Paul Pape (Georgetown HS, Cedar Park HS, Vandegrift HS, & On Leaving the Profession)

Sketchbook with Daniel Montoya Jr.

In 2016, Paul Pape completed his 6th year as the Percussion Director at Vandegrift High School in Austin, TX. During his tenure at VHS, the percussion section has been highly successful in many areas of percussion performance including solo, percussion ensemble, and marching percussion. The VHS Drumline, under the direction of Mr. Pape, has received numerous awards and honors across the state, including first-place finishes at several drumline contests, numerous band festival caption awards, and three finalist appearances at the prestigious Lone Star Drumline Contest. In 2015, the VHS Drumline also won 1st Place and was awarded the “Caldwell Cup” at the Lone Star Drumline Contest. In addition to his percussive responsibilities, Mr. Pape has been an integral part of the success of the VHS Concert and Marching Bands helping the group earn several accolades including numerous TMEA Honor Band State finalists placements, BOA Regional Class Championships, San Antonio BOA Super Regional Finalist placements, BOA Super Regional Class Championships, the Silver Medal at the 2015 5A Texas State Marching Band Championship, and were named the 4A Texas State Marching Band Champions in 2013. Before coming to VHS Mr. Pape served as the Percussion Director for Cedar Park HS from 2008-2010 where his students earned numerous individual and group awards including the 2008 PASIC Championship and the 2009 Lone Star Drumline Contest Championship where they were also awarded the prestigious “Caldwell Cup”. Prior to his time at Cedar Park High School, Mr. Pape began his career as an Assistant Band Director and Percussion Director at Georgetown High School from 2002-2008 where his bands received superior ratings and his percussion sections were consistently successful. Under the direction of Mr. Pape, the GHS Drumline was awarded 1st place at the Central Texas Drumline Invitational in 2003, 2004 and 2006, 1st Place at the 2007 Plano Drumline Contest, the 2006 PASIC Championship & Fred Sanford Award, as well as the 2006 Lone Star Drumline Contest Championship. Outside of his primary teaching position, Mr. Pape founded, organized, and conducted the Region 26 Percussion Ensemble, was on staff for the 2004 High Percussion Teal Sound Drum and Bugle Corps, and has served as a clinician/consultant to programs throughout Texas. Paul is a 2001 graduate of Southwest Texas State University, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. As a performer, Paul has performed with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Lyric Opera and several bands around the Austin/San Antonio area. Paul currently lives in Austin, TX with his wife Jennifer and two dogs, Abby and Parker. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sketchbookpodcast/support