Kyle Norris, the Assistant Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, stepped into a program that has a rich history of success and well-established systems. “Rather than trying to reimagine those structures, my focus has been on understanding why those systems work and then operating within them authentically, which allows me to operate in ways that feel personal and aligned with the program’s identity,” he explains. “My guiding principle is to ‘respect the old, embrace the new.’”
Norris is always in search of better tools, clearer communication and stronger systems. “The more intentional I am, the more permission my students have to become the best versions of themselves,” Norris says enthusiastically. “The quest and striving for continuous improvement are the favorite parts of my profession!”
His fresh perspective and creativity in show design gives his students a vehicle that not only challenges them, but “one that they will enjoy performing from the first football game through the final performance of the year,” he says. “We are fortunate to collaborate with designers who are also educators, which ensures that every design choice supports student growth as much as performance success.”
During rehearsals, Norris maintains a positive, respectful environment by setting clear expectations, offering solutions when critiquing and celebrating successes enthusiastically. “Students thrive when they feel seen, supported and meaningfully connected to the program,” he says.
It’s Norris’ strong rapport with students that makes him a stand-out. He leans heavily on John C. Maxwell’s quote: “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
“Relationships start with something so simple — knowing students’ names,” he says. “I make a concerted effort to learn every student’s name as early as possible because that small gesture immediately establishes trust. Outside of rehearsal, I prioritize genuine conversations — and I work hard to actively listen and recall details later.”
Norris leads Vandegrift’s non-varsity Symphonic Band. “Teaching this ensemble is the best part of my day. I see the Symphonic Band as a launchpad rather than a destination,” he explains. “Students in this ensemble are preparing to step into the culture, rigor and pace of the Wind Ensemble, so my focus is on developing independence and advanced individual and ensemble skills. We intentionally stay just behind the Wind Ensemble in our skill progression, so students can move up seamlessly when the opportunity arises.”
Collaboration is central to building up the Symphonic Band. The band directors and percussion director team-teach frequently, serve as extra sets of eyes and ears during rehearsals, and provide consistent feedback to the students. “Most importantly, I want students to have deeply meaningful musical experiences. Quality repertoire selection is a must. When I hear students reminiscing about pieces they played years later, I know we’ve done our job,” Norris says proudly.
In recent years, Vandegrift experienced two big transitions in head band directors. Norris was called the glue that held the program together through both changes. “During leadership transitions, my priority was simple: Students needed to see consistency modeled before they could feel it,” he explains. “I made a point to show how enthusiastic I was about the new leadership because students take their emotional cues from the adults in the room.”
Norris went on to say that the band director community in the Leander Independent School District is incredibly unique. “We are constantly talk shop and share ideas. I can’t tell you the number of times I have invited directors to my rehearsals to help me, and I’m always met with ‘Yes, I would love to help.’ There is a genuine care and vested interest in the collective good in this district that is truly special,” Norris says.
