Vista Ridge High School Percussion Ensemble: 2018 PASIC Performance Program Book

VISTA RIDGE

THE LEANDER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESENTS THE

VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

HECTOR J. GIL | DIRECTOR

PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 9:00 A.M. | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2018 INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER | WABASH HALL INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

about

LEANDER ISD

The Leander Independent School District, located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Texas, encompasses nearly 200 square miles and has campuses sited within the cities of Leander, Cedar Park, and Austin. This dynamic school district is one of the fastest growing in Texas, serves an enrollment of over 37,000 students with over 40 campuses and auxiliary facilities, while maintaining standards of excellence throughout the system. The district has 25 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 6 high schools, and 2 alternative schools.

The Leander ISD Vision is “Engage, Inspire, Achieve for lifelong success.” Every LISD graduate is prepared with the knowledge, academic foundation, and life skills to be a productive learner, an effective communicator, and a responsible citizen, in order to be successful in an ever changing world.

about

VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

Located approximately 18 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Vista Ridge High School is the third of five high schools in the Leander Independent School District. The school opened in 2003 and serves approximately 2,000 students today.

The students of Vista Ridge High School have a collective vision to be the best for the world. Guided by Leander ISD’s 10 Ethical Principles, Vista Ridge students love learning, compete in a multitude of extracurricular endeavors and are routinely highlighted for making a difference in their community. In barely more than a decade of existence, Vista Ridge students have achieved numerous commendations both inside and outside the classroom. Cultivated by a faculty and systems that strongly encourage college readiness for every child, yet recognizes the value of diversity and the needs of the individual student, VRHS boasts TEA distinctions, National Merit Finalists, rigorous advanced placement offerings, top finishes in the UIL Lone Star Cup standings and numerous fine arts and athletic accolades.

Additionally, Vista Ridge High School is a wonderful place in which to work and learn. Students, faculty, staff, LISD administration and parents all help foster a nurturing culture that equips every student for life-long success. We are blessed with community and parental partnerships, which provide valuable insights and a balanced perspective that serves to improve home/school relationships, student behaviors and academic achievement. Our stakeholders’ shared vision for personal and corporate excellence has equipped every Vista Ridge HS student to the best for the world.

about the

VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM The Vista Ridge Band is committed to maintaining a supportive and nurturing atmosphere to provide its students with the skills required to achieve success, both in music and in life, while adhering to a high standard of performance and maintaining pride throughout the organization.

The Marching Band consists of all students enrolled in band, including the Starline Dance Company, and performs at football games, UIL Marching Contests, and numerous invitational marching contests, including BOA Regional and Super Regional competitions, The Ranger Band has earned Sweepstakes Ratings in the last 11 years of its twelve-year history, placed 7th at the 2007 UIL State 4A Marching Contest, 20th in the 2008 UIL State 5A Marching Contest, and was the Bronze Medalist in the Texas UIL 4A State Marching Contest. The band was a Finalist in the BOA Super Regional in San Antonio, Texas, in 2014 and 2018, and 2018, the Vista Ridge Marching Band earned the title of UIL 6A State Marching Band Champions.

In addition to the Marching Band, Vista Ridge also has four large concert ensembles: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. The Wind Ensemble, consisting of the most talented, disciplined, and artistic instrumentalists, has received all First Division Ratings (Sweepstakes) in UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest every year since the school opened in 2003-04 with only 35 freshmen band students. Additionally, the Wind Ensemble has been named a “National Winner” in the Foundation for Music Education’s Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Program. The Wind Symphony has earned UIL Sweepstakes every year since its creation in 2004-05, and both the Symphonic and Concert Band at Vista Ridge have earned UIL Sweepstakes ratings for the past three years.

In addition to the large ensembles, participation in small ensembles is expected of most band students with the purpose of developing skill in listening, cooperation, student coaching/ leadership, and artistry. The Vista Ridge Percussion Studio has successfully competed and performed at the Lone Star Classic Drumline Festival, the Music For All National Festival, and at the Percussive Arts International Convention.

In addition to performances a ‘ ‘ recitals, many of these small ensembles also perform for various ceremonies and events, as a service to the school and community.

At Vista Ridge, emphasis is also placed on the development of the individual student musician. In the fall semester, students attend weekly Master Classes, which are focused on teaching and developing individual student musicianship. In the spring semester, students are required to learn and perform a solo for UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. The rewards from this investment into the individual students are realized by their selection to an All-Region, Area, and All-State organization and the high numbers of First Division Ratings and TSS6C Qualifiers, as well as in the amount of growth and maturation seen in their individual musicality, confidence levels, and interpersonal relationships.

The band is also blessed to have many students who achieve extremely high levels of academic success and who consistently rank among the top 10% in their class. Historically, numerous Valedictorians and Salutatorians have been members of the program. Vista Ridge HS places immense value on academic rigor, and the band program reflects the challenge with the same kind of rigor in its curriculum and performance literature.

The Band Department at Vista Ridge enjoys a very healthy relationship with other teachers on campus and has an especially close relationship with teachers and students involved in the other performing arts disciplines. The Fine Arts Department at Vista Ridge fosters a mutually supportive environment by sharing students across disciplines, collaborating in multi-disciplinary musical productions, and attending performances given by all performing arts disciplines.

While the Vista Ridge Band Program holds high standards of musical and academic performance, it is of equal importance to its directors, band family, and community that our students are prepared and equipped to be strong, contributing citizens, upholding the values esteemed by Leander ISD’s “Ten Ethical Principals,” fostered every day: Honesty, Integrity, Promise-keeping, Loyalty, Concern for Others, Law-abidance/Civic Duty, Respect for Others, Fairness, Pursuit of Excellence, and Accountability. leander isd

ADMINISTRATION

DAN TROXELL, PH.D. S uperintendent

JIMMY DISLER C hief Facilities

MATT SMITH C hief of Staff

LUCAS JANDA C hief Financial O fficer

MATT BENTZ, ED.D. C hief A cademic O fficer

KARIE LYNN M C SPADDEN C hief H um an R esources O fficer

COREY RYAN C hief C ommunications O fficer

JENNY WELLS G ener al C ounsel

leander isd

vista ridge high school

AARON JOHNSON P resident

PAUL JOHNSON P rincipal

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GRACE S. BARBER-JORDAN, M.ED. Vice P resident

and

O per ations O fficer

ADMINISTRATION

DONITA MEYER A dministr ative A ssistant to the P rincipal BRYON ELLISON A ssociate P rincipal

