A Note from the Director:

Welcome to Pine Tree Fine Arts! Our mission is to foster creativity and build a vibrant, inclusive community through diverse, artistic disciplines. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities for all individuals to explore and express their artistic talents. By championing creativity and inclusivity, the aim is to enrich our community, inspire personal growth, and celebrate the transformative impact of the arts.

Since 2019, the visual arts department has earned the District Of Distinction award from the Texas Art Teachers Association for five consecutive years, placing Pine Tree in the top 8% of visual arts school programs in the state of Texas. The Pine Tree Pride marching band advanced to state in 2023 and again in 2025. The Pride's last state berth was in 1985. The Theatre One-Act Play was the 2026 district champion, and the Junior Varsity Color Guard are the reigning champions of the Four States Performing Arts Association State Championship. The elementary campuses have growing fine arts opportunities that support the Longview community through dance, music, and the visual arts, and the choir program continues to earn Superior ratings.

I am a proud Pine Tree graduate. I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in music. I joined Pine Tree as the district Director of Fine Arts and UIL Academics in 2019. My wife Melissa and I have three kids, all who attended Pine Tree. The Bransons are a proud Pirate family!

I am here to serve our students and community. Please reach out to me to see how you can be a part of the Pine Tree Fine Arts programs.

Sincerely,

Lee Branson, Director of Pine Tree Fine Arts and UIL Academics