Brazosport ISD is pleased to announce Risa Hsu as the new Brazoswood High School Buc Band Director. She brings a strong record of musical excellence, student development, and program leadership.
Ms. Hsu holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Michigan State University. Over her twenty years as a band director, Ms. Hsu’s bands have won numerous awards and distinctions. Prior to coming to Texas, she was the Director of Bands for two different school systems in Michigan. In both school systems, her award winning bands earned top ratings at the Michigan State Band Festival, with the Grand Ledge High School Wind Ensemble performing at the Michigan Music Conference, the equivalent of the Texas Music Educator’s Conference, or TMEA. Additionally, her marching bands performed at the Walt Disney Electrical Lights Parade, the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2016 Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C.
In 2017, Ms. Hsu relocated to Texas. From 2017 to 2019, she was the Assistant Director of Bands at Angleton HS, where the Symphonic Band, under her direction, earned Sweepstakes for the first time in ten years. From Angleton, Ms. Hsu moved to Dickinson High School, where she served as the Lead Assistant Director for the past seven years. Each of her performing ensembles earned Sweepstakes every year that she has served the Dickinson HS Band, with the 2019 Symphonic Band earning national recognition as a Commended Winner in both the Citation of Excellence and the Mark of Excellence New Music Division for outstanding achievement in performance by a non-varsity high school band, both prestigious awards.
Ms. Hsu is known for her student-centered philosophy, emphasizing a clear developmental pathway from beginner band through high school. She believes each student should be equipped to reach their highest potential, with the goal of performing in one of the band program’s top ensembles before graduation. Her approach includes strong vertical alignment across feeder campuses, and she regularly collaborates with junior high programs, dedicating multiple days each week to support instruction and continuity.
Ms. Hsu has a strong connection to the Brazoswood community. She and her husband, former Brazoswood Head Band Director Martin Montoya, reside in Lake Jackson and are proud to call the community home. Their two sons currently attend Brazosport ISD schools.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Hsu to Brazoswood High School and the Buc Band,” said Ron Redden, BISD Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor of Fine Arts. “Her passion for student growth, commitment to excellence, and proven leadership will continue the strong tradition of band success at Brazoswood.”
Please join us in welcoming Risa Hsu to Brazosport ISD and Brazoswood High School.