| :: Faculty :: |
Mr. Mark Nichols
| Staff News |
:: Blue Valley West High School Band ::
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Ms. Carolyn Knapp
She is credited with building a comprehensive band program that is successful in
many areas. Her high school bands have consistently provided quality performances
for private and community organizations at the national and local levels. Mrs. Knapp
also conducted a summer program for beginning instrumental students for fifteen
years. Mrs. Knapp received her Bachelor of Music Education from Kansas State
University, her Master of Arts from Webster University along with graduate work at the
University of Missouir-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Her concert band experience
includes collaboration with many well know conductors and clinicians. She has
worked with Dr. Frank Tracz, KSU, Dr. Michael Golemo, Iowa State University, Dr.
Patrick Casey, Central Missouri State University, Dr. Craig Miller, Blue Valley West
High School, Dr. Melvin MiIes, Morgan State University; and Mr. Ken Green,
Northwestern in LA. Mrs. Knapp served as Secretary on the Kansas City Youth Wind
Ensemble Board of Directors for two years. Her professional memberships include:
National Band Association, Music Educator's National Conference, Kansas
Bandmaster's Association, Missouri Band Master's Association, Kansas Band Master's
Association and Mu Phi Epsilon.
many areas. Her high school bands have consistently provided quality performances
for private and community organizations at the national and local levels. Mrs. Knapp
also conducted a summer program for beginning instrumental students for fifteen
years. Mrs. Knapp received her Bachelor of Music Education from Kansas State
University, her Master of Arts from Webster University along with graduate work at the
University of Missouir-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Her concert band experience
includes collaboration with many well know conductors and clinicians. She has
worked with Dr. Frank Tracz, KSU, Dr. Michael Golemo, Iowa State University, Dr.
Patrick Casey, Central Missouri State University, Dr. Craig Miller, Blue Valley West
High School, Dr. Melvin MiIes, Morgan State University; and Mr. Ken Green,
Northwestern in LA. Mrs. Knapp served as Secretary on the Kansas City Youth Wind
Ensemble Board of Directors for two years. Her professional memberships include:
National Band Association, Music Educator's National Conference, Kansas
Bandmaster's Association, Missouri Band Master's Association, Kansas Band Master's
Association and Mu Phi Epsilon.
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Carolyn Knapp is Assistant Director of Bands
for Blue Valley West High School. Prior to her
appointment at Blue Valley West, Mrs. Knapp
was Director of Bands at Center High School
in the Center School District. She has spent
thirty-two years in music education teaching
general music, vocal and instrumental music.
for Blue Valley West High School. Prior to her
appointment at Blue Valley West, Mrs. Knapp
was Director of Bands at Center High School
in the Center School District. She has spent
thirty-two years in music education teaching
general music, vocal and instrumental music.
Mr. Matt Arnet
Matt has been involved in marching percussion as a
performer, arranger and clinician for over 12 years. Following
his years as a performing member of the Hickman HS
drumline, in Columbia, Missouri, Matt began a 4-year stint
(1997-2000) with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle corps,
spending his final 3 years acting as section leader of the
drumline as well as the bass drum section. Matt also spent the
fall of 1997 performing with the Big M of the Midwest and the
Marching Mizzou drumline. Matt's teaching career began in
the fall of 1998 when he returned to his alma mater to
instruct the drumline at Hickman.
performer, arranger and clinician for over 12 years. Following
his years as a performing member of the Hickman HS
drumline, in Columbia, Missouri, Matt began a 4-year stint
(1997-2000) with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle corps,
spending his final 3 years acting as section leader of the
drumline as well as the bass drum section. Matt also spent the
fall of 1997 performing with the Big M of the Midwest and the
Marching Mizzou drumline. Matt's teaching career began in
the fall of 1998 when he returned to his alma mater to
instruct the drumline at Hickman.
Matt taught and arranged battery percussion for Columbia-Hickman until 2003. In
the fall of 2001, Matt began teaching and arranging for Blue Valley West HS, a
position he currently still holds. In addition to working with the Red and Silver
Brigade, Matt has also established a winter drumline during his time at West.
