Lufkin Middle School marks completion of new band room

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - The Lufkin Middle School band hall is now complete.

The project is part of a 2018 bond package approved by voters. The middle school band room was completely renovated in phase two of the bond project.

Head band director for the middle school, Tommy Smith, said there are about 300 band students among the three grades.

“The kids are excited, and just being a part of something like this, you can really tell the program will grow foreseeing this,” Smith said.

The band hall consists of the main band room, a smaller band room for ensembles, practice rooms, and a new foyer. Smith said the old band hall needed several repairs. He said the old band hall did not pique kids interest.

“We did wonderful things, don’t get me wrong but to have this, I think it’s just going to energize everybody: the teachers, the other band directors, the students. I think we’re all just excited for this to finally happen and to get the kids in,” Smith said.

Seventh grade band student, Sally Little said her classmates are going to enjoy seeing the band hall for the first time.

“I think they will probably have a lot of fun when they first see it. They will be so excited when they first see it like ‘oh my goodness this is so nice, I’m so excited to finally get back into the band hall,’” Little said.

Along with the band hall, phase two of the bond project focuses on the choir, cheer, and drill team room, as well as auditorium, and cafeteria. The final phase consists of the library and special education wing. Smith said that he believes this new room will bring students in.

“I think that them just being here and seeing the effort that Lufkin ISD has made for us and this band program, I think it brings them in,” Smith said.

The district said students should be able to move into the band hall in the next few weeks after all the new furniture is done being put together.

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