Meet Our Team

Lauren Smith

Head Choir Director

Patrick Vu

Associate Choir Director

Brandon Ritter

Associate Choir Director- H9

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Lauren Smith is in her tenth year of teaching. She taught for two years at Amarillo High in Amarillo, TX as the Assistant Director, and is now the Head Choral Director at Rockwall-Heath High School. Mrs. Smith has directed six choirs at Heath and grown the program from 90 to nearly 250 students in 2024 and is looking forward to more growth and learning as the years go on. In 2018, the Varsity Chorale received their first sweepstakes in nearly 10 years. And since 2021, multiple choirs per year have received that same award. Under her direction, Heath has added four contemporary a cappella groups that have seen success in competitions around the state and nation. In 2022 and 2024, Infiniti advanced to Finals of ICHSA in New York City and in 2024 they received 2nd place in the nation. Mrs. Smith got her degree in vocal music education at Oklahoma Christian University. She lives in Heath with her husband, Thomas, who is also a choir director, and two children Fletcher and Finley. Mrs. Smith enjoys baking, creating, and traveling with her family. 

​Patrick Vu is a teacher and composer from Allen, Texas. He is excited to join the Rockwall-Heath choir community and begin his teaching career! Mr. Vu recently received his Master’s in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University, where he served as the Associate Conductor for the Lubbock Chorale, the TTU Matador Singers, and the flagship TTU University Choir. He frequently serves as an invited clinician for various school, church, and community choirs in Texas and beyond. As a composer, Mr. Vu’s music has been performed across the world by professional and collegiate ensembles, and he is published by seven different publishing companies. He was awarded the 2023 ACDA Raymond Brock Prize for Student Composers for his piece “On the Hillside.” In March 2025, Mr. Vu will receive his Carnegie Hall debut with a new commissioned piece to be premiered by the National Concert Chorus. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education and a Bachelor of Music Composition from Texas Christian University where he studied with Dr. Christopher Aspaas and Dr. Martin Blessinger. He also holds a Master’s in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University, where he studied with Dr. Alan Zabriskie. In his free time, Mr. Vu loves to write music, travel, and play hockey!

Brandon Ritter is beginning his 23rd year of teaching and is excited to be part of the Heath Hawk Choir Program as the director on the H9 campus!  Mr. Ritter began his career in Garland ISD where he was the head director at Bussey Middle School for 4 years, then the head director at North Garland High School for 15 years, and recently has spent the last 3 years as the associate director at Mesquite High School.  His choirs have consistently received sweepstakes at UIL evaluations and he has helped hundreds of students audition and participate in the All Region/All State Choirs as well as receive top marks at solo/ensemble contests.
            In addition to his commitment to music education, Mr. Ritter is an active deacon in his church, a husband of 20 years, a father of 2 musically and athletically gifted sons, and is a lover of all things sport – especially hockey – GO STARS!