Staff
Michael Afu - Band Director
Mr. Afu was born and raised in Sacramento, California. He began his musical journey in elementary by joining his after-school music program, where he learned the recorder and the violin. During middle school, he was enrolled in his first band class where he started on the saxophone, then switched to euphonium and tuba. He then attended Antelope High School where he focused primarily on tuba and bass trombone. By the end of his high school career, he had performed in many ensembles and honor groups, such as the Antelope High School Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Jazz Band, The Capital Section Honor Band, The California All-Northern Honor Band, and the illustrious California All-State Honor Band, where only the best high school musicians from California are accepted.
Mr. Afu has earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and teaching credential from California State University, Fresno. In addition, he has earned his Masters of Music in Music Technology from Southern Utah University. During his time at Fresno State, Mr. Afu has performed with the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, FOOSA (Fresno Summer Academy Orchestra ), and the famous Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band.
Mr. Afu is looking forward to a great school year and is very excited to create music with his students and community.
David Heckman - Band Director
Mr. Heckman grew up in the small town of Paso Robles on the Central Coast of California. Before graduating from Paso Robles High School in 2003, Mr. Heckman was a part of the marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, theatre orchestra, and choir, as well as many different rock bands. After graduating high school, Mr. Heckman went to Fresno State and graduated with a B.A. in Music Education - Instrumental Emphasis while participating in many different instrumental and choral ensembles. Along the way, Mr. Heckman has performed in many different jazz and rock groups, primarily on Guitar, and has performed and traveled to over 60 countries while working aboard various different cruise ships. Recently, Mr. Heckman earned his M.M.M.T. (Masters of Music - Music Technology) from Southern Utah University. Mr. Heckman's teaching journey began in 2018, working at Cesar E. Chavez High School in Delano, and has continued in Parlier from 2019 at all four elementary schools. When not involved in creating or teaching music, Mr. Heckman enjoys spending time with his wife and children and playing nerdy games with his friends.
Sheilagh Hughes-Luna - Choir Director
Mrs. Hughes-Luna arrived 16 years ago to the Central Valley from Vancouver, Canada. Years of teaching music, accompanying on the piano, and directing various choirs, has brought joy to her and those who have shared their music. She has a Masters in Elementary Education and a Bachelors in Music Therapy. Her credentials are in Music and in Elementary Education.
Mrs. Hughes-Luna looks forward to a school year of positive musical and academic achievement at Parlier Junior High School and Parlier High School to share with the community.