TRISH BODE S ecretary

WENDELL MILLS A ssistant P rincipal

DON HISLE

BARB IXBA A ssistant P rincipal

PAMELA WAGGONER

STACY STEELE A ssistant P rincipal

JIM MACKAY

HOLLY MOORE D ean

WILL STREIT

TODD PFAFF A ssistant P rincipal

of

I nstruction

C ounselors: AMANDA LESTER

DEANNE BAKER

ALISA ELLIS

KATHY TRAPP

ELLEN BICKLING

ROBERT SANTOYO

LEANDER ISD

HONOR GROUPS MIXED HONOR CHOIRS CEDAR PARK HIGH SCHOOL MIXED CHOIR, 2018 LISA HOLT CANYON RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL TREBLE CHOIR, 2017 COURTNEY KELLY VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S CHOIR, 2016 MICHAEL FERIS VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL MIXED CHOIR, 2014 STEVE WHITE HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL TREBLE CHOIR, 2012 MICHELLE HANK HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL TREBLE CHOIR, 2008 KIMBERLY WILLIAMS CEDAR PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL MIXED CHOIR, 2003 BRENDA JUSTICE SOUTHWEST ACDA INVITED CHOIRS VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S CHOIR, 2016 MICHAEL ZOOK NATIONAL ACDA INVITED CHOIRS HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL WOMEN’S CHOIR, 2019 AMANDA RANSOM VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S CHOIR, 2019 MICHAEL ZOOK TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION HONOR BANDS VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE, AAAAAA 2018 MIKE HOWARD HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, CCC 2018 ROBERT HERRINGS HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, CCC 2014 ROBERT HERRINGS CEDAR PARK HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE, AAAA 2014 STEVE WESSELS HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, CCC 2010 ROBERT HERRINGS LEANDER HIGH SCHOOL BAND, AAAA 1994 DENNIS HOPKINS

VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE, 2014 BRYAN CHRISTIAN HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL TROMBONE ENSEMBLE, 2012 ROBERT HERRINGS HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2010 ROBERT HERRINGS CEDAR PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE, 2012 MANUEL SAN LUIS CEDAR PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND, 2008 MANUEL SAN LUIS WESTERN INTERNATIONAL BAND CLINIC PERFORMANCES RUNNING BRUSHY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2018 VAN ROBISON ROUSE HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE, 2015 LEE CROCHET LEANDER HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE, 2014 NILS GUNDERSEN HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2013 ROBERT HERRINGS WILEY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2012 GARLAND CHIASSON HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2009 ROBERT HERRINGS SUDLER CUP RECIPIENTS CANYON RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2018 AMY ALLISON HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2011 ROBERT HERRINGS CEDAR PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2008 MANUEL SAN LUIS SUDLER SHIELD RECIPIENTS VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, 2018 BRYAN CHRISTIAN CEDAR PARK HIGH SCHOOL, 2006 STEVE WESSELS NATIONAL CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

MIDWEST CLINIC PERFORMANCES VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, 2017 JOE HOBBS HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2016 ROBERT HERRINGS FOUR POINTS MIDDLE SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE, 2015 CHRIS YEE STILES MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2015 DARCY WILLIAMS CANYON RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2014 AMY ALLISON

RUNNING BRUSHY MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND, 2017 VAN ROBISON PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION PERFORMANCES VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, 2018 HECTOR GIL WILEY MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2016 EMILY TANNERT HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL, 2014 HECTOR GIL

OUR FAMILY OF

LEANDER ISD BAND DIRECTORS LEANDER HIGH SCHOOL

CANYON RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

ROBERT SELAIDEN ALI CARRAHER MICHAEL SWIREN MICHAEL ZELLERS WILL CALLAWAY, COLOR GUARD

AMY ALLISON AMANDA KLINGENBERG JEFFREY SALINAS

CEDAR PARK HIGH SCHOOL STEVE WESSELS CHRISTOPHER YEE KENDALL STEVENSON ROLAND CHAVEZ JUSTIN SULLIVAN, COLOR GUARD

GLENN HIGH SCHOOL KIM SHUTTLESWORTH AMY SUGGS JACOB GALL MYKAIL COSTNER, COLOR GUARD

CEDAR PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL BRITNI DUNN JASON BROWN KYLE NORRIS

FOUR POINTS MIDDLE SCHOOL JESSICA GONZALES ADRIAN TETI CORI REEBENACKER

HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL ROBERT HERRINGS ANDREW BINKARD KATHERINE WILLER

ROUSE HIGH SCHOOL JASON ROBB RYAN JOHNSTONE CAITLIN HALL DREW SAENZ JEN BARTON, COLOR GUARD

LEANDER MIDDLE SCHOOL CATHY TELTSCHIK MATT NEWTON CHLOE DAVIS

RUNNING BRUSHY MIDDLE SCHOOL VANDEGRIFT HIGH SCHOOL MIKE HOWARD KATIE VANDOREN DUSTIN THARP JOE HOBBS SAMIA MOONEY, COLOR GUARD

VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BRYAN CHRISTIAN REID ATKINSON ZACH SANTOS HECTOR GIL ERIN KOSMAN, COLOR GUARD

VAN ROBISON MARK URBINA EVELYN BINKARD

STILES MIDDLE SCHOOL DARCY VOGT WILLIAMS JENNA YEE ALEX ORTEGA

WILEY MIDDLE SCHOOL TAYLOR WILLIAMSON SERENA FINNIGAN CRISTINA BARRERA

CHASING INFINITY

NATHAN DAUGHTREY

Chasing Infinity (2017) was commissioned by Wilbrand van Norel to be used as a required piece in the 2018 Open Nederlandse Slagwerk Kampioenschappen (ONSK) in The Netherlands, Chasing Infinity draws its inspiration from a quote by Gustave Flaubert (from “The Letters of Gustave Flaubert 1830-1857”): Everything measurable passes, everything that can be counted has an end.

Only three things are infinite: the sky in its stars, the sea in its drops of water, and the heart in its tears.

These “three things” help organize the piece into three large contrasting sections. The first section, “The Sky in its Stars,” is less about melody and more about painting a sonic impression of the sparkling, infinite energy of the night sky. While there is an overarching melody that eventually emerges, the changing textures are most important. The second section, “The Sea in its Drops of Water,” is much calmer and expands on the melodic motives that were introduced in the first section. It culminates in a glorious climax before sinking back into the calm of the sea. The third and final section, “The Heart in its Tears,” is closely related to the first section, but it is tonally much brighter and resolute.

CHASING INFINITY PERFORMERS RYAN CHANG SHANE CULLEN BILL DOZIER KOA FUJIMOTO LUKE HAMMOND MATTHEW JAGEN OWEN KNODEL LOGAN MYERS BENNY NGUYEN PARTH PARIKH COLE POMROY SERGIO RUENES CHLOE STRAIN

NATHAN DAUGHTREY

Spine (2015) was commissioned by The Yale Percussion Group. A single line runs through most of the piece, and virtually all of the musical material is derived from it. This meta-line (performed by player 1) serves as the “spine” of the music, both in structural terms (backbone), but also with respect to the line’s perceived control over the direction and progression of the music (central nervous system). The material, played by the supporting members of the quartet, colors and punctuates the main line. Over the course of the work, players drift in and out of agreement with one another, and occasionally the primary line loses its unique identity within the texture of the ensemble. I tried to impart an almost biological sense to the way motives grow, attempting to balance intuitive, almost improvisatory, types of development with more structured patterns and processes. Spine is dedicated to the players of the Yale Percussion Group for their unwavering support.

SPINE PERFORMERS SHANE CULLEN BENNY NGUYEN SERGIO RUENES CHLOE STRAIN

PROGRAM

SPINE

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE

IVAN TREVINO

Make a Joyful Noise (2017) was commissioned by Vista Ridge High School Percussion Ensemble for the group’s 2018 PASIC showcase concert. The piece is notated for nine percussionists, one pianist, and a group of clappers unspecified in number.

