Keep 'Em Once You Have 'Em
Clinic Synopsis:
Steve Andre, David Vandewalker, Bryan Christian, and Tim Lautzenheiser will discuss why building positive connections and crafting an impactful culture are key components to the retention of students in your program. There will also be brainstorming opportunities to discuss positive solutions to some of the retention roadblocks in our schools today.
Steve Andre
- Biographical Information
Steve Andre recently retired after a 38-year career in music education. He is currently serving as the managing director of the Servant Leadership Association for Music; as well as an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University – Commerce and Richland College. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Andre was serving as the Director of Fine Arts for the Mesquite Independent School District. In this role, he provided leadership for the fine arts programs at 5 high schools, 10 middle schools, and 34 elementary schools.
Before moving into administration in Mesquite, Mr. Andre spent 20 years as the director of bands and fine arts department chair at Grapevine High School. During his time in Grapevine the band program received numerous accolades. Some of those awards were: State Marching Band finalist 3 times, medaling twice, Honor Band Finalist, Consistent UIL Sweepstakes Awards; as well as, being named as the outstanding ensemble at numerous music festivals across the country. Mr. Andre received his master’s degree from TCU and his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is a past recipient of the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award, the GCISD Excellence in Education Award, was named the Outstanding Fine Arts Department Alumnus from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2007, and was inducted into the TCU Band Hall of Fame in 2019. Steve is a Past President of the Texas Music Educators Association, an office he was elected to after serving two years as the TMEA Band Division Vice-President.
Bryan Christian - Biographical Information
Mr. Christian attended Abilene Christian University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in
1989. Receiving a Graduate Assistantship at Stephen F. Austin State University, he then
began his graduate work and received his Master of Arts degree in Conducting and
Clarinet Performance in August of 1991. He began his teaching career in Birdville
ISD as Associate Director of Bands at Richland High School.
After spending eight years at Richland, he was selected as the first Director of Bands at
Stony Point High School in Round Rock ISD. Mr. Christian spent four years at Stony
Point before moving to Leander ISD to open Vista Ridge High School in 2003, as the Director of Bands. Under his leadership, the Vista Ridge Band performed at the Midwest International Band Clinic, received the Sudler Shield, were the
2018 UIL 6A State Marching Band Champions, and were a 2021 BOA Grand Nationals
Finalist, where they received an invitation to march in the 2023 Tournament of Roses
Parade. The Vista Ridge Band was just recently selected to receive the Sudler Flag of
Honor, a project of the John Philip Sousa Foundation and one of the highest honors a
concert band can receive.
Mr. Christian is an active adjudicator and clinician and is a member of the Texas Music
Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators
Association, Phi Beta Mu, Mu Phi Epsilon, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Mr. Christian is also a Founding Board Member and Vice-President of the
Servant Leadership Association for Music.
David Vandewalker - Biographical Information
Dr. David W. Vandewalker served as the Coordinator of Performing Arts for the Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, and band director at Georgia State University and Harrison High School (GA). Bands under his instruction have performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bands of America Regional Championships, BOA Grand National Finals and at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Dr. Vandewalker is currently the executive director of the Servant Leadership Association for Music.
Dr. Vandewalker is a recipient of the Sudler Flag of Honor, ten-NBA Citation of Excellence Awards, three National Wind Band Honors Awards, and is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association. David and Pamela reside in Marietta, GA where she serves over 800 children in music each week.
Tim Lautzenheiser - Biographical Information
Tim presently serves as Senior Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. and is the CEO for the Servant Leadership Association for Music. He is a nationally recognized voice touting the importance of arts education for every child. His books, produced by G.I.A. Publications, Inc., continue to be bestsellers in the educational community. He is also co-author of popular band method, Essential Elements. Above all, Tim is a trusted friend to all who are interested in creating a culture-of-excellence for students to recognize and develop their unlimited talents and skills.
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