Students calls for answers on why Rio Rancho HS band directors were reassigned
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – Students and parents want answers as to why two beloved band directors at Rio Rancho High School are being reassigned to different schools within the district. Matthew Casarez has been with Rio Rancho High School for 15 years, and Alexander Austell has been with the district since 2016. Students rallied against the decision with a petition that has already received over 300 signatures.
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RRHS Principal Millan Baca sent a letter to students and parents three days ago, saying they will not be returning to their positions, effective immediately. The district it is is a personnel issue, and is limited in what they can disclose. A spokesperson for Rio Rancho Public School said Casarez has since resigned. Thursday night, there was a closed meeting for parents discussing the recent move.
Dear RRHS Band Community,
As you may have heard, there has been a shift in the Rams Band Program. Mr. Casarez and Mr. Austell will not be returning to their positions at Rio Rancho High School, effective immediately. As this is a personnel issue, we are limited in what we are allowed to disclose, but please know that our main concern is the students of the Rio Rancho High School Band Program and how we will move forward through the summer and into the school year to give them the best experience possible.
The administration of RRHS and the RRPS Fine Arts Department will be holding meetings with key constituencies of the band program over the next few days to assess the status of events such as the materials distribution this week, the Color Guard Camp in July, and the DCI Show on July 15. Our intent is to move forward with these events as planned, but we need to speak to the many people involved.
The biggest event of this summer is Marching Band Camp, scheduled for July 21–August 1. Marching Band Camp will take place as planned.
There will also be a general parent meeting this Thursday, June 5, at 6:00 PM in the RRHS Band Room. This is a change from the previously announced June 2 meeting. We encourage you to attend this meeting.
Rio Rancho Public Schools has always been committed to the highest standards of excellence and achievement in the fine arts, and its devotion to the RRHS Band Program remains firm. The administration of RRHS and the RRPS Fine Arts Department are prepared to do whatever is necessary to support the band program as we move forward. However, please know that the support of the parents and guardians of these young musicians is vital to the RRHS band community. Only together can we ensure the continuity of great musical experiences for our students.
We plan to communicate regularly with you throughout the next few months. We appreciate your patience as we move through this process.
There will be a follow-up email later this evening with more information regarding the materials distribution scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Please be sure to check your inboxes.
Mr. Millan Baca, Principal, RRHS and Dr. Kurt Schmidt Executive Director of Fine Arts, RRPS
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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