“I became a father in 2018, and my son has opened my mind and heart to so many feelings. His presence has put things in perspective for me, from both a professional and personal standpoint, and has brought pure joy to me and my family. Make a Joyful Noise attempts to capture this joy and is my first composition in this new stage of my life.” ~ IVAN TREVINO, October 2018

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE PERFORMERS HAYDEN CASE RYAN CHANG GLENN CHOE ANDERSON COLLINS SHANE CULLEN EVAN DE KAY BILL DOZIER KOA FUJIMOTO JOAQUIN HERRMANN SAMANTHA HIGDON OWEN KNODEL BEN KOVACH ALICE LEE KWANWOO LEE ADARSH PATEL CHLOE STRAIN

MAG 7

MICHAEL BURRITT

MAG 7 (2017) was written for and commissioned by the Eastman Percussion Ensemble for the group’s 2017 PASIC showcase concert. Mr. Burritt wrote the piece in the summer of 2017 and dedicated it to his seven graduate students (The Magnificent Seven) who have so brilliantly brought his new opus to life. The piece opens with a solo “riff” on marimba that serves as the seed for the entire work. The rhythmic and metric development manipulate the quintuplet, first introduced in the opening section, as a tool for polyrhythmic hemiola and metric modulation.

This is fully realized in the center of the work as the entire ensemble is playing varying layers in multiples of 5 tethered to a 5/4 meter. Like most of Burritt’s music, MAG 7 is a melting pot of genres and artistic influences coalescing in a pseudo rhapsodic form.

GLENN CHOE LUKE HAMMOND MATTHEW JAGEN LOGAN MYERS BENNY NGUYEN PARTH PARIKH SERGIO RUENES

RUBE GOLDBERG VARIATIONS

TOM MONDA

performed by “Thank You Scientist” and arranged for percussion by Hector Gil

Rube Goldberg Variations (2016) was arranged by Hector Gil for the Vista Ridge High School Percussion Ensemble for the group’s 2018 PASIC showcase concert. The piece features all 23 Vista Ridge High School PASIC percussionists. Originally written for the American progressive rock band, Thank You Scientist, Rube Goldberg Variations is a play on words based on Bach’s Goldberg variations and a Rube Goldberg contraption. Thematically the piece is very simple, based on two or three motifs that morph throughout the piece. The percussion ensemble arrangement features various solos throughout the ensemble that include 2 vibraphones, marimba, electric guitar, and a highly impressive drum-set solo!

RUBE GOLDBERG VARIATIONS PERFORMERS HAYDEN CASE RYAN CHANG GLENN CHOE ANDERSON COLLINS SHANE CULLEN EVAN DE KAY KOA FUJIMOTO LUKE HAMMOND JOAQUIN HERRMANN SAMANTHA HIGDON MATTHEW JAGEN OWEN KNODEL BEN KOVACH ALICE LEE KWANWOO LEE LOGAN MYERS BENNY NGUYEN PARTH PARIKH ADARSH PATEL COLE POMROY SERGIO RUENES CHLOE STRAIN

PROGRAM

MAG 7 PERFORMERS

HAYDEN CASE RYAN CHANG GLENN CHOE ANDERSON COLLINS SHANE CULLEN EVAN DE KAY BILL DOZIER KOA FUJIMOTO LUKE HAMMOND JOAQUIN HERRMANN SAMANTHA HIGDON MATTHEW JAGEN OWEN KNODEL BEN KOVACH ALICE LEE KWANWOO LEE LOGAN MYERS BENNY NGUYEN PARTH PARIKH ADARSH PATEL COLE POMROY SERGIO RUENES CHLOE STRAIN HECTOR GIL, DIRECTOR

HECTOR GIL DIRECTOR Hector Gil is in his seventeenth year of teaching and joined the staff at Vista Ridge High School and Henry Middle School as the Director of Percussion in 2008.

He attended Texas A&M University – Commerce where he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2001, and he completed one year of graduate work at Texas Christian University. While at A&M – Commerce and TCU, Mr. Gil performed in various ensembles including the Texas A&M University-Commerce Wind Ensemble, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Drumline, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Steel Band, the Texas Christian University Wind Symphony, the Texas Christian University Symphony Orchestra, the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble, and the North East Texas Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 1997 and 1998 and was also a member of the 2000 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition winning collegiate ensemble with the Texas A&M University – Commerce Percussion Ensemble under Dr. Brian West.

After college, Mr. Gil began his teaching career at United High School in Laredo, TX. After 3 incredible years, he moved to Fort Worth to teach at Texas Christian University as the Drumline Instructor for the TCU “Horned Frog” Marching Band. After leaving TCU in 2007, he moved to Austin and is now in his 11th year as a music educator in Leander ISD. Mr. Gil’s students and ensembles have achieved numerous accolades that include being named The Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition Winners in 2014 and 2018, The TMEA Honor Band Winners in 2010, 2014, and 2018, The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Performers in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, The Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase Winners in 2017, The Western International Band Clinic in 2008 and 2013, the Texas State Marching Band Championship in 2008, 2013, 2015, and 2016 and The Winter Guard International World Championships in 2006 and 2007.

He has been extremely fortunate to study from some incredible teachers that include Mr. Carlos Gil, Dr. Brian West, Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Bill Bachman, Dr. Jim Yakas, and Mr. Matt Savage.

Mr. Gil is an active composer/arranger for many Texas high school programs, adjudicates for many competitions, and has served as a clinician for numerous percussion programs throughout the state. His professional affiliations include The Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and is a proud Education Artist with Innovative Percussion Inc. He is happily married to his beautiful wife Brandy and they have two beautiful daughters, Makayla and Elena.

Mr. Gil is extremely lucky to have been able to experience so many incredible moments in his career and he recognizes that those moments were not achieved alone. He feels the individuals that have impacted him the most in his life have been his mom and dad, Carlos and Grizelda Gil.

CAMERON CARBONE INSTRUCTOR Cameron Carbone is a professional, touring drummer, certified personal trainer, and a world-class educator from Dallas, TX. Upon completing his bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Texas Christian University, Cameron relocated to Austin where he is now pursuing music, teaching, and fitness/nutrition coaching full-time. He has developed and implemented comprehensive percussion curriculums at a handful of schools around the state and has toured internationally and nationally with several different performing artists. With over 30,000 collective followers on varying social media outlets, he holds his video quality and constant stream of free educational content to a very high standard.

You can catch Cameron writing music with his instrumental progressive metal band Altermind (@altermindband), performing at LakeShores church, or anxiously watching his favorite Dallas sports teams on the weekends.

CHRIS SAWYER INSTRUCTOR Chris Sawyer is a percussion educator and performer in the Central Texas area. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, concentration in Percussion. While at UNT, Chris performed as a member of the Green Brigade Marching Band, world-renowned UNT “A-Line” Indoor Drumline (2005 PASIC Performance), the UNT 2:00 Steel Drum Band, Concert Bands, and numerous world music ensembles. As a result, Chris is a versatile and well-rounded player, which certainly comes through in his teaching.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from UNT in 2008, Mr. Sawyer taught as a middle school band director in Austin ISD for 4 years before joining the Vista Ridge program as a private lesson instructor. He has been teaching at Vista Ridge HS and feeder middle schools Artie Henry MS and Stiles MS since 2012. His students have had great success in auditions for All-Region Band, individual solo contests, and he has helped several students earn positions in drum corps and college music programs.

