Greetings! I am DeAndrea Keys, General Music Instructor at Stafford Intermediate School. I am proud to say that I have been with SMSD for seven rewarding years. Prior to teaching music in SMSD, I worked in Fort Bend I.S.D. and Alief I.S.D. This is my 15th year as a music teacher.
Music has always been an important aspect of my life. I have been singing and performing since the fourth grade. I attended the High School for Performing and Visual Arts as a vocal music major, and received my Bachelors of Music degree from the University of Houston. Rather than pursue a life of performing, I find my best rewards in what I receive from my students in the classroom.

The music program at Stafford Intermediate School seeks to develop every aspect of creativity in our students. Children are exposed different genres of music as well as the music of different cultures. The arts of dance and theater are also explored in our music classes. By studying music theory and the history of the songs learned in our lessons, students are able to relate what they learn in music to what they learn in other subject areas.

In the spring, a small group of select students participate in U.I.L. Music Memory. In preparation for this competition, our students receive intense, in-depth training on various styles of music and musicians. Students must be able to aurally identify a major work and often a selection of music, and its composer. We are proud to say that our students uphold that “Spartan Pride” each year they compete!

The Stafford Intermediate choir, “Spartan Singers”, has the privilege of representing our campus in joyous song. In the fall semester, the choir presents a Winter Musical and in the spring semester the choir, along with our entire campus, presents our annual International Gala. These two major performances along with a few intermittent performances showcase the talents of our students. Choir, however, is not only exposed to music in song. At least once each semester, Spartan Singers is awarded the opportunity to visit Houston’s fabulous Theater District to participate in workshops, tour the performance centers, and see some of the awesome shows performed.

These components of the general music program are geared towards exposing our students to as much of the fine arts as possible. It is a joy to witness our students continue in some aspect of the arts as they go on to participate in our Middle and High School music and theater programs.

In January a select group of students will compete in the University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.) in the category of Music Memory. Try-outs will begin around October. A maximum of 10 students (5 fifth graders and 5 sixth graders) will be selected to compete. Those selected will receive in-depth training by Ms. Keys during the after-school activity hour (1 - 2 times a week) in preparation for the competition. Notices will be sent home prior to try-outs informing parents and students of actual dates and times.

Stafford Intermediate's 6th Annual International Gala will be held on May 6, 2010 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. This year we have the honor of spotlighting The Carribbean!

Choir auditions for the 2009 - 2010 school year will be held the week of September 14th - 18th, and selections will be announced by September 24th. Choir is an extra-curricular organization, therefore students must meet all curricular demands in order to participate. Band students are welcome to participate in choir. Rehearsals are held after school on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4:30. An activity bus is available for those who need this service.