Music
Greetings parents and students!
Welcome to music!
Our curriculum promises to capture the creative instinct of each student. Students will learn what it takes to become successful in music theory, vocabulary, musical elements, concepts and principles. They will be introduced to the creative and expressive concept of “making music” which includes technology, singing, and playing a musical instrument. Students will also be introduced to music’s influence in different societies, cultures, and time periods. As a result, each student will possess the skills necessary to compare and contrast their personal work and the works of others. Most importantly; your child will learn the role of music and it's importance in the enrichment of the human spirit.
"Music is what feelings sound like." ~ Unknown
GENERAL MUSIC
Haywood Neely is an award-winning music educator with over a decade of experience in Texas schools. A proud graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting.
As a committed lifelong learner, Mr. Neely is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at the University of North Texas. He is a Texas SBEC certified music educator (EC-12) and has completed advanced specialized training as a Level I and Level II Kodály Certified educator through the Fort Bend ISD Institute.
During his tenure at Simms, Mr. Neely has been a champion for program growth, successfully securing nearly $20,000 in grant funding to enhance musical resources for his students. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Beyond the classroom, he brings real-world media expertise to Simms as the founder of Panther Pulse Radio, where he mentors students in broadcasting and podcasting—bridging the gap between traditional music education and modern digital media.
SIMMS HONOR CHOIR
The Simms Honor Choir is an auditioned ensemble for dedicated students who wish to excel in vocal performance. Members represent our school at various community events and seasonal concerts throughout the year.
-
Commitment: Participation requires attendance at after-school rehearsals and scheduled performances.
-
Auditions: Held annually to evaluate vocal range, pitch matching, and rhythmic accuracy.
DOWNLOAD THE AUDITION RUBRIC HERE
PANTHER PULSE RADIO
"The Heartbeat of Simms Elementary"
Welcome to our student-led broadcasting hub! Under the direction of Mr. Neely, students go behind the scenes to learn the art of digital storytelling, audio engineering, and podcast production.
The Friday Show: Our weekly student-produced broadcast featuring school news, special interviews, and "Panther Pride" spotlights.
Real-World Tech: Students gain hands-on experience using professional tools like Adobe Audition to script, record, and edit high-quality audio content.
Student Leadership: From "On-Air" talent to technical directors, every student plays a vital role in bringing our campus stories to life.
QUAVER MUSIC
Quaver takes kids on an exciting journey through his imaginative music shop, inspiring them to discover and love music! With the help of a music laboratory, live recording studio, time-traveling phone box, and cast of hilarious characters, Quaver is an energetic teaching-assistant, helping teachers engage young people in the marvelous world of music like never before.
The man behind the Q:
Quaver Co-Founder Graham Hepburn doesn't just play Quaver, he embodies Quaver's energy and passion for making music seriously fun.
Hepburn has a passion for igniting a love of music in the hearts and minds of young kids. He served as an elementary music teacher in Illinois and his home country of England, is an accomplished musician, and is the heart and energetic force behind the Quaver character.
At Quaver's Nashville, TN headquarters, Hepburn now oversees the work of a vast team of creative professionals specializing in education, recording, video production, graphic design, and web design. Although he serves many roles, Graham hopes that he is seen foremost as "a friend and advocate of the teacher and parent."
THE BAND CORNER
"Building Excellence through Harmony"
Our band program focuses on developing technical proficiency, musical literacy, and the discipline of ensemble performance. From the first notes on a mouthpiece to full-scale concert pieces, our students are finding their voice through their instruments.
Upcoming Performance
-
Event: Spring Band & Choir Concert
-
Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2026
-
Time: 6:00 PM
-
Location: Simms Elementary Auditorium
-
Note: Students should arrive 30 minutes early in their concert black attire.
Quick Resources
-
Practice Tip: 15 minutes of focused practice daily is better than one long session!
-
Maintenance: Ensure instruments are cleaned and stored properly after every use.
-
Questions? Send me an email at hneely@tcisd.org