Mr. Sawyer is proud to be a part of the Vista Ridge Percussion program and would like to thank all the students, parents, and teachers that make Vista Ridge such an inspiring place to make music!

IVAN TRAC INSTRUCTOR Ivan Trac is a freelance percussionist and private lesson teacher based in the Austin area.

He currently teaches private lessons at multiple schools in the Leander ISD and Lake Travis ISD, as well as serving as the Front Ensemble Technician for the Vista Ridge Marching Band. Since moving to Austin in the summer of 2017, Ivan has performed with a variety of ensembles and community groups including Density 512, Cedar Park Winds, and Central Texas Master Singers.

Ivan earned his B.M. from the University of Florida in 2013 and his M.M. from Lee University in 2016. During his time at the University of Florida, Ivan won the concerto competition in the fall of 2012 with Eric Ewazen’s Concerto for Marimba and Strings. Ivan also spent two summers (2011 and 2012) playing marimba with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps and served as co-section leader in 2012. His past teachers include Dr. Andy Harnsberger, Dr. Kenneth Broadway, Dr. Ellis Hampton, and Brandon Cruz.

JORDAN WALSH INSTRUCTOR Jordan Walsh is a percussionist based out of Austin, Texas. An avid endorser of new music, he frequently commissions and performs new works in both chamber and solo settings, with recent premieres by up-and-coming composers including Cy Meissler, Victor LaBozzetta III, and Jon Fielder. Jordan has been the winner of several awards and scholarships including the Presser Award, the University of Michigan EXCELerator Grant, and second prize in the 2017 PASIC Chamber Competition. He is a founding member of Up/Down Percussion, prismATX Ensemble, and Columbus, GA based rock band Almost Educated. Jordan holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s degree with honors from the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate at UT Austin. Jordan’s primary teachers have included Thomas Burritt, Tony Edwards, Paul Vaillancourt, Ryan Smith, and Erik Forst.

Jordan is also an active audio engineer and producer, working independently as well as for the University of Texas at Austin and Vista Ridge High School. Some of his credits include Colin McCall’s Bloom, James Markey’s Psychedelia, Peter Steiner’s United, and Up/Down’s Roots. Beyond production work, Jordan is proficient in both the Max/MSP and SuperCollider audio processing languages and is an advocate for electroacoustic music. He has acted as technical director for the Southeastern Composer’s Symposium, run live sound for groups ranging from the Dana Landry Trio to Seth Walker, and spent two seasons as the voice of classical music radio show “Classical Overnight”, which airs on WCUG 88.5 FM in Columbus, Georgia. His audio technology teachers include Matthew McCabe and Russell Pinkston.

HAYDEN CASE Hayden Case is a sophomore percussionist in the Vista Ridge High School Band. Hayden is the son of Chris and Amy Case, and has an 8th grade brother named Carter, and a 5th grade sister named Brynn. Hayden has pursued many hobbies in his life like ice hockey, basketball, and guitar, but nothing compares to his love for percussion. When he has free time, he enjoys fishing, spending time with his friends, rooting for the Texas A&M Aggies, and traveling with his family.

Being a part of the Vista Ridge percussion program has been the highlight of Hayden’s high school experience. He has learned so many valuable lessons about hard work and dedication, and has made life-long friends. Having the opportunity to perform at PASIC is truly a blessing that Hayden is thankful for and excited about.

HAYDEN CASE

RYAN CHANG Ryan Chang is a junior and has played the xylophone and vibraphone for marching band. He is the son of Katy and David Chang and the brother of Jordyn and Ethan Chang. In his free time, he likes to play video games and hang out with friends if the band schedule permits. He has played soccer, football, and has volunteered at a Chinese school. Playing keyboards and being involved with percussion has really opened up a whole new world and a different way to view the world around him. Learning life skills and finding friendships along the way, Ryan could not ask for any other band family to be a part of.

RYAN CHANG

GLENN CHOE Glenn Choe is the son of June Kim and Kenneth Choe, has a younger brother named Nate Choe who is a flute player, and a little sister Jullianne Choe who is a piano player. Nate fell in love with playing music through percussion back when he first joined band in middle school. He is currently the xylophone player for the Vista Ridge marching band, and also enjoys drawing in his free time when he’s not playing music, watching Netflix, or doing homework. Glenn sees joining the band program as a percussionist as one of the most important moments of his life – it has taught him how to be more relaxed, patient, expressive, and make new friends. Glenn feels blessed to be a part of the Vista Ridge High School band program as a percussionist. He really hopes to start joining and interacting with other percussionists at PASIC, and show himself through the unexplainable language of music.

GLENN CHOE

ANDERSON COLLINS Anderson Collins is a freshman Wind Symphony percussionist at Vista Ridge High School. His parents are, Jason and Jennifer Collins, and is the oldest of three kids. He has a brother, Hogan, and a sister, Ella. Anderson received his first drum set for Christmas when he was 2, and he learned to play by copying all the rhythms he heard at church every Sunday. In addition to playing in the VRHS drumline, he also plays baseball and very involved in his church youth group.

Anderson plays drum set in his church’s Youth Praise Band every week. Music has become a huge part of his life, and has brought him many memories and skillsets he didn’t think he would be capable of doing when he first started drumming. As a freshman, Anderson is very honored and blessed to be preforming with Vista Ridge at PASIC, and can’t wait to get on the stage and create many memories that will last a lifetime.

ANDERSON COLLINS

Philippians 3:14

SHANE CULLEN Shane Cullen is a senior at Vista Ridge High School, and this is his second time performing at PASIC. Music has been in his life since he was four when he picked up piano. Throughout his life he has participated in many activities such as taekwondo, football, lacrosse, and robotics. Over the summer he marched snare in the drum corps The Guardians, and after high school he plans on studying aerospace engineering.

SHANE CULLEN

EVAN DE KAY Evan De Kay’s passion for music came about while watching his older sister, Emma De Kay, perform as a part of the Vista Ridge High School Marching Band in 2012. He immediately knew that he wanted to be a part of that program, so he was determined to join the percussion section at Artie Henry Middle School. This was a crucial choice for him, because just 2 years later in 2014, he would be heading to Indianapolis to perform at PASIC with his fellow percussion students. Evan is now 17 years old, and has been a snare drummer in the Vista Ridge Drumline for the past 3 years. His love for music is still strong, as he hopes to march in a drum corps after he graduates. He is very excited to have the opportunity to perform at PASIC again, 4 years later.

Evan would like to thank every band director and private lesson teacher he has had for the past 6 years. Without all of them, Evan would not be the musician, or person, he is today.

EVAN DE KAY

BILL DOZIER Bill Preston Dozier is a senior percussionist at Vista Ridge High School. Bill is highly involved in organizations including Hill Country Bible Church which he has been attending his whole life, children’s ministry at his church, and Young Americans for Freedom club at his school. Bill is extremely grateful to be a part of this once in a lifetime trip and he believes his percussive journey since sixth grade has been worth the challenge. Outside of band, Bill has developed a sincere passion and has shown great success in computer science. Therefore, he wishes to pursue a career as a software engineer.

