Michael hanrahan

Director of Bands

Michael Hanrahan is thrilled to return to the Panther Band community as Director of Bands at Pflugerville Middle School. With over fifteen years of experience in music education, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student growth and musical excellence.

Prior to his return, Michael served as Associate Director of Bands at Lehman High School (TX), where he directed the marching band and non-varsity concert ensembles. From 2014 to 2022, he was the Assistant Director of Bands at Pflugerville High School (TX), playing a key role in revitalizing the campus Musical Orchestra program, which was recognized with consecutive Heller Award nominations for “Outstanding Orchestra.” Under his direction, ensembles have consistently earned Superior Ratings at UIL evaluations and advanced to the UIL Area D Marching Contest Finals in both 5A and 6A classifications. In 2015, the Pflugerville Wind Ensemble performed as a Featured Ensemble Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Michael has an extensive background in the marching arts. He currently works as a brass instructor for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps from San Antonio, Texas, and has previously worked with The Academy, Jersey Surf, Connecticut Hurricanes, and Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps. As a performer, he marched with the Bluecoats (2008–2010), earning a DCI bronze medal at the 2010 Drum Corps International World Championships, and with Jersey Surf (2006–2007), earning a silver medal and the award for Best Brass Performance at the 2007 DCI Division II World Championships.

Michael holds a Master of Music degree  in Euphonium Performance from The Hartt School, where he studied with James E. Jackson III and served as the founding president of its International Tuba and Euphonium Association (ITEA) chapter. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education with honors from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, studying Euphonium and Tuba with Dr. Zach Collins and Dr. Gary Bird.

Michael lives in Austin, Texas, where he enjoys the city’s vibrant culture. In his free time, he loves to travel and performs with the Cedar Park Winds. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, International Tuba and Euphonium Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Alex Rodriguez

Assistant Band Director

Mr. Rodriguez is excited to be a part of the Band team at Pflugerville Middle School. His overarching goal as a music educator is to help advance student growth while crafting memorable, musical performances and to create a space that kids love to be a part of and want to keep coming back to. 

Before coming to PfISD, Mr. Rodriguez was the Assistant Director at Manor Middle School, in Manor, TX. While at Manor, Mr. Rodriguez co-conducted all performing ensembles, taught beginner woodwind classes, and revitalized the District's "All-City" Middle School Band Clinic and Concert. This event consisted of multiple days of rehearsals, sectionals, and team-building with students and teachers from all of the schools in the district to put on a fabulous concert. 

Outside of his own classroom, Mr. Rodriguez works with schools in Round Rock ISD as a judge for Beginner Solo Performances and Solo and Ensemble events, and helps test students on Woodwind instruments during their school's Instrument Fittings/Beginner Drives. 

Mr. Rodriguez earned a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University (Fire Up Chips!) where he studied Bassoon with Professor Marybeth Minnis. He also graduated from the Centralis Honors Program at CMU. 

Mr. Rodriguez lives in Leander, TX, and is always trying to find the best spots for food (and more importantly, ice cream). He loves to travel to Michigan to visit his family, and performs in the Austin Community College-Clarinet Choir with Professor Julie Linder. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, and Texas Bandmasters Association. 

Office:  512.594.2066

trysten cook

Mr. Cook teaches the Beginning Percussion Class and assists with the Symphonic Band, Honor Band and Wind Ensemble percussion. Questions related to percussion and general percussion equipment usage can be directed to Mr. Cook. 

Office:  512.594.2066

trysten.cook@pfisd.net