The Odyssey Preparatory Academy Sienna Hills opened in 2016 as the third Odyssey K-5 Elementary Public Charter in the West Valley. Our scholars attend Music two times a week.
Mr. Bench joined our staff as the Music teacher in 2017. He primarily teaches the 3rd to 5th band, strings, and recorder classes. His classes involve practicing songs, music theory, and sight reading. However, he soon took on other roles at our campus. He saw a need to provide garage band time for those who really wanted a venue to explore more contemporary music. Mr. Bench also does additional band and strings support for scholars four days a week during the mornings before academic time. During the school day, it would not be unusual to see him providing reading support in a kindergarten classroom, a friendly face during lunch duty and afternoon crossing guard. All in all, Mr. Bench has a passion for Music, a degree in engineering, and a heart for our scholars.
Mr. Bench plans to use the grant money to purchase additional sound equipment to support our performances throughout the year. We cannot thank 94.5 KOOL FM in providing these grants for those educators that go above and beyond for our Arizona scholars.
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Ted Gibson - Gilbert Classical Academy
Ted Gibson is in his 10th year as Director of Choirs and Guitar at Gilbert Classical Academy. Mr. Gibson received a Bachelor of Music Education from Arizona State University, followed by 6 years of teaching choir at Kino Junior High in Mesa. GCA was fortunate enough to add Mr. Gibson to the Fine Arts Department following his time at Northern Arizona University, where he received a Master's degree in Choral Conducting in 2013. In his time here, Mr. Gibson has been able to expand the choral program at GCA from three choirs to five, including the addition of the Advanced Vocal Ensemble, a distinguished chamber jazz choir. This ensemble, as well as the GCA Chorale, regularly receives the highest ratings at various large-group festivals. In addition to his school work, Mr. Gibson is the director of music at University Presbyterian Church in Tempe as well as the President of the Arizona Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Outside of school, Mr. Gibson enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and supporting the Arizona Cardinals!
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Laurel Ruff - Marley Park Performing Arts
Laurel Ruff has taken our Marley Park performing arts to the next level. Laurel engages students across campus in music, she provides opportunities for our students in many areas and she is creating a growing program here at Marley Park. Not only does Laurel bring music to our kindergarten through fourth grade students on a daily basis through her special area classes, she continues to inspire students through select elective classes. Our fifth through eighth grade students select electives ranging from ukulele to choir, guitar and music history all of which engage and support our students in the area of the arts. Laurel can be found at Marley Park multiple mornings each and every week with a packed music room prior to the first bell ringing. She has three before school music clubs and continues to seek opportunities to recruit and grow the love of music here at Marley. Laurel is deeply invested in the students, families and community of Marley Park, and her love for music inspires and impacts our school campus.
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HOLLY SCHRADE - HIGHLAND LAKES SCHOOL
Holly Schrade has been teaching orchestra students in Arizona since 1999. Her Highland Lakes Orchestras have received consistent ratings of Superior and Superior with Distinction. The orchestra at Highland Lakes is currently the only full time orchestra in the Deer Valley School District. Holly recently has Achieved National Board Certification and is the only National Board Certified Orchestra teacher in the North Valley. Highland Lakes is also the site for the Arizona Orchestra and Band Directors Association Solo and Ensemble with Mrs. Schrade acting as the Event Chairperson. In addition to leading her amazing orchestra students, Holly leads the Recycle Club, the Kindness Ambassadors, Ukulele Club and Mariachi Club.
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LYNN TRUBY - SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL
Lynn Truby has been a music educator in Arizona for over 25 years. She is in her second year at Skyline High School in Mesa where directs the Honor Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Marching Band. Lynn spent the first twenty years in AZ at Fountain Hills High School where she was the Fine Arts Dept Head and Director of Instrumental and Vocal Music. She took a music program that was in complete disarray and transformed it into award-winning music groups for their symphonic band, marching band, jazz band, concert choir and jazz choir. She took the Fighting Flock of Falcon Fury to win the AZ State Marching Band Championships in 2018. Lynn enjoys teaching music and leadership to students and has had many former students in leadership roles at all three state university marching bands over the years! She has led several student Sister Cities trips overseas and has performed with her music groups both here in the US and internationally. Her love of music and for teaching is apparent by her students who she motivates to always be their best self and to persevere!