Matt's percussion ensembles and private students have consistently achieved at a
high level, earning top ratings and rankings in BOA, MCCGA, WGI and Kansas
state level festivals and competitions.
the fall of 2001, Matt began teaching and arranging for Blue Valley West HS, a
position he currently still holds. In addition to working with the Red and Silver
Brigade, Matt has also established a winter drumline during his time at West.
Matt's percussion ensembles and private students have consistently achieved at a
high level, earning top ratings and rankings in BOA, MCCGA, WGI and Kansas
state level festivals and competitions.
Alexander Vallar is currently a percussion instructor for Blue Valley West (Overland Park,
KS) fall and winter programs. Aside from his involvement in Blue Valley West, he has
taught at Rockbridge High School (Columbia, MO), Marshall High School (Marshall,
MO) and clinician for numerous Missouri high schools. Currently, Alex has over 7 years
experience in the marching percussion activity. In 2003, Alex was a performer with the
Missouri Rhythm Movement, silver medalist at MCCGA Championships and honors in
WGI Championships. After his marching term with Hickman High School (Columbia,
MO), Alex marched with Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps (LaCrosse, WI) in 2004 and
2005 seasons. In 2005, Alex was a section leader of the corps. Also during his time with
Blue Stars, Alex was honored a bronze metal and Division II Finalist in DCI Division II
Championship Completion. Alex has also preformed with Marching Mizzou and the
Missouri Drumline for both the 2004and 2005 seasons.In addition, Alex has received
instruction from a few of the foremost leaders in marching percussion such as Bret Kuhn
and Mike McIntosh. Because of Alex's music experience, dreams of properly educate as
many students possible in the Mid-West. Along with teaching Blue Valley West; Alex is a
student at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he is planning to earn a degree in
Business and Education.
KS) fall and winter programs. Aside from his involvement in Blue Valley West, he has
taught at Rockbridge High School (Columbia, MO), Marshall High School (Marshall,
MO) and clinician for numerous Missouri high schools. Currently, Alex has over 7 years
experience in the marching percussion activity. In 2003, Alex was a performer with the
Missouri Rhythm Movement, silver medalist at MCCGA Championships and honors in
WGI Championships. After his marching term with Hickman High School (Columbia,
MO), Alex marched with Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps (LaCrosse, WI) in 2004 and
2005 seasons. In 2005, Alex was a section leader of the corps. Also during his time with
Blue Stars, Alex was honored a bronze metal and Division II Finalist in DCI Division II
Championship Completion. Alex has also preformed with Marching Mizzou and the
Missouri Drumline for both the 2004and 2005 seasons.In addition, Alex has received
instruction from a few of the foremost leaders in marching percussion such as Bret Kuhn
and Mike McIntosh. Because of Alex's music experience, dreams of properly educate as
many students possible in the Mid-West. Along with teaching Blue Valley West; Alex is a
student at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he is planning to earn a degree in
Business and Education.
Ms. Katie Baca
Mr. Nichols is now in his second year at Blue Valley West, having taught previously at
Blue Valley High School where he was the Assistant Director of Bands. At Blue Valley
High School he was the first director ever to earn straight first division ratings at large
group festival with the Concert Band. Before he came to the Blue Valley school district
he was a graduate assistant at Baylor University where he worked towards a masters in
Instrumental Conducting. He also taught for five years in the Richardson School District
in the Dallas, Texas area where he was the head director at Parkhill Junior High School
and the assistant director at Pearce High School. At Pearce his marching bands twice
finished as an alternate to the prestigious Texas state marching contest. His jazz bands
won the Collin County Community Contest all three years they entered and won the TCU
Jazz Festival in their only year of attendance. His jazz band also finished sixteenth
nationally in the Essentially Ellington Contest. His Concert and Symphonic Band earned
consistent first division ratings and he earned straight ones with a symphonic band that
had gone five years without the top ratings. At Parkhill his concert band finished in a tie
for first with the BBB Honor Band at the UNT Peak Music Festival. He doubled the size of
the program in just two years and when he left to pursue his graduate degree, the
program had over 300 members in a 750 person school. His beginner band program
produced six current Texas All-State Band members and several of his musicians have
gone on to study music and music education. His concert bands, jazz bands, and
marching bands all received numerous awards including regional, state, and national
recognition. He has a Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from the University of
North Texas. Mark is also a brass tech for the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. At the
Bluecoats he works on a brass staff that won the 2007 Quarterfinals with a high brass
score and gave a clinic at the Bands of America Summer Symposium in 2007. Mr.