BILL DOZIER

KOA FUJIMOTO Koa Fujimoto is a freshman percussionist in the Vista Ridge High School Band program. He currently lives with his supportive parents Barron and Mariko Fujimoto, and his older brother Bay Fujimoto, who is a senior at Leander High School. Koa enjoys listening and playing all different kinds of music including classical, rock, jazz, funk, and more. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family and friends, bike, and volunteer at local animal shelters.

When he plays he feels energized, ecstatic and loves to play and practice every opportunity he has. Koa loves to play music because it is not only a way to bond with others and but is a way to express emotions and to convey a message to the audience. Through music he has found a constant in his life and a community of dedicated, friendly, and passionate musicians. Music is Koa is truly grateful to be able to play at the 2018 PASIC Convention and excited to show what Vista Ridge High School is all about.

KOA FUJIMOTO

LUKE HAMMOND Luke Hammond is a percussionist who lives with his parents, Chris and Leslie, and his younger brother Evan. He also has an older sister who is a freshman in college. Luke attends church every Sunday and is a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoys scouting activities such as camping, shooting, rock climbing, and hiking in the Rocky Mountains. He hopes to become an Eagle Scout within this year. After high school, Luke plans to continue to have music as a part of his life. Being a part of the band at Vista Ridge has taught Luke the value of hard work, and he feels honored for the opportunity to perform at PASIC.

LUKE HAMMOND

JOAQUIN HERRMANN Joaquin Herrmann was raised by Audrey and Darin Herrmann, and plays percussion as a primary instrument. Joaquin has a brother named Xavier Herrmann who also involves himself in percussive arts. Joaquin likes soccer, all sorts of music, marine biology, the outdoors and the beauty of nature. Music has helped Joaquin cope with stress and other out of school conflicts. Every time he practices, performs or showcases any music, he feels relaxed and happy. Music in general is just a wonderful thing, and he suggests everyone should try to get into it any way possible. Joaquin feels truly welcome and honored to perform at one of his favorite music competitions. Just to walk on the stage and perform for a whole audience in Indianapolis will feel like he is on cloud nine.

It will be something that he will never forget.

JOAQUIN HERRMANN

Joaquin could not thank the rest of the Vista Ridge wind ensemble and wind symphony enough for helping us achieve our dreams of performing at PASIC, but mostly our head percussion director, Mr. Gil. He put his heart and soul into not only making his dreams come true, but ours as well. Joaquin has gained a true musical ability through this experience. They aren’t just going to raise the bar, they are going to break the bar.

SAMANTHA HIGDON Samantha Higdon is a Junior at Vista Ridge High School. She has been in the Front Ensemble for three years. Samantha is the daughter of Charles and Caryn Higdon, and has a younger brother, Charlie, and an older sister, Shannon. On top of band, Samantha loves to dance and bake, she is currently perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Samantha loves volunteering at her church and takes communion to her grandmother every Sunday. She also helps with Mobile Loaves and Fishes. In school, Samantha is a member of NHS, Latin Club, Student Council, she is also the president of the VRHS YAF Chapter, which she and Alice Lee founded last year. Samantha hopes to attend UT Austin when she graduates high school to study Architecture.

SAMANTHA HIGDON

Samantha is so grateful for the opportunity to be in the PASIC ensemble. She has built friendships that she will have forever. This experience has also taught her the importance of time, since they are rehearsing PASIC, while in the heart of Marching Band Season, and learning Region music, all on top of school. Samantha would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her and pushing her to do the best she can, especially her dad who drove her to all the 7am rehearsals.

MATTHEW JAGEN Matthew Jagen is a senior percussionist in the Vista Ridge Wind Ensemble. During the fall marching band season, he is a marimbaist and section leader with the front ensemble. Matthew enjoys challenging himself with complex solo and duet compositions for marimba. He would like to thank Mr. Hector Gil, Dr. Andrew Sickmeier, and Mr. Ivan Trac for supporting and encouraging his love for percussion and helping him achieve his musical dreams and goals. At Vista Ridge High School, Matthew is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. He is currently a top ten academic student for the class of 2019. Outside of the classroom, he has been a faithful volunteer for Mobile Loaves and Fishes homeless ministry for the past four years. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys playing music, building computers, and programming. Matthew plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Computer Science.

MATTHEW JAGEN

OWEN KNODEL Owen Knodel is a Sophomore at Vista Ridge High School. He was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and is a huge Longhorn Fan. As a member of the VRHS marching band, he plays quads in the battery. Owen’s hobbies include playing basketball, reading, and generally playing assorted games with his family. Being in percussion has been great for the past 5 years, and has taught Owen a great deal of dedication, friendship, and strength. Performing at PASIC in 2018 has been a great experience, and it wouldn’t be possible without his director, Hector Gil, and his parents Tracie and Shawn. Owen would like to thank them for their dedication and unconditional support

BEN KOVACH My name is Ben Kovach, and while I am a marimbaist, I enjoy different kinds of music. Some of this is because my older brother, Graham, is also a percussionist and I was exposed to band and orchestral music through him. I am lucky enough to have parents who love music, too. My father, Jim Kovach, loves 80’s rock and my mom, Melissa Patel, loves 80’s pop. Luckily, they both have re-partnered with people who love music and the arts, so I have lots of people who are always exposing me to new music. In addition to music, I love my cats, Muffin and Pepper; reading and watching romantic comedies; mountain biking and rock climbing; staying in luxury hotels; and hanging with my friends.

OWEN KNODEL

I am so grateful to my percussion teachers and fellow Vista Ridge Rangers for their friendship, camaraderie and focus that band has given me. Mr. Hector Gil and Mr. Chris Sawyer have shared so much of their knowledge, but more importantly, they have inspired me to push further than I thought possible. I cannot thank them enough for the investment they have made in me and the deep impact they have made on my life. I feel like the last four years of my band life are all culminating in our performance at PASIC 2018, and I can’t wait to perform for the Indianapolis audience!

And last but not least, thank you to all of my parents. Your love and support of my interests and dreams means the world to me. I dedicate my performance to you and the love we share.

BEN KOVACH

ALICE LEE Alice Lee is a senior percussionist at Vista Ridge High School. Alice is the daughter of Sunhee and Yoon Lee and the older sister of Daniel Lee. Alice attends New Hope First Baptist church and while she loves to volunteer for the children’s ministry at New Hope, she is also hugely involved in several school activities and clubs. Few of her involvements include National Honors Society, National English, Latin and Art Honors Society, AP ambassadors, and Vice President of Health Occupations Students of America. She is also the co-founder and Vice President of the Young Americans for Freedom organization as well. To Alice, PASIC has been such a valuable experience since middle school when she performed in the Henry Middle School ensemble in 2014.

She is extremely grateful to have the opportunity yet again. Her exposure to PASIC has shaped who she is today by allowing her love for music to grow. She believes that these involvements and accomplishments are attributed to her faith and her trust in God. Above all, she would like to thank her parents for all of their continued love and support. Without them, none of her experiences would be possible. In the future, Alice hopes to pursue a degree in pediatric nursing or political science.