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Jamie Showers - Desert Sage Elementary School
Jamie Showers has been in Music Education for 22 years. She has been at Desert Sage Elementary School in the Deer Valley Unified School District for 6 years. She educates students Kindergarten through 6th grade in general music studies, Choir, and Orchestra. Each year she also provides before school Choir and Orchestra clubs for students to receive extra support and practice time. Her and her music students perform 2 extraordinary music concerts each year. She is a dedicated music teacher who shares her knowledge and passion for the musical arts everyday with her students.
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WESTAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - MICHAEL ORME
Mr. Orme joined our team from across the pond. Starting his career as a music teacher in Europe with high schoolers was a shift moving here. Having never worked with kindergarten through 8th graders was an enormous change from teaching students who elected orchestra and music. He was very open to receiving feedback from his colleagues and quickly adjusted to the American style of schooling. Over time, we have added a lot of musical instrument choice for our kids starting with the foundation of pianos. Mr. Orme was instrumental in selecting the 30 electronic pianos we have in his room. We have since added guitars, ukuleles , and a great selection of horns, drums and electric guitars. His passion for allowing kids to find an instrument they can grow into has led to his teaching outside of the school day. A number of years ago, Orme and I had this dream that we had to put on a full-scale musical which we have done for nearly 10 years now. He is an impactful teacher touching the lives of our students in a way they have grown to appreciate.
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SIERRA LINDA HIGH SCHOOL - RICARDO LABORIN
Ricardo Laborin has been with us since the first day we opened the school in 2008. He started as a band assistant and quickly obtained his certification and when the time was right, we hired him as our full time Department Chair, Band, Orchestra, and Mariachi teacher. Ricardo is an incredible person and asset to our school and the students he serves. He works night and day and even into the summer months preparing and building our programs. The hard work pays off as he and his Band are 2-time State Champions and have received countless other awards and recognitions. Ricardo has put the Sierra Linda Band and Performing Arts Program on the map and people no longer ask, who is Sierra Linda? We can’t thank him enough for all that he has given to our school and school community. The Bulldog Nation is very proud of our PVA programs and Mr. Laborin.
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MESA HIGH SCHOOL - JEFF QUAMO
Jeff Quamo has been teaching in the Mesa District since 2006. He is currently in his 13th year at Mesa High School as a band director and department chair for Performing Arts. Jeff is also adjunct faculty as a clarinet instructor and as a chamber music ensemble director at Mesa Community College. He also serves as the musical director for the Phoenix Brass Collective. Jeff has served as the Chair for the AMEA State Solo & Ensemble Festival since 2016. He also served as a guest conductor for the Mesa District Junior High Honor Band Festival in both 2015 and 2017. Jeff currently serves as a state adjudicator for both the ABODA and AZMBA Marching Band circuits and ABODA Concert Band Festivals. Jeff also maintains an active professional performing career with the Symphony of the Southwest, Cinematic Pop, and ZAZU WEST (a gypsy jazz-based group that pays homage to the music of Django Reinhardt). He has also performed with the Arizona Opera and the Phoenix Symphony. Jeff currently resides in Gilbert with his wife, Jaclyn, and their 5 children, Jordyn, Jadyn, Jalyn, Jaxyn, and JJ.
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ACACIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ALYSSA WEED
Alyssa Weed is a teacher that goes above and beyond to assure parents and students are able to come together and celebrate music. She plans and directs a musical program (different grade level), for families each month with standing room only! Just so awesome! - Christine Hollingsworth, Principal
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CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL - WENDY UMBRIANNA
Four years ago, Mrs. U walked into a choir with lots of cliques and little love for music. Now, our beloved choir teacher has harvested a beautiful family of students that love to make musical moments. We would love to give back to her.
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NEELY TRADITIONAL ACADEMY - MARGIE AUSTRIA
Margie is the most wonderful music teacher who make all students feel welcomed and lets them know anyone can make music. She goes above and beyond on music performances allowing students to learn instruments to include in their performance.
