Joey Chen has spent a decade building the band program at Elkins High School in Missouri City. On Friday, Aug. 7, Fort Bend ISD staff watched as Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith surprised him with a recognition at the district's 2026 Convocation.

Chen was one of three employees singled out as examples of the district's new theme, "Make Your Mark. Lead the Pack." Smith announced on X that he surprised and celebrated three FBISD staff members for leading by example, naming Chen alongside Terrence Thomas and Jackie Boyd.

Elkins High School posted its congratulations on Saturday, Aug. 8, calling Chen its Head Band Director and thanking him for modeling the initiative.

A decade at Elkins

Chen is entering his 10th year teaching at the Missouri City campus and his fifth year leading the program as Director of Bands. He previously served five years as associate director. Along the way, he earned EHS Rookie Teacher of the Year, Fort Bend ISD Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year, and the 2025 Elkins Teacher of the Year honor. He was also a finalist for the district-wide Teacher of the Year.

Before arriving at Elkins, Chen marched baritone with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2013 to 2015 and served as drum major during his age-out season in 2016. He later returned to the corps' brass instructional staff from 2017 to 2022, according to the Elkins band program website.

Under Chen's direction, the Elkins Wind Ensemble advanced to the TMEA Honor Band State Semi-finals during the 2025-26 school year, and the band performed the National Anthem at the FBISD Board of Trustees meeting on May 11.