Just a few days into the school year in Wylie ISD, Adam Powell is working to keep his eighth graders on note and tempo.
But a few years ago, the Cooper Junior High band director took an extra step to help his young musicians find meaning in what they were playing.
“As music teachers, we want to help our students connect with the music that they’re performing,” he said.
Working alongside Assistant Director Misty Smith, Powell turned to a local composer to commission a score.
The students of his 2012 symphonic band agreed to use $3,000 of their fundraising efforts.
“I think they’re going to be really proud of the opportunity to play something that was written specifically for them,” Smith said.
The opportunity was also a chance to honor the school’s namesake.
Raymond B. Cooper came to