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!!