Program Information

The band program at Horizon Middle School is the largest in El Paso.  We are here to help your son or daughter learn to love music through band.  Please reach out to us with any questions you may have.  Supply lists for the individual classes will be shared on the Google Classroom during the first week of school.  All parents and students are encouraged to download the Band App on their phone for communication throughout the year.

Ms. Canava

• Teacher Bio:  I am a proud assistant band director at Horizon Middle School. Throughout college I worked with students from a variety of schools, in UIL all-region, marching, and concert and contest seasons. I am a performer in the community. I attended the University of Texas at El Paso where I received my bachelor's degree in Music Education in 2019 . This will be my third year at HMS and I am excited and eager to share and teach love for music. 

• Beginning Band Info.- This class allows for a student to choose an instrument to learn and continue on for the year and hopefully years to come. I am responsible for teaching those who chose flute, clarinet, and saxophone, also known as the woodwind instruments. 

• Advanced Band Info.- This class allows for students to continue on the instrument they learned and gain some experience with a full band rehearsal setting. 

1. Intermediate band- team teaching with Mr.Sims, Mr. Portillo, Mr.Flores, and Ms. Canava

2. Symphonic Band- Ms. Canava assisted by Mr. Sims

3. Honors Band-Mr. Sims assisted by Mr. Portillo and Ms.Canava

• Additional Information: We will be using the Band App for important announcements. 

• Office Hours: 5th period every school day 12:27-1:14 p.m.

Mr. Portillo

• Teacher Bio: Mr. Portillo joined the Horizon Band Family as an assistant band director in the Fall of 2020. Earning his Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Texas at El Paso in May 2020, Mr. Portillo's musical ventures have allowed him several opportunities to travel the world to learn from and work with world-class musicians. Mr. Portillo is excited to share his passion and love for music with the students of Horizon. 

• Classroom Information: I teach Beginning Low Brass, Concert Band, and Jazz Band 1. I assist Ms. Canava with the Symphonic Band and Ms. Sierra with the Honor Band.

• Additional Information: We will be using the Band App to communicate urgent information, you may contact me there. 

• Office Hours: 12:30-1:15pm

Ms. Sierra

• Teacher Bio: