TWU International Dance Company visits RRISD

TWU International Dance Company visits RRISD

Our dance programs welcomed for the 7th year now, Texas Women's University's International Dance Company to our PAC to present to 150 upper level dance students across the district.
The dance students participated in a cultural dance experience by viewing traditional dances from Egypt, Ireland, Veracruz, and many, many more. Authentic costumes and music have been designed for each dance to enrich the cultural understanding of each country's folklore. After viewing the dances, the students were given the opportunity to spend time with one of the dancers and learn steps from the traditional dance. We are most thankful and delighted that TWU as our partner, continues to provide such a wonderful, diverse, cultural experience for RRISD dancers.

Texas Music Administrator of the Year

Please join the Round Rock ISD Fine Arts faculty and leadership in congratulating Jim Van Zandt who was named Texas Music Administrator of the Year.  The announcement was made Friday, November 19th at the Texas Music Administrators Conference in Austin.  Jim will be recognized officially during the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in February 2011in San Antonio.   This prestigious award recognizes outstanding leaders and is voted on from the at-large membership of the Texas Music Educators Association. 

Mr. Van Zandt is in his tenth year as Director of Fine Arts for the Round Rock Independent School District. In this capacity, is involved with operations, curriculum, staff development, budget, and staffing. He is also actively involved with the structure and curriculum of the district's Fine Arts Academy. As a part of his role, he is a constant advocate for the arts in education.

Jim holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of North Texas, where he was listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. He was Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at Westwood High School (Round Rock ISD) from 1995-2001, after serving as Director of Bands at Richland High School (Birdville ISD) for the previous twenty years. He has also taught in Denton, Fredericksburg, Raymondville, and Jayton, Texas.

Jim is tireless advocate for all the arts and our faculty and leadership are extremely proud of him in achieving this well-deserved recognition.

More Marching Band Success!

Congratulations to the Round Rock High School Dragon Band for its fabulous performance at the AAAAA UIL State Marching Contest in the Alamodome on November 2!

The process began with 800 bands and over 100,000 students. Bands earning Division I ratings at Region qualified for the Area contests. One band out of five at each of the seven Areas then were certified to the State contest.

All of the bands were amazing, and the Dragon Band placed 16th out of the 36 bands that earned the State appearance. A large contingent of parents and RRISD administrators were on hand to support the RRHS band.

Also, on November 7, the Dragon Band Drumline, "Rock Drums," earned the state championship award at the Lone Star Percussion Festival in Flower Mound. The group also won "outstanding bass drums" and "outstanding cymbals" captions. This is the third time in the last four years that Rock Drums have earned first place at this prestigious event!

INTERSECTIONS 2010!!!!

Our amazing RRISD dance programs came together for the past two weekends and presented a dance event like none other. This is the 14th annual INTERSECTIONS. The PAC was "packed" with dance patrons enjoying all types of dance. We had over 5000 audience members and more than 1500 dance students. Thanks to all that made the event possible especially to our parent and student volunteers! Congrats to all dance directors both middle and high school, dance students, and the PAC staff!! Great Job!!

Congratulations to Visual Art Faculty Sharing at NAEA

Congratulations to Round Rock ISD Visual Art faculty who had accepted for inclusion in the program for the 2011 NAEA (National Art Education Association) National Convention in Seattle, Washington, March 17-20, 2011. Tiffany Asha (Deerpark MS) will be presenting Coming to an Understanding:The Role of Art Education in Teaching about Islam.  Kara Hallmark (Union Hill ES) will be presenting E-Portfolios and Process under Best Practices.  Tim Lowke (Cedar Ridge HS) will be presenting PowerArt – Integrating Art and Math.  We are proud of these three faculty members on this prestigious, national accomplishment and their commitments to applying and sharing best visual art education practice with students, peers and the national association.

Live Oak Students Reaching Out Around the World

Live Oak art teacher, Gayle Clark, received an invitation for Live Oak Elementary to participate in providing artwork for the Miracle Foundation. This non-profit organization supports orphanages in India. Live Oak is sending student artwork to decorate the walls of an orphanage in Ranchi, India.  All artwork completed in the art club will be hand delivered to this small village.  Later our new friends in Ranchi, India will be sending their artwork to decorate the hallways at Live Oak Elementary School.   Way to go Gayle! 

TDEA Honors Marla Valk and Denise Cochran!

We have just learned that Marla Valk, Dance Director at Westwood High School, is a finalist for the Texas Dance Educators Association Dance Educator of the Year! The announcement of the winner will be in January at the TDEA Convention in Houston.

We also learned that Denise Cochran, Dance Curriculum Specialist for the district, and also dance instructor at Grisham Middle School, has been named a finalist for the TDEA Lifetime Achievement Award. This was also be announced at the TDEA convention in January.

Congratulations to both Marla and Denise!