Jerry Whorton has been promoted to serve as the Director of Fine Arts at Melissa Schools, in addition to serving as Director of Bands for the Melissa ISD band program. Mr. Whorton has served as a music educator for 15 years and joined Team Melissa in 2016.

Under the direction of Mr. Whorton, the Melissa ISD band program has increased participation by 58 percent in grades 6-12, including the expansion of competitive middle school and high school colorguards. The Mighty Cardinal Band won its highest-ever Class 4A honor, the silver medal, at the 2020 UIL Texas State Marching Band Contest in December, after taking sixth place in 2018. Mr. Whorton has also facilitated the annual Melissa ISD Expresso Yourself fine arts showcase in an effort to highlight student artists in grades K-12 through performance and visual art presentations.

In addition, Mr. Whorton has had notable role in the development of the Melissa Arts Center, the district’s new state-of-the-art fine arts facility that has its grand opening Thursday evening with the “Curtains” musical premiere presented by the Melissa High School theatre program.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to provide support for all students and staff within the realm of the fine arts department,” said Mr. Whorton. “It is my goal to empower lifelong learners that contribute to society well beyond the walls of the classroom.”

Superintendent Keith Murphy shared, “Mr. Whorton has done an outstanding job of continuing to build our band program over the last five years. I think the most significant thing about Mr. Whorton is that he has a passion for all arts; he has always supported theatre, visual art, and choir, all while leading the band program. Mr. Whorton understands the high expectations of our parents, students, and community, and will always rise to the challenge.”

Jerry Whorton promoted to Director of Fine Arts