Contest)
  • 2012 Earth, Wind & Fire (3rd place TPSMEA State Contest)
  • 2011 Carmen (Superior Rating, 3rd place TPSMEA State Contest)
  • 2010 The Planets (Superior Rating, 3rd place TPSMEA State Contest)

Jazz Band:

  • 2024 First Division TAPPS 
  • 2024 3rd place UTA Jazz Festival
  • 2023 First Division TAPPS 
  • 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Superior Ratings at TAPPS Region and State Competitions

TPSMEA All-Region Band:

  • 2025 Ian Foushee`
  • 2023 Ariane Foushee`

Concert Band:

  • 2022 First Division TAPPS
  • 2020 Sweepstakes First Division, TPSMEA
  • 2014 Region Sweepstakes Award
  • 2013 Region Sweepstakes Award, TAPPS State Sweepstakes-highest scoring band
  • 2011 Region Sweepstakes Award, State Sight Reading Division 1
  • TAPPS Instrumental 3rd Place TAPPS 4A
  • 2010 Region and State Sweepstakes-Instrumental 5th TAPPS 3A
  • TPSMEA Concert and Sight Reading Contest-Sweepstakes
  • 2009 Region and State Sweepstakes-Instrumental State Champion TAPPS 3A
  • TPSMEA Concert and Sight Reading Contest-Sweepstakes
  • 2008 Region and State Sweepstakes-Instrumental State Champion TAPPS 4A
  • 2007 Region and State Sweepstakes-Instrumental 5th TAPPS 4A
  • 2006 Region and State Sweepstakes-Instrumental Runner Up TAPPS 4A
  • 2005 Region Sweepstakes
  • 2004 Region Sweepstakes

TPSMEA All-State Band:

  • 2013 - 2014 Darcy Todd, Nick Frederick
  • 2012 - 2013 Caleb Smutzer, Daniel Norwood, Tyler Todd, Nick Frederick (alternate) Brennan Spear (alternate)
  • 2011 - 2012 Mackenzie Moore, Ben Connel, Caleb Smutzer, Daniel Norwood, Jonathan Hryekewicz, Grant Strickland
  • 2010 - 2011 Caleb Smutzer, Jacob Fitch, Josh Smith, Jonathan Hryekewicz, Zach Shutt (alternate)
  • 2009-2010 Daniel Norwood, Caleb Smutzer, Jacob Fitch (alternate)

TPSMEA All-Region Band:

  • 2020 19% of PCA Band qualified (25% high school, 15% middle school)- Michael Onyango, Caitlyn Morris, Caroline Smith, Saxton Garmon, Kirby Schwartz, Alex Warren
  • 2019 Michael Onyango, Caitlyn Morris, Melvin Onyango, Matthew Roath

ATSSB All-Region Band:

  • 2013 - 2014 Tanner Marshall, Darcy Todd, Jonathan Passmore, Tyler Todd (area)
  • 2012 - 2013 Darcy Todd, Nick Frederick, Brennan Spear
  • 2011 - 2012 Mackenzie Moore, Caleb Smutzer (area), Jonathan Hryekewicz

TMEA All-Region Band:

  • 2012 - 2013 Caleb Smutzer

 

 

Cody Schwartz,
Director of Bands

Mr. Schwartz has been a professional musician and educator for over 30 years. He has taught private lessons and coached bands all over the state.

With a Bachelor of Music with a major in saxophone and a minor in clarinet from Stephen F. Austin State University, Mr. Schwartz is a versatile musician with extensive experience in classical and jazz performance, arranging, conducting and teaching.

He has performed with artists such as Eddie Daniels, Philips Craig and Dean, The Temptations, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, and Chicago. Cody has held professional chairs in the Texas Wind Symphony (low reeds) and the Mansfield Wind Symphony (Principal Clarinet).

Mr. Schwartz was Orchestra Director at Southcliff Church in Fort Worth from 2011 to 2023 and was the Interim Worship Pastor from 2023-2025. He has run his own live entertainment and sound reinforcement company, Mood Swings Entertainment, since 2001.