Hitchcock High School Band Makes HISD History: Three Students Selected for 2025 ATSSB All-State Band

Hitchcock, TX - January 14th, 2025 - The Association of Texas Small School Bands is pleased to announce the selection of three Hitchcock High School Bulldogs to the 2025 ATSSB All-State Band. More than 10,000 high school band students from across Texas auditioned in twenty-two different regions for a place in their respective all-region bands. The top chairs in each region advanced to one of the five area auditions held this past weekend across the state, and only 286 of these students were selected for all-state honors.

The ATSSB All-State Bands will meet in rehearsals in San Antonio, Texas, February 12-15, 2025, and will present a concert beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the Lila Cockrell Theatre of the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in downtown San Antonio.

Dustin Seifert (Eastern New Mexico University) will be the clinician-conductor of the All-State Concert Band. Dr. J. Eric Wilson (Baylor University) will be the clinician-conductor of the All-State Symphonic Band, which will premiere a composition by Julie Giroux (commissioned by ATSSB for this concert). Ronald Wilkins (Shires Trombone Artist and New York Musician) will be the clinician-conductor of the All-State Jazz Ensemble, which will perform at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the Convention Center Hemisfair Ballroom 1-2. The Jazz Ensemble will premiere a piece written by Mr. Wilkins (commissioned by ATSSB).

Alexis Vega was chosen to advance to State after excelling in competitive auditions held this year across the state at region and area levels. Alexis is a 10th grade student at Hitchcock High School and plays the Bb Clarinet in the Bulldog Band under the direction of the Head Band Director, Kelly Brunson, who is a member of the Association of Texas Small School Bands, a 1,400-member group of band directors in class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A high schools in Texas. This is Vega’s first time to perform as a member of the ATSSB All-State Band.

Ranferi Pineda was also chosen to advance to State after excelling in competitive auditions held this year across the state at region and area levels. Ranferi is a 11th grade student at Hitchcock High School and plays the Trumpet in the Bulldog Band. This is Pineda’s first time to perform as a member of the ATSSB All-State Band.

Lastly, Dustin Vonderheide was chosen to advance to State after excelling in competitive auditions held this year across the state at region and area levels. Dustin is a 12th grade student at Hitchcock High School and plays the Trumpet in the Bulldog Band. This is Veonderheide’s first time to perform as a member of the ATSSB All-State Band.

This historic accomplishment marks the first time in Hitchcock High School’s history that three students have been selected for the ATSSB All-State Band in the same year. Their dedication and passion for music make the Hitchcock ISD community incredibly proud, and we look forward to celebrating their performances in San Antonio.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Alexis, Ranferi, and Dustin for achieving this incredible milestone,” said Hitchcock ISD’s Head Band Director Kelly Brunson. “Their selection to the ATSSB All-State Band is a reflection of their dedication, hard work, and passion for music. This has truly been a banner year for our program—from advancing to state as a marching band in the fall to now having three students earn this prestigious honor. These achievements highlight the tremendous talent we have in Hitchcock ISD and the commitment of all our students who competed this year. Our Bulldog family is incredibly proud, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish next!”

For anyone planning to attend, or who would like to inquire about how you can watch online, please visit the TMEA Convention website at https://www.tmea.org/convention/plan-your-visit/#family.