ALICE LEE

KWANWOO LEE Kwanwoo Lee is a freshman at Vista Ridge High School. He plays timpani for marching band, and is an experienced piano player. He is the son of Eunmi Kim and Seunghan Lee, and has no siblings. He enjoys playing music, and making his own music with FL Studio. He also enjoys playing videogames and being with his friends. He is a part of Music Eunited, a non-profit organization that helps kids with special needs and low-income families experience the joy of music.

Kwan is very thankful for his chance to play at a convention as big as PASIC. He has been a part of many things that he would not have the chance to be in without this ensemble. He hopes to grow as a musician from this experience.

KWANWOO LEE

LOGAN MYERS

LOGAN MYERS

As a senior in the Vista Ridge Percussion Ensemble, Logan Myers begins his 7th year as a band student and his 18th year as a music lover. He is the oldest son of Ryan and Debra Myers and sibling to two brothers, Caleb and Gabe, both of whom are also band members. He has received the encouragement and influence of many amazing LISD teachers, including Vista Ridge percussion director Hector Gil and private lesson teacher, Chris Sawyer. They have offered tremendous support and guidance along his path as a musician as well as an individual. Throughout his high school career, he has been privileged to be a part of the Vista Ridge marching band Front Ensemble as a section leader. Logan’s enthusiasm for the marimba is contagious! It has inspired him to seek out new music and marimba solos to learn and master as he builds a personal repertoire for his future as a music major. He hopes to continue his studies and make his mark at the University of North Texas in Denton.

This amazing opportunity to attend PASIC 2018 is a familiar one as it is Logan’s second time to be a part of the event. He performed with the Henry Middle School Percussion Ensemble at PASIC 2014. It was an unforgettable experience and he expects no less from this year’s show. Being able to witness and play among other amazing artists and ensembles, at such a prestigious venue as PASIC, gives Logan a greater appreciation for his instrument and for the ever-expanding world of music. Logan would like to give a special thanks to all of his friends, in and out of the ensemble, for their camaraderie and hard work that brought them to this moment. He is truly blessed to be a part of such an incredible group

BENNY NGUYEN

BENNY NGUYEN

Benny Nguyen is a sophomore percussionist in the Vista Ridge Percussion Studio. His family consists of his mother, Trang, father, Kenney, grandmother, Trinh, and sister, Katie. During his free time, he enjoys devouring anything edible, searching the Interwebs for quality content, and spending time with his friends and relatives. Music is a force that allows Benny to express himself beyond words and is an opportunity to impact others. His passion for music and is a world that he never wants to leave behind. After graduation, Benny would like to study in the information technology field and hopes to attend the University of Texas at Austin. He would like to thank everyone in his life for making him who he is today and shaping his path for the future.

PARTH PARIKH

PARTH PARIKH

Parth Parikh is a percussionist at Vista Ridge High School and is honored to perform at PASIC this year! During the marching band season, he marches the bass drum, and during the concert season he enjoys playing in ensembles and performing solos. He appreciates all the support from his parents, Parul and Sanjay Parikh, and his sister, Krishna Parikh as well as from his friends.

When not practicing, Parth loves to make music (tropical house) and DJ as a pastime. He adores traveling, meeting new people, hanging out with his friends and family, and relaxing. Being a junior in high school, he is unsure about where he wants to attend college, but The University of Texas at Austin is at the top of his list. Parth’s dream is to DJ in front of huge crowds as a living and enjoy life to the fullest! Music has changed Parth’s life. He absolutely loves music, whether that means making it, listening to it, playing it, or even dancing to it. Learning music has made such a positive impact on Parth as a whole and he could not be more thankful for the opportunity. Getting to perform at the 2018 PASIC Convention means a lot to Parth, as his love for music grows more and more every day. Lastly, Parth would like to thank all of his band directors and especially his director of percussion, Mr. Gil, for teaching him all about music and taking all of the students on this incredible journey. Parth cannot wait to perform at the PASIC Convention and is extremely excited to showcase the many ensembles!

ADARSH PATEL

ADARSH PATEL

Adarsh Patel is junior at Vista Ridge who has played bass drum for all three years of his marching band career. Being in percussion has given Adarsh the opportunity to let go of his academic and household responsibilities when he is playing his instrument and helps him stay sane in his busy and stressful school life. His family includes his father, Manesh Patel, his mother, Darshana Patel, and his older sister, Disha Patel.

Outside of band, Adarsh is involved in DECA, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and AP Ambassadors. He used to run track and cross country, play soccer and basketball, and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, playing soccer, basketball, and football.

After his time at Vista Ridge, Adarsh plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin in pursuit of double majoring in business and computer science.

Being able to perform at the 2018 PASIC Convention has helped Adarsh grow as a musician as he is playing instruments that he has yet to play. It has also given him the opportunity to create everlasting memories with the community of friends he has found within the Vista Ridge percussion program. As a member of the Vista Ridge band program Adarsh has not only grown as a musician but as a person. He went from being somewhat shy to someone who is not afraid of meeting new people and putting himself out there.

COLE POMROY Cole Pomroy is a Junior at Vista Ridge High School and has played the tenor drums on the drumline for the past two years. He lives with his parents, Todd and Amanda Pomroy, and his two younger siblings, Madison and Chase. When not at school or at a band rehearsal, Cole enjoys reading a good book, learning drum set, going to Colorado for vacations, watching UT football (Hook ‘em), and playing games with friends and family. He is a member of his high school’s NHS chapter, and is a student leader at Northpoint Church. After graduating high school, Cole plans on attending UT Austin to study computer science and programming.

Cole performed at PASIC in 2014 in his middle school ensemble, and is very excited to be returning this year. He loves performing in both his high school marching band and in percussion ensembles later in the year. Vista Ridge’s invitation to PASIC, along with other achievements by the band program, has shown Cole what can be earned through hard work and dedication, and has provided many valuable opportunities, relationships, and skills that have impacted his life for the better.

COLE POMROY

SERGIO RUENES Sergio Ruenes is a junior percussionist at Vista Ridge High School. He marches snare drum during the marching season and is a member of his school’s Wind Ensemble during the concert season.

Sergio is the son of Aide Campos and Sergio Ruenes, and has a younger brother named Oscar, also a percussionist.

In his spare time, Sergio enjoys listening to music, drumming, hanging out with friends, and having a good laugh. His passion for music began in the 6th grade when he first joined his middle school’s band. Since then, Sergio has been a part of the 2014 Henry Middle School PASIC Ensemble, earned back to back first division ratings across multiple solo competitions, and has recently enrolled in an AP Music Theory class to further his knowledge of music and how it is made.

Sergio plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Software Engineering while minoring in Music. He also aspires to become a member of a World Class Drum Corps and to perform his heart out in front of thousands of people. He also hopes to be able to become a snare technician in his spare time to continue to spread his love for the activity.

SERGIO RUENES

Being a member of the Vista Ridge 2018 PASIC Ensemble, Sergio has had the opportunity to improve greatly in his performance and music knowledge, and has had a blast while doing so. He hopes to be able to use this experience to continue to fuel his love and passion for music.

