The program also earned the recognition in 2024, continuing a tradition of excellence in Frisco ISD fine arts.
By Rachel McReynolds
Frisco ISD is once again home to one of the top music ensembles in the state, with the Lawler Middle School Symphony Orchestra being named 2026 TMEA Honor Full Orchestra.
The Lawler orchestra also earned the recognition from the Texas Music Educators Association in 2024 — as part of that win, they took one year off from qualification — giving them two wins in two eligible years. The program began in 2018, when Lawler opened.
The Lawler Symphony Orchestra is led by Christine LaLonde, Christian Holzer, Kevin Sluder, Jay McKellar and Madalynn May.
“We are deeply honored to have been selected as the 2026 TMEA Honor Full Orchestra,” LaLonde said. “This achievement reflects the incredible dedication of our students, the unwavering support of our community and the collaborative work of an amazing group of educators and families. It truly takes a great team to achieve something this special. We are proud to represent the tradition of excellence at Lawler Middle School — and we can’t wait to keep making music and memories together!”
In addition, the Wakeland High School band earned second place for 2026 5A Honor Band. The Wakeland band has been collecting statewide awards in recent years, consistently qualifying for and earning medals at the state UIL Marching Championships. This year, thanks in part to the school’s fine arts success, Wakeland finished second in Class 5A for the UIL Lone Star Cup.
Also in the TMEA Honor Orchestra competition, Fowler Middle School received fifth place in Full Orchestra and sixth place in String Orchestra.
Being named a TMEA Honor Orchestra, Band or Ensemble is the highest recognition a music program in Texas can achieve.
The Lawler orchestra’s 2026 TMEA recognition continues a long tradition of fine arts excellence in Frisco ISD. The Elementary Honor Choir was named a 2025 Honor Ensemble and performed at the state TMEA conference this spring. In 2024, the first year Lawler was honored as Honor Orchestra, the Lone Star High School band was also named 5A Honor Band.
The Lawler Full Orchestra will perform in concert at the TMEA Clinic and Convention in February 2026 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio.
Congratulations to all of the Frisco ISD student musicians and their directors!