Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Vista Ridge Wind Ensemble is the premier concert ensemble within the Vista Ridge High School Band program. Students are selected through a rigorous audition process held each spring and fall. The ensemble currently consists of students in grades 9 through 12.
A strong focus on recruitment, retention, and high-quality teaching at all levels of our program has allowed each of our four performing ensembles to thrive and make rapid progress over the years.
Feeder schools within our vertical team include Henry and Stiles Middle Schools, both of which have achieved significant success. Henry has performed at the Midwest Clinic in 2010, 2012, 2016, and 2022, while Stiles performed at the clinic in 2015 and 2021. Additionally, the Henry Honors Band was named the TMEA Class 3C Honor Band in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2024, performing at the TMEA Convention.
The Vista Ridge Wind Ensemble is composed of students who are not only accomplished musicians but also high academic achievers. This year's ensemble includes 27 region band members from one of the most competitive TMEA regions in Texas, as well as 10 students who represented the Vista Ridge HS Band program in the TMEA All-State Band. Our students consistently rank among the top 10% in their class, with many band members historically earning Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors. Vista Ridge High School places great value on academic rigor, and our Band Program reflects this same commitment to excellence.
At Vista Ridge, we place a strong emphasis on developing the individual student musician. During the fall semester, the entire band program utilizes its resources—band directors and private teachers—to facilitate weekly Master Classes that focus on enhancing student musicianship through the practice and performance of the TMEA All-State Audition Etudes. In addition to large ensemble performances, participation in small chamber ensembles is a key component of the curriculum. These small ensembles foster skills in listening, collaboration, student coaching, leadership, and artistry. Many of these groups also perform at Ensemble Recitals and for various school and community events, providing valuable service to our school.
In the spring semester, students work closely with their directors and private teachers to prepare and perform a solo for the Vista Ridge Young Artist Contest. This investment in the individual student leads to impressive results: numerous students have earned placements in All-Region, Area, and All-State organizations, as well as a high number of First Division Ratings. More importantly, this process fosters significant growth in students' musical abilities, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.
The Vista Ridge Wind Ensemble consistently earns "Superior" ratings at UIL competitions in both concert and sight-reading/music literacy. In the spring of 2015, the ensemble participated in the 6A TMEA Honor Band Process, advancing through regional, area, and state levels of competition, ultimately placing 5th in the finals.
The Vista Ridge Band is dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where students can develop the skills needed for success, both in music and in life. We maintain high standards of performance and instill a sense of pride throughout our organization. This commitment is at the core of our mission.
While we hold our students to high standards of musical and academic excellence, we also prioritize their development as strong, contributing citizens. We are committed to upholding the values outlined in Leander ISD’s “Ten Ethical Principles,” which include: Honesty, Integrity, Promise-keeping, Loyalty, Concern for Others, Law-abidance/Civic Duty, Respect for Others, Fairness, Pursuit of Excellence, and Accountability. These principles are fostered every day within our band family and our community.
Vista Ridge High School Wind Ensemble
Conductor's Bio
Robert Tyrome Herrings, III is in his twentieth year of teaching and has been teaching at Artie Henry Middle School in Leander ISD since 2004. Prior to coming to Leander ISD, he was the Director of Bands at Rockdale Junior High in Rockdale, Texas.
In 2003, Mr. Herrings received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he studied under Michael Haithcock, Jeff Grogan, Dr. Kevin Sedatole and Barry Hopper. While in college, Mr. Herrings was a member of the Baylor University performing wind bands, as well as a member of the Baylor University Golden Wave Band.
At Henry Middle School, Mr. Herrings conducts the Honors Band, and assists with the Symphonic Band and Concert Band. He also teaches beginning clarinet, saxophone, horn and trumpet. Mr. Herrings’ bands have consistently received UIL Sweepstakes ratings, as well as unanimous first division ratings, Best In Class, and Overall Outstanding Band honors at festivals around the state. From 2009-2023, the program at Henry earned distinction as a National Wind Band Honors Class AA winner, and in 2008 and 2013, the Henry Middle School Honors Band was selected to perform at the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, Washington. The program was named the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2024 TMEA Class CCC Honor Band and was also selected to perform at the 2010, 2012, 2016 and 2022 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. In June 2011, Mr. Herrings and the program were awarded the prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Silver Cup Award, and in July of the same year, Mr. Herrings was named the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Bandmaster of the Year. In May of 2014, the Texas Chapter of the American School Band Directors Association awarded the Outstanding Band Program Award to the Artie Henry MS Band Program, and in November of the same year, the Henry MS Percussion Ensemble was selected to perform at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2018, the Henry MS Band Program was selected as the Texas Bandmasters Association Exemplary Middle School Band Award winner. Most recently, the program at Henry MS was named the National Band Association's Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Band Award winner.
An active clinician and adjudicator around the state, Mr. Herrings is the Vice President of the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, American Bandmasters Association as well as an educational consultant for the Conn-Selmer Division of Education. Mr. Herrings also serves as the TMEA Region 32 Middle School Band Chair, as well as the Region 32 TBA representative. Most recently, Mr. Herrings was inducted into the American Bandmaster Association.
Mr. Herrings enjoys motivating young musicians to achieve the highest level of performance by sharing his extreme love and passion for music with them on a daily basis. He feels honored, privileged and extremely blessed to have a loving mother and grandmother, many great mentors, band directors and close friends who have influenced his career thus far.
Above all, his students have been his greatest inspiration!
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