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LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL - JOSHUA SHAFER
Mr. Shafer has helped me so much with everything
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SHADOW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL - DAVID WECK
Mr. Weck has an amazing personality, he is always there for us and makes sure that we all feel respected and safe.
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EAST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL - ALLISON ZUCCARO
Allison Is an amazing music teacher she goes above and beyond and does plays and musicals with the students. She goes above and beyond to engage her students, having them strive for more. Her own voice is amazing!! She is also very humble. She is #1!
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SYNERGY PUBLIC SCHOOL - ISABELLA ROESSLE
Ms. Isabella Roessle is an extraordinary music teacher with a passion for nurturing musical talent in her students. Ms. Roessle is known for her innovative teaching methods by creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Her classes are filled with enthusiasm and joy, making learning music a truly enriching experience
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MONTE VISTA ELEMENTARY - SARAH JONES
Not only has Sarah welcomed children with motor difficulties into her room she encourages getting them out of their wheelchairs and will problem solve to find better positioning to use musical instruments.
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COCOPAH MIDDLE SCHOOL - SHANA ROBERTS
Shana is amazing and a completely dedicated orchestra teacher for our middle and high schools in Scottsdale. She is ALWAYS upbeat and connects fully with her students. She dressed up as a dinosaur when the students played Jurassic Park in concert!
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CRIMSON HIGH SCHOOL - SCOTT LLOYD
Mr. Lloyd is the music teacher for Band, Choir and Orchestra for the Middle and High school. It is a brand new school with limited funds and he needs support. $1000 would help him further enhance all music programs.
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FRANKLIN JUNIOR HIGH - CORY TROUT
Mr. Trout is really nice and teaches over 3 bands at the same time! I really like him and his story is soooooooo cool because he told us about how his bones are made of plastic and how he died 5 times
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GREENWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL - JOSHUA ATKINS
The school is in a rough neighborhood and the children don't have easy lives. Mr. Atkins fills them with the love of music and for the first times in their lives they feel like they matter. It gives them hope. Hope is stronger than fear.
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MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL - MICHAEL DOMINGUEZ
Mr. Dominguez has been a music teacher, band director and mariachi teacher at Maryvale High School for 10 years. His students respect and care for him. Together him and his students work hard to keep programs going strong.
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SUMMIT ACADEMY - BRIAN WILSON
Mr. Wilson is one of the most dedicated, caring, compassionate and talented teacher's you will ever meet! He not only nurtures each child's talent but their confidence also and that is what makes him a great leader!
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ARIZONA COLLEGE PREP HIGH SCHOOL - DR. NICHOLAS ROSS
Nicholas Ross is currently in his second year as the Director of Orchestras and Instructor of Guitar and AP Music Theory at ACP High School. In his short time at ACP, the orchestra and guitar programs have seen extraordinary growth in size and in the level of musicianship. Additionally, Dr. Ross is the Associate Conductor of the West Valley Symphony in Surprise AZ. Active both as an educator and professional musician, Nicholas Ross has held conducting positions with the New York City Opera Company, Glimmerglass Opera Company, Phoenix Symphony, Syracuse Symphony, Northern Arizona University, and the Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra Guest conducting appearances include performances with Shreveport Opera, Arizona State University Lyric Opera Theater, Valdosta Symphony, Harbin Symphony Orchestra (in Harbin, China), Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and the Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra. As a violinist, Nicholas Ross maintained a position with the Glimmerglass Opera Company in Cooperstown, NY from 1990-2018. He also performed as Concertmaster with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra for select masterworks series concerts for two seasons from 2010-2011. Additional performance experience includes positions with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the Utica Symphony Orchestra, and Arizona Opera. Nicholas Ross earned a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Ithaca College, a Master of Music in Violin Performance as a String Fellow at Syracuse University and was the first recipient of the Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from Arizona State University.
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SANDRA DAY O'CONNER HIGH SCHOOL - AUSTIN CILONE
Mr. Austin Cilone, Band Director at Sandra Day O’Connor High School, is a passionate and dedicated educator who goes above and beyond for his students. With an unwavering commitment to both music and personal growth, he creates an inclusive and inspiring environment where students thrive. Known for his enthusiasm, encouragement, and mentorship, he fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring every student feels valued. His motto, “Everybody love everybody,” reflects his belief in respect, teamwork, and positivity. Through his leadership, the band program has flourished, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of his students.
