“The Midwest Clinic is the biggest stage you can have as a band program from a concert setting. To be invited is one of the highest honors, and our students rose to the occasion beautifully.” – Joe Hobbs, Band Director of Percussion at Vandegrift High School
By JOHN BOYLE
Four Points News
Vandegrift High School’s percussion ensemble took center stage in Chicago at the prestigious 2024 Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference, marking yet another milestone for the school’s celebrated band program. Under the leadership of percussion director Joe Hobbs, the Vandy ensemble delivered an awe-inspiring performance that showcased their technical brilliance and creative artistry, solidifying their reputation as one of the top high school percussion ensembles in the nation.
The Midwest Clinic, established in 1946, is recognized as the largest band and orchestra conference in the world. Originally founded to introduce new music to school programs, the clinic has evolved into a global event that features performances by elite ensembles, clinics by world-renowned educators, and exhibits of the latest in musical instruments and technology. For high school programs like Vandegrift, an invitation to perform is considered a pinnacle achievement, placing them among the best in the world.
“The Midwest Clinic is the biggest stage you can have as a band program from a concert setting,” said Hobbs, who has served as Vandegrift’s percussion director for nine years. “To be invited is one of the highest honors, and our students rose to the occasion beautifully.”
The journey to the Midwest stage began nearly a year ago, with Vandy’s percussion ensemble submitting recordings, videos, and references as part of a rigorous application process. When the invitation arrived in April 2023, Hobbs and his team began meticulously planning the repertoire, logistics, and travel arrangements.
“This isn’t something you prepare for overnight,” Hobbs explained. “We had to select music, rehearse extensively, and even commission new works specifically for this performance.” Among the eight pieces performed by the ensemble were three world premieres, including “Valor Day,” a composition dedicated to Vandegrift’s namesake, Lt. Matthew Vandegrift, a Marine officer and former LISD student who was killed in 2008 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The performance itself, held in a packed hall, ended with a standing ovation. The emotional centerpiece of the concert was the closing piece, “Thy Kingdom Come,” based on the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” The arrangement, which included handbells and extremely complex rhythmic patterns, moved many in the audience to tears. “It was a privilege to see the Vandegrift Percussion Ensemble showcase their talent at the Midwest Clinic, representing their school, Leander ISD, and the State of Texas with pride. This extraordinary performance is a testament to the hard work of students, the passion of their educators, and the incredible support of their families. Mr. Hobbs and his students demonstrated the essence of Vandy’s school motto, ‘Second to None,’ through their exceptional artistry and in every note played,” expressed LISD Director of Fine Arts, Mike Howard.
The three-day trip to Chicago wasn’t just about the performance. The students explored the city, visiting landmarks like Willis Tower and the Museum of Science and Industry, and even enjoyed a night out at the musical Les Misérables. For many, the highlight remained the interactions with renowned musicians and educators during the clinic. “Our students had the chance to meet some of their heroes in the percussion world,” Hobbs said. “These moments of connection are priceless and inspire them to strive for even greater heights.”
This marks the second time Vandegrift’s percussion ensemble has performed at the Midwest Clinic, the first being in 2017. Over the years, the school’s band program has earned numerous accolades, including marching band state championships in 2014, 2022, and 2023, and being crowned 2019 Bands of America Grand National Champions. The ensemble itself opened the 2024 season with a major victory at the highly competitive Thunder in the Hills Percussion Invitational, earning Grand Champion honors over perennial Texas powerhouses Hebron and Vista Ridge. “Our goal isn’t just to win trophies,” Hobbs noted. “It’s to teach our students how to excel at something and apply that work ethic to any area of their lives.”
Adding to the ensemble’s remarkable display of dedication, students flew back to Austin late Friday night immediately following their afternoon Chicago performance. Despite their grueling schedule, ensemble members bounced out of bed early the next morning to join the VHS marching band and Vision Dance company in supporting Vandy’s football team at the UIL 6A Division II state championship game. Their presence added to the electric atmosphere as the Vipers secured their first-ever football state title. “This shows the character and commitment of these students. They’re not just extremely talented musicians; they’re dedicated members of the Vandegrift community,” remarked VHS Football Coach and Athletic Director, Drew Sanders. “The fact that they made the trip to support our team after representing our school in front of the world not only helped us to victory but also fills me with immense pride and gratitude—it’s a testament to the incredible spirit of our Vandegrift family!”
As the echoes of their 2024 performances fade, the VHS percussion ensemble continues to look forward. For Hobbs and his students, the experience is not just a highlight of the year but a steppingstone for even greater accomplishments. Jarrett Lipman, VHS Director of Bands summed it up, “The Vandegrift percussion ensemble’s Midwest program was inspiring, uplifting, and unforgettable. Joe Hobbs is an incredible educator and human. He has a special connection with his students, and they reflect his passion and love for performing. Most importantly, Hobbs and his amazing team teach our students the importance of being remarkable human beings. Their discipline, character, and work ethic are second to none. We are all so proud!”
Representing Vandegrift at the Midwest Clinic were:
Students:
Asher Abraham, Surya Balaji, Sena Baag, Devan Bhatt, Ethan Brown, Ava Brown, Nathan Colon, Rocco Fabozzi, Karson Gailey, Marin Harris, Cora Harper, Tate Hines, Tyler Jackson, Annie Jackson, Cash Kielian, Sam Kim, Kallin Ligon, Caleb Luong, Kalli Mendoza, Ridge Nuessner, Andrew Pacheco, Logan Roberts, Anand Singh, Soleil Stewart, Kai Wilmot, Ansel Wong.
Directors:
Trevor Deary, Joe Hobbs, Tim Shuster.
Band Staff:
Katie Hopkins, Jarrett Lipman, Tristan Murray, Kyle Norris.
