About
Ryan Agard is a well-known music clinician, consultant, and adjudicator in Texas. Previously, he was a successful and dynamic high school band director for 18 years. He was the founding director of the Dawson High School Band in Pearland, Texas proudly serving the community for 11 years before deciding to advance his career in the summer of 2018 to help guide, motivate, and inspire more students and directors beyond his band hall. In their inaugural year of 2007, Mr. Agard led the Dawson High School Wind Ensemble consisting of only 9th and 10th grade students to the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association’s Honor Band competition and were named 2nd runner up. They were also TMEA Honor Band finalists in 2011 and 2013. In the early summer of 2018 his ensemble finished first place in the TMEA Area H Honor Band competition in the 6A division. Under his direction, the Wind Ensemble received numerous superior ratings at music festivals and UIL contests, and was even invited to perform at Music for All’s National Concert Band Festival in 2010 and 2013. Mr. Agard led the Dawson Eagle Marching Band to receive superior ratings at every UIL Marching Band Contest they attended since the school’s opening and advanced to the UIL State Marching Band Contest every year possible including 2016, 2014, 2013, 2011, and 2009. Of significance, they finished as high as 7th place in 2013 and even placed 11th in 2009 with their first senior class. The band consistently finished in the top 8 to 12 percent of high school band programs in Texas.
Prior to Dawson High School, Mr. Agard was the Director of Bands at Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land, Texas for two years where he also led the Honors Band to perform at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in 2006 and 2010. He also led the band to advance to the UIL State Marching Band Contest in 2006. He was the co-conductor of the symphony orchestra assisting with orchestra concerts, competitions, and musicals. Prior to this, he was the assistant band director for five years and was named Stephen F. Austin High School New Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Agard completed his Music Education degree at the University of Houston. He studied the saxophone with Dr. Karen Wylie and performed in the Moore’s School of Music Wind Ensemble under the esteemed direction of Mr. Eddie Green. In addition, Mr. Agard was a member of the Catalyst Saxophone Quartet, winning several 1st place national awards including the Coleman Chamber Music Competition and the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition.
In 2016 Mr. Agard was inducted into the Alpha Chapter of the International Bandmaster’s Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. In 2015 he was a presenter at the TMEA convention discussing high school woodwind tips and techniques. He is a Texas UIL State Marching Band Championship Judge and is an active concert band / marching band clinician and adjudicator in Texas.
In addition, Mr. Agard is the founder of the new startup company bNoteable.com. As a minority business owner, he is passionate to guide all student musicians to achieve their college goals while continuing their love of music, and making it easier for colleges to find great music students! He also works with the Peer Based Student Leadership organization (PBSL) presenting leadership workships.
Special Thanks
I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Eddie Green for his teaching, guidance, and mentorship since I was in the 6th grade band. Mr. Green was my primary teacher, mentor, and main influence for the majority of my professional music career. I am forever grateful. Thank you Mr. Green!
Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Tom Bennett who always went above and beyond to help my band program, to teach me, push me, and expand my horizons. Not only did he challenge my students but also challenged me in the best way possible. Thank you!