Annalee Hixson, Director of Bands

Annalee Hixson returned to her alma mater in 2021. Under her direction as Assistant Director, the Rice Symphonic Band earned "sweepstakes" at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation two years in a row. She is excited to continue to grow the program's excellence as the new Head Director.
 
After growing up in Plano, Ms. Hixson pursued her Music Education degree at Baylor University.  While at Baylor, she performed with the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble on saxophone and spent three years in the Wayne Fisher Jazz Program.  Ms. Hixson also served on Staff for the Golden Wave Band for two years, assisting with the behind the scenes planning and preparation involved in running a successful program.  Ms. Hixson graduated summa cum laude and received the Collegiate Music Educator Award from the Texas Music Educators Association, given to students showing high levels of dedication and promise in the field of music education.
 
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Hixson enjoys collecting Harry Potter items, reading, needlework, and taking care of her plants and fish. She also loves playing with her dog, Tonks and cat, Minerva. Most weekends, Ms. Hixson spends time with family at the family lakehouse where she enjoys fishing and wakeboarding. 

Miguel Garcia, Associate Director of Bands 

Miguel Garcia is the Assistant Middle School Director at Rice Middle School and is in his first year of teaching. Mr. Garcia recently graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Music Education. At SFA he participated in many top ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, SFA Trombone Choir, Trombone Octet, Brass Quintet, Lumberjack Marching Band, and the Roaring Buzzsaws Pep Band. In the summer of 2022, Mr. Garcia had the honor to play at the International Trombone Festival in Conway, Arkansas with the SFA Trombone Octet. 

Mr. Garcia is from La Feria, Texas located in the Rio Grande Valley and went to La Feria High School. He is a former Texas All State Trombone player and participated in the State Marching Contest with the La Feria High School Marching Band. 

In his free time, Mr. Garcia enjoys watching sports, binge watching shows, and hanging out with friends and family. He also loves going and trying out new places in the city.