CHLOE STRAIN Chloe Strain is a Junior percussionist at Vista Ridge High School. She spends most of her time practicing with the band and focusing on academics. Outside of school, Chloe enjoys practicing, listening to music, seeing concerts, and socializing with friends. Amongst these interests, she also serves as a small group leader at her church and spends time with hospital patients with terminal illnesses and have suffered traumatic injuries.

Chloe plans on attending Texas A&M University to major in medicine and minor in music after graduating from Vista Ridge. She has learned so much from taking part in band and still hopes to continue her music career, whether it’s in Drum Corps or becoming a snare tech on the side.

She is thankful for her director, Hector Gil, who has dedicated much of his time to push her to reach her full potential and grow in her passion for music. Chloe is honored to be a part of this program and grateful to have the opportunity to perform at the PASIC Convention once again.

CHLOE STRAIN

GLENN CHOE ANDERSON COLLINS JOAQUIN HERRMANN KOA FUJIMOTO KWANWOO LEE

FRESHMEN

HAYDEN CASE OWEN KNODEL BEN KOVACH BENNY NGUYEN

SOPHOMORES

RYAN CHANG LUKE HAMMOND SAMANTHA HIGDON PARTH PARIKH ADARSH PATEL COLE POMROY SERGIO RUENES CHLOE STRAIN

JUNIORS

SHANE CULLEN EVAN DE KAY BILL DOZIER MATTHEW JAGEN ALICE LEE LOGAN MYERS

SENIORS

THE 2018 VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL PASIC SUBMITTING ENSEMBLE RYAN CHANG SHANE CULLEN BILL DOZIER LUKE HAMMOND MATTHEW JAGEN OWEN KNODEL COLLIN MCENEANEY

LOGAN MYERS BENNY NGUYEN PARTH PARIKH COLE POMROY SERGIO RUENES CHLOE STRAIN

OUR DONORS STRAIT MUSIC FIDELITY CHARITABLE I HITEN & MELISSA PATEL - BEN KOVACH MALDONADO -BURKETT ITS I RAMON & FRAN MALDONADO YOON KYU & SUNHEE LEE I ALICE LEE KYNDRA CULLEN SUZY JENKINS JASON AND JENNIFER COLLINS I ANDERSON COLLINS TODD AND AMANDA POMROY I COLE POMROY KRIS RUIZ FAMILY STEVE AND ROSA WHITFIELD ADAM CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY RUENES - CAMPOS FAMILY I SERGIO RUENES HIGDON FAMILY I SAMANTHA HIGDON

JAGEN FAMILY I MATTHEW JAGEN HERRMANN FAMILY I JOAQUIN HERRMANN PATEL FAMILY I ADARSH PATEL KNODEL FAMILY I OWEN KNODEL CASE FAMILY I HAYDEN CASE CULLEN FAMILY I SHANE CULLEN FUJIMOTO FAMILY I KOA FUJIMOTO MYERS FAMILY I LOGAN MYERS LEE FAMILY I KWAN LEE CHANG FAMILY I RYAN CHANG NGUYEN FAMILY I BENNY NGUYEN

OUR SPONSORS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO THE 2017-2018 VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL PASIC SUBMISSION ENSEMBLE: I admire each one of you and want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

Your commitment to excellence and motivation to be the best version of yourselves paved the way for this invitation to perform at the PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. I love you all!

TO THE 2018-2019 VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL PASIC PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE: Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your extreme hard work, determination, and patience in preparation for this concert! You are amazing, kind, talented, and SUPER awesome young adults, and each of you will always hold a very special place in my heart. I am extremely humbled and honored to be able to stand in front of you every day. I admire you more than words can express. You are truly an incredible inspiration to me!

TO DR. DAN TROXELL, SUPERINTENDENT OF LEANDER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Thank you for your continued and steadfast support of the Fine Arts programs in LISD.

TO PAUL JOHNSON AND WENDELL MILLS: Your endless support, wisdom, and guidance are invaluable, and you have helped shape our students to be incredible role models. Thank you for ALL you do!

TO THE VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTER ASSOCIATION: Thank you for ALL your service to the students of the Vista Ridge High School Band, Color Guard, and Percussion Program! An organization is only as strong as the support behind it and you are all true ambassadors!

TO SHEILA OLENICH: Thank you for the countless hours you put into the Fine Arts programs in LISD. The work you do and the battles that you fight, help our students in more ways than you will ever imagine. We truly appreciate you! You’re an angel!

TO THE VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF: Your continued support of our students and all the Fine Arts programs at VRHS is astounding. Thank you for believing in our kids, making a daily impact on our students each day, and providing them with the opportunity to experience music on this level.

TO GEORGE BARRETT, HENRY GO, INNOVATIVE PERCUSSION: Thank you SO much for your help in providing us with the best sticks and mallets on the planet for our performance today. Your service to our program is astounding!

TO JEFF NELSON, ROBERT ANDERSON, AND LONESTAR PERCUSSION: Thank you SO much for your help in providing us with mallets and heads for our performance today.

Your service to our program is astounding and we greatly appreciate it!

TO RON SAMUELS, DENISE FITZGERALD, NICOLE RIGGS AND MARIMBA ONE: Your support with lending us four of your world class marimbas for this concert is absolutely appreciated and we are greatly indebted to you! Thank for making such amazing instruments!

TO JOSH TORRES AND THE CENTER GROVE BAND STAFF: Thank you for allowing us to use your incredible facilities and instruments to rehearse with this week. Your generosity and willingness to help us out made a world of difference!

TO MATT JORDAN AND PEARL/ADAMS: Your support with lending us 3 vibraphones, 1 Xylophone, 1 Glockenspiel, 1 set of Chimes, and a Concert Bass Drum for this concert is most definitely appreciated! Pearl is THE best reason to play drums!

TO TIM CHURCH AND BLACK SWAMP PERCUSSION: Thank you SO much for donating woodblocks, triangles, and other auxiliary equipment for our concert today! BSP gear is our absolute favorite and your service to our program is greatly appreciated!

TO CHRIS MEAD AND A&F DRUM COMPANY: Thank you so much for letting us borrow 3 of your incredible toms to use in our concert today! Your equipment is second to none, and we absolutely love supporting our local Austin area drum companies!

TO JED LEACH: The use of your crotales has made our performances even better than expected. Thank you SO much for your continued support, my friend!

TO CLINT STRAIT AND STRAIT MUSIC COMPANY: Thank you VERY much for donating a YAMAHA Stage Custom Drumset to the Vista Ridge HS Percussion Studio to use for this concert! The local support from such an incredible music company is HUGE and we cannot thank you enough for everything you do for our program!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ROBERT HERRINGS AND ROBIN WILSON: Thank you SO much for putting this beautiful PASIC program together! Your creativity and vision is extremely inspiring and we cannot thank you enough! You’re the best!

