Ellison High School Wind Ensemble Performs at State Festival : This past weekend the Ellison High School Wind Ensemble made history by being the first Killeen ISD band to be invited and perform at the UIL State Wind Ensemble held at the University of Texas at Austin’s Bates Recital Hall.
The UIL State Wind Ensemble Festival highlights musical artistry over competition. Ensembles are invited based on superior ratings at their UIL Region concert evaluation, and instead of ratings or rankings, they receive detailed feedback from a panel of expert evaluators from top universities.
Following their performance, Ellison students participated in a clinic with Dr. Jason Zastoupil, Professor of Music at the University of Tennessee, who offered insight and guidance on refining their musical expression. Students also had the opportunity to attend additional ensemble performances throughout the day, making this a meaningful experience both musically and educationally.
Two students, Natalyia Goodman and Jewel Reese, earned the UIL Outstanding Performer State Designation—a high distinction awarded to individuals or sections within performing ensembles who demonstrate exemplary musicianship.
The Ellison band program is led by directors Erik Reynolds, Daniel Young and Larry Ballard.
The final day of the baseball regular season is Friday. All five KISD teams are in action. #WeAreKISD
The Killeen Independent School District is proud to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 with a series of commencement ceremonies scheduled for May at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton. More than 2,600 students are expected to graduate.
Graduation ceremonies for the district’s six high schools are as follows:
Wednesday, May 21
7 p.m. — Early College High School
Friday, May 23
9 a.m. — Killeen High School
2 p.m. — Harker Heights High School
Saturday, May 24
9 a.m. — C.E. Ellison High School
2 p.m. — Chaparral High School
7 p.m. — Robert M. Shoemaker High School
All attendees must present a ticket for entry. Tickets will be distributed to graduating seniors by their respective schools, based on venue seating capacity.
A clear bag policy will be enforced. Backpacks, large purses, and tote bags will not be permitted inside the venue.
For those unable to attend in person, all ceremonies will be livestreamed at www.killeenisd.org/livetv.
For more details and updates, visit www.killeenisd.org/graduation.
