Redwater ISD's band leader Jay Sutton makes a move to Pleasant Grove

The band program at Pleasant Grove is not going to be the same following a big change in leadership.

Jay Sutton has been appointed Director of Bands for the Pleasant Grove Independent School District in Texarkana, Texas.

The PGISD Board of Trustees approved Jay Sutton as the Director of Bands in their meeting on Thursday, April 7, 2022. 

Sutton is an alumnus of Pleasant Grove ISD, and he has 10 years of experience in education.

He spent the past seven years at Redwater High School as the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair.

At Redwater, his bands were consistent Sweepstakes Award winners and were a two-time Finalist at the UIL State Marching Band Championships. 

Before his appointment at Redwater ISD, Sutton was an Assistant Band Director at Texarkana ISD. 

He currently serves on the State Board of Directors for the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) as the Region IV Coordinator. 

Sutton is also the ATSSB All-State Symphonic Band Organizer. Sutton received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Henderson State University. 

Jay Sutton and his wife, Kim, also an alumna of PGISD, live in Texarkana with their two young boys, Reid (3) and Benjamin (1).

Editor's Note: Texarkana News congratulates Jay Sutton, and we wish him much success in leading the "Pride in Motion" band program at Pleasant Grove.