Nichols could not be happier to be at Blue Valley West High School and is extremely
excited to add to the great tradition of a already wonderful school. He is happily married
to his wife, Lee Ann.
Blue Valley High School where he was the Assistant Director of Bands. At Blue Valley
High School he was the first director ever to earn straight first division ratings at large
group festival with the Concert Band. Before he came to the Blue Valley school district
he was a graduate assistant at Baylor University where he worked towards a masters in
Instrumental Conducting. He also taught for five years in the Richardson School District
in the Dallas, Texas area where he was the head director at Parkhill Junior High School
and the assistant director at Pearce High School. At Pearce his marching bands twice
finished as an alternate to the prestigious Texas state marching contest. His jazz bands
won the Collin County Community Contest all three years they entered and won the TCU
Jazz Festival in their only year of attendance. His jazz band also finished sixteenth
nationally in the Essentially Ellington Contest. His Concert and Symphonic Band earned
consistent first division ratings and he earned straight ones with a symphonic band that
had gone five years without the top ratings. At Parkhill his concert band finished in a tie
for first with the BBB Honor Band at the UNT Peak Music Festival. He doubled the size of
the program in just two years and when he left to pursue his graduate degree, the
program had over 300 members in a 750 person school. His beginner band program
produced six current Texas All-State Band members and several of his musicians have
gone on to study music and music education. His concert bands, jazz bands, and
marching bands all received numerous awards including regional, state, and national
recognition. He has a Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from the University of
North Texas. Mark is also a brass tech for the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. At the
Bluecoats he works on a brass staff that won the 2007 Quarterfinals with a high brass
score and gave a clinic at the Bands of America Summer Symposium in 2007. Mr.
Nichols could not be happier to be at Blue Valley West High School and is extremely
excited to add to the great tradition of a already wonderful school. He is happily married
to his wife, Lee Ann.
Mr. Alex Vallar
Katie Baca is currently the Color Guard Director and Assistant Drill Team Director for
Blue Valley Westfall and winter programs. She currently holds a B.S. from Missouri
State University and her Master's Degree from the University of Central Missouri. Before
arriving at West, Katie taught at Blue Springs High School (Blue Springs, MO) as the
Assistant Director of color guard and Blue Valley High School (Overland Park, KS) as
the Drill Team Director. Currently, Katie has over 10 years experience in participating
and directing different Color Guard groups. During college, Katie was involved with the
Pittsburg State University and Missouri State University Marching Bands. During that
time she competed in a WGI (Independent A) Winter Guard called the Sky Ryders
(00'-02') based in Kansas City. She transferred to Missouri State where she made The
Pride of Missouri State Independent Open Winter Guard ('03-'04). During her 2 years
with the The Pride Winter Guard, she was a WGI Independent Open Class Finalist. She
also marched the color guard with DCI Southwind Drum and Bugle Corp from
Lexington, KY.
Blue Valley Westfall and winter programs. She currently holds a B.S. from Missouri
State University and her Master's Degree from the University of Central Missouri. Before
arriving at West, Katie taught at Blue Springs High School (Blue Springs, MO) as the
Assistant Director of color guard and Blue Valley High School (Overland Park, KS) as
the Drill Team Director. Currently, Katie has over 10 years experience in participating
and directing different Color Guard groups. During college, Katie was involved with the
Pittsburg State University and Missouri State University Marching Bands. During that
time she competed in a WGI (Independent A) Winter Guard called the Sky Ryders
(00'-02') based in Kansas City. She transferred to Missouri State where she made The
Pride of Missouri State Independent Open Winter Guard ('03-'04). During her 2 years
with the The Pride Winter Guard, she was a WGI Independent Open Class Finalist. She
also marched the color guard with DCI Southwind Drum and Bugle Corp from
Lexington, KY.
Mr. Josh Votaw
My name is Josh Votaw and joining you for the next season is very exciting for me.
