Trey Tafoya is a dedicated and accomplished music educator whose passion for teaching and music excellence has earned him recognition across Colorado and beyond. As Director of Orchestras at Legacy High School, Trey has propelled the Legacy Orchestras to consistent Superior ratings at regional and state festivals. Under his leadership, the Legacy Chamber Orchestra achieved national acclaim, performing at the 2023 American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival and delivering a celebrated TEDx Youth performance in 2022 titled Baroque Through the Centuries. Trey also serves as Secondary Music Coordinator for the Adams 12 Five Star School District, where he organizes professional development, oversees curriculum writing, and facilitates district music events.

In his role as Assistant Band Director at Legacy High School, Trey has significantly contributed to the program’s growth and success. The marching band earned its eleventh Colorado Class 5A State Championship in 2021 and secured three consecutive Silver Medals in the following years. On a national stage, the band competed at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in 2022 and is preparing for a prestigious performance at the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

Trey’s passion for education is rooted in his academic journey at the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education. During his time at UNC, he served as Drum Major of the “Pride of the Rockies Marching Band,” taught marching band techniques, and arranged music for the athletic bands. Trey also performed as a hornist with the Wind Ensemble and University Symphony Orchestra. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Arts in Music Education through the Winters School of Music at William Carey University.

Trey is deeply committed to preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world by fostering an inclusive environment where they can realize their passion and potential. He is dedicated to shaping students into kind, educated global citizens who understand their responsibilities in a diverse world. Trey’s philosophy of "we teach people, my medium is music" resonates throughout his work, as he strives to equip students with the tools they need for both musical and personal success.

Beyond the classroom, Trey is an active member of Colorado’s music community, performing with various local bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles. He is deeply involved in the marching arts, including as a performing member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps. Trey also imparts leadership and conducting skills to high school students every year through programs like the Command the Field Drum Major & Leadership Summer Camp.

Trey’s commitment to advancing music education extends to his professional service. He serves as Membership Chair for both the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) and the Colorado Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (CASTA). He is also an active member of the Colorado Bandmasters Association, the American School Band Directors Association, and the National Association for Music Education. Additionally, Trey was invited to join and is a current member of Phi Beta Mu, the national band fraternity. As an adjudicator and clinician, his expertise is sought after for large ensemble and solo festivals, leadership workshops, and conducting clinics.

Trey’s contributions to education have been widely recognized. During his first year of teaching at Rangeview High School, he was named Rookie Teacher of the Year. In 2023 he was honor with the Teacher of the Year Awards by the Front Range Youth Symphony. More recently, he has been nominated for the 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Award. Students and colleagues alike praise Trey’s profound impact, citing him as a mentor and an inspiration who has shaped the lives and futures of countless young musicians.

A Colorado native, Trey resides in Thornton with his wife, Marissa, whom he met during their high school band days. Together, they share a love for music, traveling around the world, and cheering on the Denver Broncos. 

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Fred Jewell received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1987 and continued studies toward a Masters In Music Education. Fred began his teaching career as a Suzuki Talent Education violin teacher in 1980 in El Paso. He later expanded his teaching to include violin instruction at the El Paso Hebrew Day School teaching the entire student body of ninety-five students ranging from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade and later as the Orchestra Director at H. E. Charles Middle School in the El Paso Independent School District. He studied violin for ten years with Abraham Chavez, Jr., and conducting with Maestro Chavez and Dr. Ron Hufstader at UTEP. Fred maintained a private Suzuki violin studio in El Paso and later in Boulder, Colorado for over two decades. Fred has been a resident of Colorado since 1994. Fred retired from classroom teaching in June 2022 after twenty-eight years in Boulder Valley School District, two years at H. E. Charles Middle School, and five years at the El Paso Hebrew Day School. Fred has reopened his private violin and viola studio in Thornton and currently performs with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra as Associate Viola. He serves as their Music Librarian. 

Misty Green Cosmos is a violinist, educator, and conductor based in the Denver area. She currently teaches at Westlake Middle School in Broomfield, CO. Misty enjoys working with middle schoolers because of their boundless energy and silliness. Her teaching focuses on instilling students with good practice strategies and the ability to self-critique. Students in Misty's classroom not only learn to play their instruments, but also learn skills such as composition and improvisation, setting them up for success in high school orchestra and beyond!

In addition to her work at Westlake, Misty directs the Mile High Freedom String Orchestra and Symphony in Denver and is the Concertmaster for Flatirons Community Orchestra in Boulder.