Mr. Brian Ruiz, a San Antonio native, began his music education in 1987 by taking piano lessons from Mitzi Ruttan.  He is a product of our very own Northside Independent School District having attended Carlos Coon E.S., Pease M.S., and later Oliver Wendell Holmes H.S.  It was here that he decided to become a music educator himself.  Some of his most influential teachers include Mr. John King, Dr. Abel Ramirez, and Dr. Carl Lobitz, all of whom had a deep impact on his music studies.  After graduation in 1995, he enrolled as an undergraduate music student at the University of Texas at San Antonio under Dr. Robert Rustowicz, Dr. Kenneth Williams, and Dr. Sherry Rubins.  During this time, Mr. Ruiz was a percussion instructor at several schools including Memorial H.S., Southside H.S., and later William Howard Taft H.S. Upon completion of his bachelors degree, Mr. Ruiz quickly got his first job in the Rio Grande Valley at Mercedes H.S. in Mercedes , TX .  After 2 years there, he later returned to Taft H.S. as an Associate Director under Mr. Daniel Solis.

            Currently, he has accepted the position of Director of Bands at the new Robert Vale Middle School , something for which he is very excited to start.

     Some of Mr. Ruiz’s accomplishments in 2006-2007 include being part of an award winning drumline and percussion ensemble, conducting a UIL sweepstakes band, and taking part in a wonderfully streamlined band program.

            Mr. Ruiz takes pride in his student’s achievements very much and is very active in his students’ academic lives.  He hopes that the students will take away much more than just music from its band program, including—but not limited to—discipline, integrity, courage, and a strong will to persevere.

    In his spare time he enjoys playing golf, writing music, and playing with his dog “Rimshot”.