TO ADAM CLARK AND ADAM CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY: Thank you SO much for taking time out of your busy schedule to take the amazing photos for our program! The pictures are incredible and we truly appreciate your artistry and support for our program!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

TO STEPHANIE JAGEN, TARA STRAIN, KYNDRA CULLEN, AND DAVID CHANG: Thank you VERY much for being brave enough to chaperone and help organize this trip! You have no idea how much I appreciate you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL PASIC PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE: Thank you so much for your continued and endless support of the band program and music education! Your unwavering dedication, sacrifices, and flexibility, truly displays your love for your child and the passion involved with producing the quality musical performance presented today. Thank you for all that you have done so that our students can be successful and for allowing me the privilege of teaching them each day.

TO MY TEACHERS, COLLEGUES, AND FRIENDS FOR WHOM I AM GRATEFUL, including, but not limited to: Carlos Gil Sr., Dr. Brian West, Bobby Francis, Dr. Jeffrey Emge, Bill Bachman, Jim Yakas, Matt Savage, Brian Youngblood, Alan Joanis, Chris Sawyer, Ivan Trac, Cameron Carbone, Jordan Walsh, Liam Keanini, Matt Hart, James Neblett, Katie Rivers, Lauren Roeder, Cindy Willis, Nathan Daughtrey, Ivan Trevino, Michael Burritt, Michael Laurello, Tom Monda, John Schexnayder, Shree Tripathi, Dr. Andrew Sickmeier, Matt Ehlers, Dave Reyes, Dr. Dave Hall, Dr. Brian Zator, Bryan Christian, Reid Atkinson, Zach Santos, Erin Kosman, Robert Herrings, Darcy Williams, Andrew Binkard, Jenna Yee, Katherine Willer, Alex Ortega, Kyle Ruschhaupt, Josh Scott, Dustin Tharp, Amy Frost, Rachel Johnstone, Ryan Straten, Cara Vernon, Christina Wishart-Ortega, Jeffrey Salinas, Andrew Straight, Steven Hopkins, John Mallon, Jose Castro, Frank Foster, Jeff Hodge, Mike Matthew, Scott Ward, Dennis Carty, Dr. Andrew Eldridge, Tyler Orbison, Russell Ratterie, Stuart Spoon, Brian “Chavez” Lowe, Michael C. Garcia, Mike Reed, Kyle Treadwell, Robert Poulin, Stefan Ice, Darrin Hicks, James LaBrecque, Evan Blackard, Joe Hobbs, Roland Chavez, Drew Saenz, Michael Zellers, Jake Gall, Emily Tannert-Patterson, Rick Rodriguez, Lance Brightwell, Julia Littleton, Jason Littleton, Paul Pape, Juan Carrera, Art Jimenez, Manny Maldonado, Dave Suarez, Ryan Sirna, Jed Leach, Steve Roeder, Frank Nedley, Dr. Chris Lizak, Sarah Santacruz, and Pete Zambito.

TO PETER WARSHAW: We have worked together for twelve years, and I could not ask for a more supportive Fine Arts Director. Your leadership and integrity has inspired me to be a better educator throughout the years.

TO NATHAN DAUGHTREY AND C. ALAN PUBLICATIONS: You have no idea how grateful I am to you for everything you have done for us throughout this journey. Your literature is so inspiring, and I can’t wait to perform another one of your pieces and work together (yet again) in the future!

TO IVAN TREVINO: Your piece Make a Joyful Noise is so beautifully crafted and was the perfect piece to complete our program. You are an inspiration to us and we GREATLY appreciate all your words of encouragement and assistance in this PASIC journey. Thank you SO much brother!

TO TOM MONDA AND “THANK YOU SCIENTIST”: Thank you for writing Rube Goldberg Variations, and ultimately for allowing me to arrange and publish it! The students and I are HUGE fans of your band and music, and we can’t thank you enough!

TO MATT EHLERS: I have nothing but the utmost respect for you! Not only are you an incredible music educator and percussion teacher, but you are a genuine friend. I look up to you so much and I am honored that you agreed to introduce me and my ensemble at our send-off concert. Thank you so much for everything and for being one of my best friends.

TO THE LEANDER ISD PERCUSSION DIRECTORS — ROLAND CHAVEZ, MIKE ZELLERS, JOE HOBBS, DREW SAENZ, AND JAKE GALL: It goes without saying that we work in the best school district, teach the best kids, and have created the strongest percussion bond amongst educators in the state! I thank each one of you for your support and for pushing me to continue to strive for musical excellence. Go, Leander ISD Percussion!

TO MY PERCUSSION PRIVATE LESSON TEACHERS — CHRIS SAWYER, CAMERON CARBONE, IVAN TRAC, AND JORDAN WALSH: Words cannot express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for your commitment to our program and our students. You are the backbone of our success, and your dedication and expertise continue to elevate our program to new heights. Thanks for being such incredible teachers but most importantly, thanks for being my friend.

TO THE STAFF AT HENRY MIDLE SCHOOL AND STILES MIDDLE SCHOOL — ROBERT HERRINGS, DARCY WILLIAMS, ANDREW BINKARD, JENNA YEE, KATHERINE WILLER, and ALEX ORTEGA: It is a blessing to be able to work with all of you and I truly appreciate all of your support, assistance, but more than anything, your friendship. These students look up to each of you so much and I’m happy to share this honor with you.

TO BRYAN CHRISTIAN, REID ATKINSON, ZACH SANTOS, AND ERIN KOSMAN: You have no idea how grateful I am for everything you have done for us throughout this journey. Thank you so much for all your hard work, time, and dedication to our students and our program. I am truly blessed to work with such an amazing team that I can call my friends. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else! Thanks to each of you for your patience, guidance, discipline, and love. You are a blessing to the students and to me.

TO BRYAN CHRISTIAN AND ROBERT HERRINGS: Thank you for everything you two have done for me and for our students! The two of you have been huge influences in my life and I am honored and blessed to work with you each and every day. You both inspire me to be a better educator and I appreciate you more than you know. Thanks for always believing in me and for being my friend.

TO BRIAN WEST: You sir, have been my greatest inspiration. You have thought me more than you will ever imagine, and I continue to model after you every day. Thank you for ALWAYS pushing me to strive for the greatest musical height that one can achieve. I have literally come full circle - being your student that once walked onto the PASIC IPEC collegiate percussion ensemble stage 18 years ago, and now here I am once again with my own group. You planted this dream in me long ago, and you are the individual that I try to emulate whenever I step in front of my students. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me, but more importantly, thank you for being my friend.

TO MY PARENTS: Mom - Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. None of this would have been possible without your love, patience, and support. Dad - Thank you for inspiring me to become a percussionist and ultimately a music educator. I attribute the majority of my success to your principles and teaching philosophy. Both of you are very special to me and I cherish you beyond words.

TO MY DAUGHTERS ELENA AND MAKAYLA: I am truly blessed and honored to have the best daughters a dad could ask for. You are both extremely articulate, talented, driven, and beautiful ladies. You inspire me to be a better dad and person every single day and I am blessed to have you in my life. Thank you so much for believing in me and for your unconditional love and support! I love you!

TO MY WIFE BRANDY: You are the love of my life and I never imagined I’d have someone so special to come home to everyday. You believe in me and my abilities more than I believe in myself. You comfort me when I am challenged. You’ve stood by my side very closely through this process, always with a helping hand and a sympathetic heart. Thank you for being so patient, supportive, and loving. You are the best wife and my best friend. I love you with all my heart.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!