;For the past 4 years I have done choreography for several high schools around
the state but have been full time at Kickapoo and Ozark High Schools. Recently I
graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing with an emphasis in Advertising
and Promotions from Missouri State University as well as a minor in Music. I
marched my high school winter guard and winter drumline at Francis Howell North
and was drum major for 3 years. After high school I marched with the Pride of
Missouri State winter guard and fall guard for 4 years in which I marched in WGI
Independent Open Finals 3 times. I spent 2 of those years as captain of the fall
color guard. After aging out from the program I spent the last year as a Junior Staff
member with the Missouri State Pride Marching Band and participated in the
Rose Bowl Parade with the band. I am very excited to be joining everyone at Blue
Valley West and can not wait to see what success the season brings.
;For the past 4 years I have done choreography for several high schools around
the state but have been full time at Kickapoo and Ozark High Schools. Recently I
graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing with an emphasis in Advertising
and Promotions from Missouri State University as well as a minor in Music. I
marched my high school winter guard and winter drumline at Francis Howell North
and was drum major for 3 years. After high school I marched with the Pride of
Missouri State winter guard and fall guard for 4 years in which I marched in WGI
Independent Open Finals 3 times. I spent 2 of those years as captain of the fall
color guard. After aging out from the program I spent the last year as a Junior Staff
member with the Missouri State Pride Marching Band and participated in the
Rose Bowl Parade with the band. I am very excited to be joining everyone at Blue
Valley West and can not wait to see what success the season brings.
William Torres is joining the Blue Valley West Marching Band in 2009 as the
Visual Caption Head. William has many years of experience as a performer,
educator, clinician, and design consultant for the marching arts. He was worked
with bands in the Kansas City area, Southwest Missouri, and New Mexico. He
comes to Blue Valley West with valuable drum corps experience marching with
the highly acclaimed Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. At Phantom
Regiment, William played lead euphonium and was a Silver Medalist at the Drum
Corps International World Championships in 2006. During his collegiate career at
Missouri State University, William served as Drum Major for the 300 member Pride
Marching Band and Principal Euphonium in the University Wind Ensemble.
William is excited to join the Red and Silver Bridgade for the 2009 season.
William currently resides in Kansas City, MO and will be getting married next June
to his fiance, Anna.
Visual Caption Head. William has many years of experience as a performer,
educator, clinician, and design consultant for the marching arts. He was worked
with bands in the Kansas City area, Southwest Missouri, and New Mexico. He
comes to Blue Valley West with valuable drum corps experience marching with
the highly acclaimed Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. At Phantom
Regiment, William played lead euphonium and was a Silver Medalist at the Drum
Corps International World Championships in 2006. During his collegiate career at
Missouri State University, William served as Drum Major for the 300 member Pride
Marching Band and Principal Euphonium in the University Wind Ensemble.
William is excited to join the Red and Silver Bridgade for the 2009 season.
William currently resides in Kansas City, MO and will be getting married next June
to his fiance, Anna.
Calvin Dugan is a percussionist currently pursuing a BM in Music Performance
from the University of Kansas. During his time at KU, he has served as principal
percussionist of the Symphony Orchestra as well as performed with the Symphonic
Band, Percussion Ensemble, the Sudler Award-Winning Marching Jayhawks,
Helianthus New Music Ensemble and the KU Wind Ensemble. He has toured
nationally and internationally, performing with various ensembles in Austria,
Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy and New York's Carnegie Hall. His primary
teachers include Kevin Bobo, Dr. Julius Zilinskas and Ji-Hye Jung.
In addition to performing, Calvin is an active member of the educational
community in the area. He maintains a private studio of highly motivated private
students in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas, Calvin has arranged and
instructed the percussion programs at Park Hill South High School in Riverside,
MO, and at the BOA Super-Regional Finalist and Class AA Champion Blue Valley
West High School in Overland Park, KS.
from the University of Kansas. During his time at KU, he has served as principal
percussionist of the Symphony Orchestra as well as performed with the Symphonic
Band, Percussion Ensemble, the Sudler Award-Winning Marching Jayhawks,
Helianthus New Music Ensemble and the KU Wind Ensemble. He has toured
nationally and internationally, performing with various ensembles in Austria,
Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy and New York's Carnegie Hall. His primary
teachers include Kevin Bobo, Dr. Julius Zilinskas and Ji-Hye Jung.
In addition to performing, Calvin is an active member of the educational
community in the area. He maintains a private studio of highly motivated private
students in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas, Calvin has arranged and
instructed the percussion programs at Park Hill South High School in Riverside,
MO, and at the BOA Super-Regional Finalist and Class AA Champion Blue Valley
West High School in Overland Park, KS.
