orff ensemble all posing in front of asign

GCISD Fine Arts is proud to share that Bransford Elementary School’s (BES) Orff Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic and Convention.


This selection places the BES Orff Ensemble as one of the top elementary music ensembles in Texas. Bransford Elementary is an arts integration campus with 450 pre-K through fifth-grade students, and the BES Orff Ensemble is under the direction of Ashley Benson.

“We are so proud of our Ms. Benson and our students at Bransford Elementary,” said Director of Fine Arts Dr. Paul Sikes. “To be chosen as one of the TMEA elementary ensembles is truly an honor.”

Each year, TMEA receives submissions from schools from across the state. Each submission consists of recordings from recent performances which are evaluated by a panel of top elementary music educators. The top six ensembles are selected to perform at the TMEA Convention.

“Ms. Benson inspires a passion for music in our students,” said BES Principal Erin Gerdes. “Her leadership guides them to refine their skills while making beautiful music collaboratively, and their hard work and dedication have resulted in an experience of a lifetime. Our Bransford community is excited for this opportunity!”

These students will travel to San Antonio, February 8-11, 2023, and have the opportunity to perform for thousands of music educators from around the state