UPDATED November 4, 2025
“Despite yesterday’s train tragedy, the Vandegrift Band made it to the state finals using borrowed equipment. We are going to celebrate these kids when they return to Vandy tonight from State competition. Bring your boom boxes, lights, smoke machine, etc. We’ll form a tunnel for the kids to walk through and cheer them on. Invite the community to join. Estimated time to arrive is 9:30pm. Don’t park in the bus lane.”
The message has been approved by Kathleen Vigil, Vandegrift band president.
November 3, 2025
“The band will perform at 9:15 tonight. The band community is amazing and we have the BEST directors. They are working on inventory of damage and coordinating things to borrow,” according to Vandegrift band communications contact Elizabeth Taylor.
Monday, Nov 3 at 3:37 PM • Vandegrift HS
Viper Community,
I want to share some important information to ensure we provide you with the most accurate information we have available. This afternoon, our VHS band tractor trailer was travelling in San Antonio to support our Marching Band at the UIL State Competition became stranded on train tracks and was struck by a moving train. No students were present or witnessed the accident, and both driver and passenger were able to successfully and safely exit the tractor trailer before impact. It is important to note that this route would not have been part of the bus route driven by our student buses, and the students were already dropped at the Alamo Dome at the time of the accident.
Of course, our priority is the safety of the students and staff. Director Lippman and administrators are working with UIL to coordinate the retrieval of instruments and any personal items.
At this time, although it was a catastrophic impact, the bulk of the instruments remain intact, and the main damage was to the tractor cab. Director Lipman will work with UIL to coordinate a possible later competition time slot and determine if it is appropriate to proceed with the competition.
We will provide any additional information as it becomes available. The band directors will communicate additional details to band parents through their normal communication channels.
Thank you,
Charlie Little,
Principal Vandegrift HS