Mr. Will Torres
Mr. Calvin Dugan
Stacy (Wright) Carey is in her second year as Drill Team Director. She is also the
Spanish teacher at Stilwell Elementary. Stacy has a tremendous passion for dance
and has taken classes since she was in kindergarten. She danced on competition
dance teams for several years and was a member on school dance teams
throughout middle school and high school. She was an Olathe North Eaglette and
continued to dance on the Kansas State University Classy Cats her freshman year in
college. At K-State, Stacy choreographed and performed with her sorority dance
group in the homecoming dance competitions. She teaches Dance Club at
Stilwell and continues taking classes at a studio in Lawrence.
Spanish teacher at Stilwell Elementary. Stacy has a tremendous passion for dance
and has taken classes since she was in kindergarten. She danced on competition
dance teams for several years and was a member on school dance teams
throughout middle school and high school. She was an Olathe North Eaglette and
continued to dance on the Kansas State University Classy Cats her freshman year in
college. At K-State, Stacy choreographed and performed with her sorority dance
group in the homecoming dance competitions. She teaches Dance Club at
Stilwell and continues taking classes at a studio in Lawrence.
Mrs. Stacey Carey
The Red and Silver
Brigade is excited to
introduce new staff member,
Will Torres. Will comes to the
Red and Silver Brigade with
three years of drum corps
experience with Phantom
Regiment Drum and Bugle
Corps. Please help welcome
him into the family.
Not only did West bring it's
guard staff back for the first
time in the history of the
program, Stacey (Wright)
Carey got married this
summer. Congratulations to
her.
Brigade is excited to
introduce new staff member,
Will Torres. Will comes to the
Red and Silver Brigade with
three years of drum corps
experience with Phantom
Regiment Drum and Bugle
Corps. Please help welcome
him into the family.
Not only did West bring it's
guard staff back for the first
time in the history of the
program, Stacey (Wright)
Carey got married this
summer. Congratulations to
her.
Bryan Cremer is currently pursuing a BME (Bachelor of Music Education) with
emphasis in saxophone from the University of Kansas School of Music. He has
performed in many large ensembles while at KU including the Symphonic Band,
Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles I and II, The Marching
Jayhawks, and Men’s Basketball Band. In addition, Bryan has performed with many
small chamber groups including Saxophone Quartets I, II, and IV, as well as Jazz
Combos III and IV. During his time in these ensembles, Bryan has performed at a high
level on soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophones; while saxophone
performance is Bryan’s main focus, he is also proficient at flute and clarinet and has
performed on these instruments in KU Jazz Ensemble I and numerous pit orchestras.
Prior to arriving at KU, Bryan performed on alto and baritone saxophones with
many Region and Area honor bands in Texas. He has performed and was named
outstanding soloist at many Southeastern Texas jazz competitions and has also
performed in the Texas UIL State Marching Band Contest. Additionally, Bryan has
been teaching music privately for many years and has had dedicated students on
saxophone, flute, and clarinet with ages ranging from 8 to 18. Bryan’s main teachers
include Vince Gnojek, Dan Gailey, and Martin Langford.
emphasis in saxophone from the University of Kansas School of Music. He has
performed in many large ensembles while at KU including the Symphonic Band,
Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles I and II, The Marching
Jayhawks, and Men’s Basketball Band. In addition, Bryan has performed with many
small chamber groups including Saxophone Quartets I, II, and IV, as well as Jazz
Combos III and IV. During his time in these ensembles, Bryan has performed at a high
level on soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophones; while saxophone
performance is Bryan’s main focus, he is also proficient at flute and clarinet and has
performed on these instruments in KU Jazz Ensemble I and numerous pit orchestras.
Prior to arriving at KU, Bryan performed on alto and baritone saxophones with
many Region and Area honor bands in Texas. He has performed and was named
outstanding soloist at many Southeastern Texas jazz competitions and has also
performed in the Texas UIL State Marching Band Contest. Additionally, Bryan has
been teaching music privately for many years and has had dedicated students on
saxophone, flute, and clarinet with ages ranging from 8 to 18. Bryan’s main teachers
include Vince Gnojek, Dan Gailey, and Martin Langford.
Mr. Bryan Cremer