Staff

Mr. Paul Lowry, Director of Bands - lowrypt@nv.ccsd.net

In 2007, Mr. Paul Lowry completed a Bachelors Degree from Western Washington University in Music Education. While at Western, he was a supporter of new music, conducting student-composed pieces for ensembles ranging from string quartet to trombone ensemble. Besides the numerous experiences with Western groups, Mr. Lowry was active in the community as an educator, teaching private lessons and student teaching with wind ensembles at Ferndale middle school and Lynden high school. His music teaching mentors include Suzanne Banister, Christopher Bianco, Gregory Cox, David Wallace, Ivan Giddings and Steve Herrick. As a trombonist at WWU, Paul Lowry held lead positions in the top wind ensemble and orchestra. He was lucky enough to experience guest musicians David Maslanka and Samuel Adler. He also held principle positions during productions of Strauss’s Die Fleudemaus and Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He also performed with orchestras in Washington and Vancouver, Canada, including the Whatcom Choral, Whatcom Sinfonia, Seattle Peace Chorus, and the Gloria Dei Chorale. Paul Lowry was also extensively involved with Western’s Scholarship Brass Quintet and the trombone ensemble. He also took jazz under the direction of Chuck Israels and Kevin Woods. Mr. Lowry came to the Las Vegas area in 2008 and started his teaching experience at Wengert Elementary. Here he taught elementary music and started a before school choir and percussion club. Students studied percussion, guitar, vocals, ukulele and the full range of recorder. Mr. Lowry moved to Brown Junior High School the following school year, taking on Orchestra, Guitar and Choir. Over three years, he grew the orchestra program from 75 students to over 250 enrolled in 2015. Focusing on building connections between elementary and middle school, Mr. Lowry started violin programs at Sewell, Taylor and Morrow elementary. In 2010, with the help of the administration of Brown, the Jazz Studies program was reopened and earned its first Superior rating in its third year. This jazz ensemble was the only district group to include a full string section. In 2011, Mr. Lowry was selected to receive the "Distinguished Educator" Award for service area 2. Mr. Lowry worked to bring numerous grants into Brown JHS , totaling over $45,000. Mr. Lowry was selected as a finalist for the Heart of Education Awards in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In 2017, Mr. Lowry received the "Distinguished Educator" award, representing Del Sol Academy. In 2020, Mr. Lowry took over chairing the NMEA's southern Solo and Ensemble event, which is still hosted at Del Sol Academy. Mr. Lowry received NMEA's "Steven Maytan Service to Music Education" award, for his work with both in-person and virtual solo and ensemble events. In 2023, Mr.Lowry was selected at one of Yamaha Music's "40 under 40". In 2025, Mr. Lowry was selected as a Starlight Award Honoree, representing DSA's licensed staff. Two new works were commissioned this year, The First Flame, for concert band, by Peter Borotto and Return of the Killer Trombones, for jazz band, by Chris Sharp. Mr. Lowry is currently completing his Masters in Music Education, through Kent State University.

Mr. Lowry is excited to be a part of Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts as Department Chair and help build an outstanding BAND and music programs.

Ms. Marisa Davidson M.M., Assistant Director of Bands

Ms. Marisa Davidson, Assistant Director of Bands Originally from Oceanside, California, Ms. Davidson attended middle and high school in Clark County School District. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with her degree in Music Education in December 2018. While at UNLV she played oboe, saxophone, and trumpet in groups such as the UNLV Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Baroque Ensemble, woodwind quintets, Las Vegas Young Artists Orchestra, and the UNLV Marching Band. Ms. Davidson was a an oboe student of Dr. Stephen Caplan. While completing her studies she taught private music lessons and was a marching band technical assistant at CCSD high schools such as Cheyenne HS, Coronado, HS, Del Sol Academy, and Clark HS. While attending UNLV, she was consistently on the Dean’s List, graduating near the top of her class with Magna Cum Laude honors. Ms. Davidson was

immediately hired after graduating college as the band director of Canarelli Middle School, where she helped start the school’s first ever Drumline Club, as well as applied for and earned many grants that eliminated financial burdens for her students. While Ms. Davidson was the band director at Canarelli Middle School her students earned consistent superior ratings, developing a positive culture with a large number of students who were passionate about music education. Ms. Davidson simultaneously taught middle school while earning her Master’s degree in Wind Band conducting at UNLV, which she completed in 2024 with a 4.0 GPA. During

her Master’s program, she conducted rehearsals and concerts with the UNLV Community Band while receiving instruction from Tom Leslie, Dr. Zane Douglass, and Tony LaBounty. In 2024 Ms. Davidson received the honorary “Middle School Music Educator of the Year” Award through the Las Vegas Young Artists Orchestra, thanks to the many nominations received from her students, Canarelli parents, and co-workers. From 2020-2025 she served as the head chairperson for the Nevada Music Educators (NMEA) Middle School Allstate Band. Under her direction of this ensemble, the group reached the highest ever amount of participating schools from all over Nevada. She is now the head chairperson for the NMEA Allstate Command Performance. Ms. Davidson believes in providing equitable opportunities for all students, using music as a catalyst for real world applications. Ms. Davidson utilizes her musical experience to

mentor UNLV students, conduct bands across the Las Vegas valley, provide professional development to CCSD music educators, and serve as a guest clinician. When she isn’t teaching, Ms. Davidson is working on improving her own musicianship and enjoying the gift of performing music. She is currently a saxophone student of Rob Wilkerson and always looking to improve her craft, taking opportunities to perform with groups around town such as the Henderson Symphony, Nevada Chamber Orchestra, Desert Winds, jazz reading bands, salsa groups, and whatever opportunities are available. Ms. Davidson regularly performs as the saxophonist for local Latin psychedelic rock band, Sanalba.

