DIRECTOR OF BANDS/FINE ARTS DIRECTOR

BrianH@fisd.org

Brian Hecimovich (known as "Mr. H" by his students) has served as the Head Band Director for Fredericksburg ISD since Fall 2021. Prior to joining Fredericksburg ISD, Brian led band programs at Hondo, Blanco, and Spur High Schools, where he cultivated excellence in music education. His bands have earned numerous UIL Sweepstakes Awards, produced All-State musicians, qualified for State Solo and Ensemble competitions, achieved OPS State Finalist placements, and advanced to the UIL State Marching Contest with both Hondo and Fredericksburg High Schools and was a 2025 UIL State Marching Band Finalist with Fredericksburg HS.

In recognition of his dedication to teaching, in 2025 Brian was name McMurry University Alumni of the Year in Fine Arts, was named Teacher of the Year at Blanco High School in 2017 and received the prestigious Lamar Medal for Educational Excellence. Beyond his classroom contributions, he currently serves as Region Coordinator for ATSSB Region 29/32 and is an active UIL Concert and Marching Band Judge.

A proud West Texas native from Slaton, Texas, Brian graduated with honors from McMurry University in Abilene after attending South Plains College. He resides in Kerrville with his wife Dorothy. Brian is passionate about inspiring students through music education and looks forward to continuing his work with Fredericksburg ISD’s fine arts programs

Bonnie Oreka joined the Pride of the Texas Hill Country in 2021 as the Associate Director of Bands. Mrs. Oreka will serve Fredericksburg ISD as the Head Middle School Band Director, conductor of the FMS Honor Band, FMS Concert Band, teacher of the beginning saxophone class, the double reed class, and as Color Guard. Mrs. Oreka is from Austin, Tx where she graduated from McNeil High School taught by Travis Ancelet, Jason Dimicelli, and Ian Smith.

Mrs. Oreka received her Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Stephen F Austin State University where she performed in countless ensembles under the direction of Mr. Fred J Allen, Dr. David Campo, Dr. Brett Richardson, and Dr. Tammy Angelley. Mrs. Oreka received her Masters in Music Education from Tarleton State University studying from professors such as Dr. Vicky Johnson, Dr. Gary Westbrook, and Dr. Anthony Pursell.

Mrs. Oreka's previous teaching experience occured over 8 years at Lampasas ISD where she served as Assistant Middle School Band Director, Assistant High School Band Director, Percussion Director, Color Guard Director, Head Middle School Director and Director of Bands. Her private lesson teaching experience includes Gatesville ISD and Nacogdoches ISD.

Mrs. Oreka's professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Band Masters Association, Association of Texas Small School Bands, and Kappa Kappa Psi national honory band fraternity where she served as the chapters historian for two years. Mrs. Oreka enjoys traveling with her husband Michael, spending time with her family, and playing with her pets (Cat Ricky, Cat Ethel, Cat Millie, and Cat Millie). 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS - FMS SYMPHONIC BAND - BEGINNER FLUTE/CLARINET

danettec@fisd.org

Danette Conard is thrilled to join the staff in FISD. She is currently in her 26th year of teaching band and has been passionate about music since childhood. Mrs. Conard graduated summa cum laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Music degree, studying both flute and piano. In 2024, she was awarded her Master's degree in flute performance at UTSA. She has participated in master classes with renowned flutists including Jean-Pierre Rampal, Lady Jeanne Galway, Jim Walker, Paul Edmund-Davies, and Rhonda Larson.

Throughout her teaching career in Texas public and private schools, Mrs. Conard’s ensembles have earned numerous Sweepstakes awards and state-level honors. She has also served as a clinician, adjudicator, and coordinator for various state and regional music organizations.

Danette was an active performer and flute section leader with the San Antonio Wind Symphony from 2006-2026 and served on its Board of Directors. She was also a founding member of Fiesta Flutes.

Mrs. Conard is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Association of Texas Small School Bands, National Flute Association, and Women Band Directors International. Outside of music, she enjoys old Volkswagens, collecting Godzilla figures, and spending time with her husband, Bryce, their cats, Millie and Tommy, and their dog, T'ini.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS - PERCUSSION DIRECTOR

HaleyS@fisd.org 

Haley Spencer joined the Pride of the Texas Hill Country in 2020 as Percussion Director where she serves the percussionists at the middle and high school. A native of San Antonio, Haley graduated from Communications Arts High School where she was part of the Taft Raider Band under the direction of Eric Carraway and Danny Solis.

Haley went on the receive her Bachelors of Arts in Music Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. During her time there she participated in the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Spirit Band. She studied percussion with Dr. Stephen Crawford.

Outside of the academic realm Haley has experience with Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, Monarch Independent Percussion, and 5points Percussion where she ended her marching performance career as Center Marimba and Front Ensemble section leader. 

When not at work Haley can be found running around with Mr. Kindla and their dog, Lucy. She also enjoys watching Marvel movies, reading, and collecting Pokemon Cards. 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS - MARCHING VISUAL COORDINATOR- HS SYMPHONIC BAND- LOW BRASS BEGINNERS

EchoeB@fisd.org

Mrs. Bruns joined the Pride of the Texas Hill Country in 2021. She serves as the director for the Fredericksburg High School Symphonic Band, and the marching/visual coordinator for the Fredericksburg High School Marching Band. She also teaches the beginner trombone, euphonium, and tuba classes at Fredericksburg Middle School.

Mrs. Bruns grew up in Blanco, TX and graduated from Blanco High School. She received her Bachelor's of Music from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX in 2018. She performed in many ensembles at Texas State including the Bobcat Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Lab Band, Salsa Band, Trombone Ensemble, and Bobcat Basketball Band.

Prior to Fredericksburg, Mrs. Bruns taught elementary music at Smithville ISD from 2018-2021.

Mrs. Bruns' professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Association of Texas Small School Bands, and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women. 

Mrs. Bruns resides down the road in Blanco, TX. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matthew Bruns, playing trombone in the local community bands, traveling, hiking, and trying new things.  

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS - JAZZ BAND DIRECTOR

JeremyK@fisd.org

Mr. Kindla started his first year teaching in Fredericksburg, Texas as an Assistant Band Director in 2021. His responsibilities include teaching both high school and middle school jazz as well as conducting the beginner band. 

Mr. Kindla is originally from Blanco, Texas where he graduated from Blanco High School in 2017. While in high school he earned a spot in the ATSSB All-State Concert Band. After high school he attended Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music Education in the Spring of 2021. Mr.Kindla studied under Professor Beth Bronk, Professor Scott McDonald, Dr. Joseph Cooper, Dr. Lance Witty, and Professor Mikio Sasaki. During his time at TLU, Mr. Kindla earned several best brass awards and qualified for the 2019 National Trumpet Competition Quarterfinals. He was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, the Hounds of Sound Pep Band, TLU Trumpet Ensemble, and numerous jazz combos/ brass quintets playing either trumpet or french horn.

Prior to Fredericksburg, Mr. Kindla student taught at Jack C. Hays High School and New Braunfels Middle School. He also worked as a marching tech for Johnson City, Blanco, Medina Valley, and Hondo High School. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Educators, and International Trumpet Guild.

FISD Fine Arts Administrative Assistant

sandym@fisd.org