MICHAEL ARY

DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Email MichaelDAry@katyisd.org
Phone (281) 237-9268

     Born and raised in Broken Arrow, OK, Director of Bands Mike Ary holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler.

     Currently in his 9th year at James E. Taylor High School, Mr. Ary conducts the Wind Ensemble and Cadet Band, co-conducts the Jazz Ensemble, directs all aspects of the marching band, and co-conducts the Symphony Orchestra. Prior to coming to Taylor, Mr. Ary spent 10 years at Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, TX, and one year each at Elkins High School in Missouri City, TX and Holliday High School in Holliday, TX.

     Under Mr. Ary’s direction, the JET Band has been a consistent UIL sweepstakes winner, was a Finalist at the 2016, 2018 and 2021 Bands of America Conroe Regional Contests, was a Finalist at the 2019 and 2021 Bands of America Katy Regional Contest, was a Finalist at the 2016, 2018, and 2021 UIL Area Marching Band Contest, was a Finalist in the 2016, 2018 and 2022 TMEA Area Honor Band competition, was the first recipient of the KISD Superintendent’s Cup at the 2017 KISD Marching Festival, was a 2018 TMEA State Honor Band Finalist, and was a 2018 UIL State Marching Contest participant.  During his 3.5 year Assistant Director and 6.5 year Head Director tenure at Clear Brook, Mr. Ary lead the band to 7 BOA Regional Finals, 3 BOA Super-Regional Finals, BOA Grand Nationals Semifinals, WGI Guard Semifinals, WGI Percussion Finals, twice to the UIL State Marching Contest, and had many UIL Sweepstakes. At Holliday, he helped lead the band to a BOA regional class championship and a performance at the 2002 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.

     Mr. Ary performed on contrabass bugle with the 1995 and 1996 Nite Express Drum and Bugle Corps from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the 1998 and 1999 Colts Drum and Bugle Corps from Dubuque, Iowa. He was on the brass staff for the 2001-2004 Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps from Bergenfield, New Jersey.  In 2016, he joined the brass staff of the 20-time World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps from Concord, CA.

     Mr. Ary’s music performance and music education mentors include Tom Bennett, John Meehan, Randy Vaughn, Philip Geiger, Jack Farris, Scott Lang, Dr. Joseph Missal, James Morrison, and Joe Exley. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.

     Mr. Ary resides in Katy with his wife, Blair Ary (Taylor’s Girls Basketball Head Coach), and their awesome daughters Skylar and Sutton.