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INSPIRATION MOUNTAIN SCHOOL - AMY WOODWARD
Mrs. Amy Woodward is the General Music and Choir teacher at Inspiration Mountain, bringing warmth, energy, and a deep love for music to our school community. With 29 years of teaching experience, she began her career in South Dakota, where she spent 21 years leading Middle School and High School Band and Choir programs. Since relocating to Arizona in 2017, Mrs. Woodward has spent the last eight years teaching elementary music, continuing to spark creativity and confidence in her students. Her classroom is filled with joy, movement, and meaningful musical experiences that help students grow both artistically and personally. Mrs. Woodward’s passion and dedication make her a valued part of our Knights community, and her influence can be felt in every note sung and every performance shared.
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PASEO POINTE DUAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY - MICHELLE PHILLIPS
Mrs. Michelle Phillips, a founding member of our Specials Team, has been teaching Band at Paseo Pointe since day one. With 20 years of experience teaching Band to students in grades 4–12, she currently leads our 5th–8th grade Band program and brings both passion and expertise to her work. Her favorite part of teaching is introducing students to new music and helping them develop a deeper appreciation for it through playing. Her favorite instruments to play are the flute and trombone. One of Mrs. Phillips’s greatest accomplishments at Paseo has been the relationships she’s built across campus—not just with her Band students, but with so many others she connects with each day. She is a valued presence throughout our school community. With this generous donation, Mrs. Phillips plans to purchase new instruments so that students who may not have the opportunity to rent one can still participate in Band. We are incredibly grateful for this support and the lasting impact it will have on our music program and students.
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INSPIRATION MOUNTAIN SCHOOL - IDA BENTLEY
Mrs. Ida Bentley is the Band Director at Inspiration Mountain School, bringing over 26 years of teaching experience and a true passion for music education to our Knights community. Originally from Fresno, California, Mrs. Bentley has lived in Arizona since 1986. She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. When Inspiration Mountain School opened three years ago, Mrs. Bentley founded the band program, creating a space where students could develop their musical talents, leadership skills, and confidence. Under her direction, the band has grown into a strong and thriving program that is a proud part of our school's STEAM program. Her passion for music and her genuine care for her students make Mrs. Bentley an irreplaceable part of our Knights family.
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MADISON CAMELVIEW ELEMENTARY - ALLIE AGUIRRE
Allie Aguirre, our amazing music teacher, is in her second year of making music come alive for our students. Her classroom is a happy place, always buzzing with upbeat tunes that really get the kids excited about learning. And let's not forget the outstanding concerts she puts on! These performances beautifully showcase the incredible talent she nurtures in her students. What's extra special about Allie is that she's been part of our school family for a long time. Before she started sharing her love of music, she was a super involved parent and our fantastic former registrar. Because of this, she just gets our students and families, creating a really warm and supportive vibe in her music room. We're so lucky to have Allie's energy and commitment making our school even better!
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SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR HIGH SCHOOL - AUSTIN CILONE
Mr. Austin Cilone, Band Director at Sandra Day O’Connor High School, is a passionate and dedicated educator who goes above and beyond for his students. With an unwavering commitment to both music and personal growth, he creates an inclusive and inspiring environment where students thrive. Known for his enthusiasm, encouragement, and mentorship, he fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring every student feels valued. His motto, “Everybody love everybody,” reflects his belief in respect, teamwork, and positivity. Through his leadership, the band program has flourished, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of his students.
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ROBERT REYES - SAGUARO HIGH SCHOOL
Robert Reyes, Saguaro HS Orchestra Director, inspires students to exceed expectations with passion and encouragement. His ensembles earn top honors statewide and nationally, including the prestigious opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.
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TREVOR G. BROWNE HIGH SCHOOL - BRIAN MORALES
Mr Morales is a caring and dedicated teacher. He works in a low income school and does everything he can for his students and his music program. He runs orchestra, concert band, marching band, and recently established an indoor percussion group.
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