Mr. Mike Howard Leaving Role as Vandegrift Band Director

[VandyBandyFandy]

Mike Howard announced to the Vandegrift Band this morning that he has accepted the position of Fine Arts Director for Leander ISD. While we are all happy for him, and know he is not going far (Vandegrift is in Leander ISD), there have been a lot of tears shed by students and parents today. Mr. Howard started the Vandegrift Band program when the school opened with only about 40 students. It now has over 400 students and is one of the best, most respected, and highly regarded high school band programs in the nation. For those who don't have the pleasure of knowing him, he is an incredible teacher, a wonderful example, an amazing leader, and just an exceptional human being. Mr. Howard often tells the students that the Vandegrift Band is better because they were in it. The truth is, we are all better people because he led it.  

[brassdragon]

I feel for ya. Our head director here at Leander, Robert Selaiden, is leaving his position to compose music. He's taken the program to its heights, and it really sucks to see him go.

Though I'm sure the new directors at both of our schools will be able to keep our success going, and lead us into the future

[CTJBandPops]

sounds like alot of directors from the "known" programs are moving on.. Texas Bands may look alot different this fall

 

[LeanderMomma]

  On 5/21/2022 at 7:26 PM, CTJBandPops said:

sounds like alot of directors from the "known" programs are moving on.. Texas Bands may look alot different this fall

 

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Yep and I’m still expecting another announcement. 😔

[MikeKyu]

This is great news for all of the Leander ISD schools. Seeing Selaiden leave Leander is a little bit of a surprise. Both organizations will be just fine. The support they will receive from the district will allow them to continue their excellent performance for years to to come. Look at how Cedar Park transitioned and came roaring back (at the BOA level, their UIL level remained).  It should be an exciting few weeks in LISD. 

[oddlynormal]

Any school in Leander ISD will be fine regardless of pretty much anyone who teaches them.  The district's support is unlike the vast majority of those anywhere.  Those students who live in district are extremely lucky to have such amazing support.  

Congrats to Mike Howard on the big promotion.  The LISD Fine Arts will be in very capable hands.

[VandyBandyFandy]

With Mr. Howard leading the district's fine arts program, we can be assured that all of Leander ISD's amazing band programs will continue to be well supported. Excited to see who he chooses as his replacement. I've heard a lot of rumors, but we'll just have to see. 

[MikeKyu]

It seems like Vandy has recruited Ms. Bush (assistant director) from Cedar Park. She has been with Cedar Park for 2 years as a director, 4 years as a student, and her entire life as Steve Wessels' daughter (he was for first director of the Cedar Park band and retired 3 years ago). Very interesting things happening in LISD South

[MikeKyu]

So, I have it from an extremely reliable source that Vandy is going to be in very capable hands when Mr. Howard leaves. Very exciting opportunity for this director. And it won't be a massive shock to the organization or students either. 

 

It looks like the announcement has been made 

https://vhsband.com/band-director/

Edited July 30, 2022 by MikeKyu
fact checking myself