Announcing New Band Director Jackie Digby; Start of Marching Season;
and Starlight Concert - a free concert under the stars and open to the community!
This past June, members of the Plano West Senior High Band –including band alumni dating back to 1999, when the school first opened, gathered to say goodbye to James Hannah, the only band director the school had ever known, at a special retirement celebration. This month, band members for the 2017-2018 school year welcomed a new band director, Jackie Digby. In addition to serving as director of bands at Plano West, he serves as the leader for the West Cluster Band Program. Digby is no stranger to the incoming students from Jasper High School, where he served as band director for the past 15 years. Jasper High and Shepton High are the two high schools which feed into Plano West Senior High.
“I am excited to be the new director of the Plano West Band,” said Digby. “I am already familiar with the Jasper families and students and can’t wait to get to know the Shepton families and students. We also have two excellent associate directors—Eric Petrinowitsch and Preston Pearce. Together we can build on the many years of success led by Mr. Hannah.”
Prior to his tenure at Jasper High School, Digby taught at Rice Middle School and Bryant High School in Bryant, Arkansas. His bands have consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes and been named “most outstanding ensemble” at numerous festivals and “multi-year winner” in the National Wind Band Honors competition. The Jasper High School Full Orchestra, co-directed by Mr. Digby, was named the 2014 TMEA Honor Full Orchestra – the first and only non-varsity group to achieve this honor. Digby is a lifetime member of the Texas PTA and was named the 2016 Jasper High School Teacher of the Year. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Digby and his wife, Maleece, and son, Jaxon, reside in Frisco.
Marching band camp began Monday, July 31, for all 175 members and continues until the start of school: weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until August 11, changing the time to 5:30 – 8 p.m., August 14 – 17. Band camp culminates with the annual Starlight Concert, FREE and open to the community, at Plano West Senior High, 5601 Parker Road, on Friday, August 18, from 7 – 8 p.m. Starlight features all the bands of the West Cluster: Plano West, Jasper, and Shepton. This event provides attendees a first look at the all of the marching music and shows for the fall from each of the three schools. Attendees, including family, friends, and community members, bring lawn chairs and surround the parking lot for an evening of musical entertainment under the stars.
“Come enjoy a great night of music with the Plano West, Shepton and Jasper Bands,” added Digby. “They have spent the last few weeks preparing for the kick off of the marching and football season. I think everyone will be amazed at their commitment and progress.”
“The Plano West Band is an award-winning band program with very talented musicians at an amazing school,” continued Digby. “I am really pleased to be a part of this program and hope to build on an already strong foundation. I want the kids to be excited about what the future holds.”
For more information and to set up interviews, contact Plano West Band Publicity Chair Elizabeth Lenart, cell 214-394-7457. Plano West Senior High is located at 5601 W Parker Road, Plano, 75093.
“It is such a privilege to serve as the president of Plano West Band Boosters, and it is always exciting to see that wonderful magic that marching band season brings,” said Diana Rinaldi, band booster president. “Come out on August 18, and enjoy a free, fun night of music under the stars!”