Ms. Davidson is thrilled to be a part of the Del Sol Academy band team, working to collaborate with others and spread her passion for music to her students.

Mr. Michael Villarreal M.M., Assistant to the Assistant Director of Bands

Mr. Villarreal received his Bachelors of Music Education (B.M.E.) in 2016 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He returned to UNLV to complete his Master’s of Music (M.M.) in 2018. During his time at UNLV, he studied French Horn with Bill Bernaits and Beth Lano. He played with UNLV’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Brass Band, Star of Nevada Marching Band, and Community Bands. He also was a guest soloist with UNLV’s New Horizon Band and the Las Vegas Master Singers. When he is not teaching, he plays with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, Nevada Chamber Orchestra, and other playing opportunities in the community.

In 2018, he joined the Del Sol Academy Band Staff as Brass Specialist. He helped coach DSA’s chamber groups, staffed during the marching band seasons, and would give sectionals and free lessons to students. He would gain his teaching license but would depart Del Sol in 2023. He soon taught at Cimarron Memorial High School as Assistant Director of Bands alongside Director of Bands, Mr. Rambat and Percussion Specialist, Mr. Thompson. This year he is happy to return to Del Sol Academy as its third band Director. He hopes to continue to build upon the quality of education, success,and legacy of DSA Bands!

Paulina Alvarez Guevara, Office Specialist

Ms. Paulina Alvarez Guevara is in her third year with the DSA Band Staff and continues to bring her energy, organization, and love for music to the program every day. A proud graduate of Del Sol Academy with a certificate in Band Performance, Ms. Alvarez has a rich background in music education. As a saxophonist, she performed in concert band, jazz band, and marching band, gaining years of hands-on experience as both a performer and a leader. During her time as a student, she served in several leadership roles, including woodwind captain and band manager, which helped shape her strong sense of teamwork, communication, and responsibility.

Now serving on the staff side, Ms. Alvarez plays an essential role in ensuring the daily operations of the DSA Band Program run smoothly. She is deeply involved in managing administrative paperwork, organizing student records, handling all financial aspects, and maintaining budget accuracy for the program. In addition, she oversees the entire uniform process, coordinating fittings, making alterations and repairs, and ensuring students are performance-ready throughout the season. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with calm professionalism makes her a trusted and dependable member of the team.

Ms. Alvarez is also passionate about student growth and education beyond music. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Nevada State University through the School of Education. Her long-term goal is to continue working with young learners and contribute to their success both inside and outside the classroom. She draws ongoing inspiration from her mentors, Mr. Glenn Colby, Mr. Paul Lowry, Mr. Matt Symes, and Ms. Erika Hill, whose dedication and mentorship helped guide her own path as a student and educator.

Whether behind the scenes or interacting with students directly, Ms. Alvarez is committed to fostering a positive, organized, and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the band community.

Hayden Eighmy, Woodwind Specialist

Hayden Eighmy is the Woodwind Specialist at Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts and maintains a private saxophone studio in Henderson, Nevada. A former euphoniumist with the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, he has been an instructor at multiple Las Vegas high school marching band camps and has served as the Visual Caption Head for the Herriman High School Marching Band in Utah.

Eighmy is the 2023 1st alternate of the Nevada Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Woodwind Competition. He has most recently performed with the Nevada Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of Southern Utah, and Cedar Jazz Dectet. An advocate for new music, Eighmy commissioned and premiered Celestial Mechanics for soprano saxophone and piano by Jacob Lee in 2018.

A recipient of the Jay Morrison Jazz Scholarship, he is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Music at the College of Southern Nevada with Dr. Lindsey O’Connor. Eighmy's past teachers include Bill Leary, Mark McArthur, Travis Pardee, Dr. Adrienne Reed, and John Seaton.

Jacob Chairsell, Percussion Specialist

Mr. Jacob Chairsell is the percussion specialist at Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts,

bringing over 10 years of experience across all aspects of percussion. His expertise spans

concert percussion, rhythm section, drum set, and 4-mallet keyboard technique. Jacob has

performed in a diverse range of ensembles, including concert bands, jazz bands, rock

bands, percussion ensembles, and marching bands, as well as solo performances.

A 2020 graduate of Del Sol Academy, Jacob is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in

Music at the College of Southern Nevada, studying under professor Robert Bonora. He has

also been mentored by esteemed instructors such as Paul Lowry, Erika Hill, Matthew

Symes, and Brad Bradly.

Instructional Aide Emeritus: Coleen Hall

Past Specialists:

Woodwind Specialist: 2018-22 Dr.Candice Tenney

Woodwind Specialist: 2021-22 Dr.Ivan Ivanov

Woodwind Specialist: 2022-23 Dr.Anastasia Petanova

Brass Specialist: 2018-23 Michael Villarreal M.M.

2018-2025: Ms. Erika Hill, Assistant Director of Bands

Originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Ms. Hill graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. While at UNLV, she was actively playing the oboe in multiple groups, including UNLV’s Wind Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Morelli Quintet, Henderson Symphony and Nevada Chamber Orchestra.

Ms. Hill was also a part of a competitive marching percussion ensemble called the Vegas Vanguard Percussion Theatre, where she marched for three years and served on the board for two. Vegas Vanguard traveled out of state to compete in WGI competitions, including WGI world championships in Dayton, Ohio.

Ms. Hill has experience teaching students of all ages, including various high school marching bands and indoor drumlines, K-8 music at Pinecrest Academy, and private lessons.

Ms. Hill has been at Del Sol Academy since 2018, directing the Symphonic Band, intermediate jazz, lab jazz, percussion ensembles, and the marching band and color guard.

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