New Lufkin Panther Band Director Named

The Administration at Lufkin ISD is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. George Little as the Director of the Lufkin Panther Band. Mr. Little will be replacing Mr. Scott Williams who has been the director for the past 11 years. 

According to a press release from the Lufkin ISD, under Mr. William’s a.k.a. Band Man’s leadership, the Lufkin Panther Band has won numerous awards including the National Association of Military Marching Band state competition for the past two years. Mr. Little, who is no stranger to military marching bands or winning, is the Director of Bands for New Diana High School where the band was honored with the following:

• Texas Music Educators Association 3A Honor Band Performance February, 2016
• Association of Texas Small School Bands Outstanding Performance Series State Winner 2015, 2014, 2010 and State Finalist 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010
• UIL Marching and Concert UIL Sweepstakes Award – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
• UIL Area Marching Finalist – 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015
• UIL State Marching Contest Finalist 2013

Mr. Little said, “I’m excited to go somewhere that has a tradition of excellence in the band program. I’ve worked hard in my career to hopefully be able to be a part of a community like that. The school district expects excellence and there are good things already happening in Lufkin. I look forward to jumping on board.”

Kurt Stephens, Lufkin High School Principal said, “We are excited about the Lufkin Band Program as it progresses under the new leadership of George Little.  The Lufkin Band has great tradition, high expectations and generations of supporters.  This is a big hire for Lufkin ISD and I am confident that George Little is the man to continue the successful path the program has experienced.  Mr. Little brings with him a passion for music, a gift for teaching, a competitive nature, and most importantly, a student-centered focus.  He cares about students, their success, and how they represent our school and community.  It’s a GREAT time to be a Lufkin Panther!”

The Lufkin Panther band is a military marching band and under Mr. Little’s leadership, the band will remain that way.

Mr. Little said, “I grew up marching military band and only taught military marching band. I knew that Lufkin was a military band and it’s exciting to continue to do what I already know.”

Dr. LaTonya Goffney, LISD Superintendent of Schools said, “Hiring a band director to suit the level of excellence this community is accustomed to is no easy task. Thankfully, the moment I met George Little, I knew he was the man to direct the Lufkin Panther Band. I have heard nothing but good things about him and his leadership. We are fortunate to have him and his family join us in Lufkin.”

Mr. Little is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where he received his Bachelors of Music Degree (Secondary Music Education Emphasis). He is also an Orchestra Director at Mobberly Baptist Church 
in Longview. Before becoming the Head Band Director at New Diana, Mr. Little was the Head Middle School Band Director at Henderson ISD. He is the President of the 
National Association of Military Marching Bands, Region 4 Representative
 Texas Bandmaster Association, on the Programs and Receptions Committee
 for the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity as well as the Secondary Teacher of the Year at New Diana ISD for the 2015-2016 school year.

Mr. Little said, “My favorite thing about being a band director is working with the kids on something that I love. Band is where I learned to have a love of music and it’s exciting to see that world open up to kids.”

Mr. Little is married to Karen and together they have three children, Luke, age 9; Sally, age 6; and Dottie, 1 year old.

Mr. Little said, “Lufkin has an exciting atmosphere for the band program and other activities. It’s a great place, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The LHS Band Boosters Club will be hosting a welcome reception to meet Mr. Little and his family on Thursday, May 19^th at 5 p.m. before the Lufkin ISD monthly board meeting at the LISD Administration building downtown.