Aaron Sturgill is a Paraeducator at Maple Valley Middle School, THS Alum, and Percussion Educator. He believes in the value that music brings to student's lives through a myriad of experiences and life lessons.

After graduating from Tahoma Senior High School, Aaron went on to attend Eastern Washington University, earning a Bachelor's in Communication Studies and a Minor in Music. It wsa during this time that he was able to participate in several ensembles includeing the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps, Impact Percussion, the EWU Drumline and EWU Percussion Ensemble. These ensembles allowed him to learn from Percussion Educators such as Craig Winter, Eliud Ayala Jr., Emmanuel Olaiya and Dr. Michael Waldrop, among many others.

Aaron currently lives in Maple Valley, WA. He loves his wife, 2 cats and Shiba Inu. He enjoys playing music as often as he can and plays shows at venues in the greater Seattle area.

Jordan Hays (born in 1995 and raised locally in WA) is a professional multi-instrumentalist with many years of experience as a music performer, teacher, and gigging musician. As a former graduate of the Tahoma High band program (2013), and with a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from North Central University (Minneapolis, MN), Jordan strives to always bring only the most sincere, efficient, and effective approach to any professional situation, whether on stage, or in the classroom.

Some of Jordan’s focus points and specialties include teaching Music Theory and why it is important for the development of any growing musician, relating the purpose of music to the general purpose of humanity, teaching music to those who are living under the affliction of any mental or physical disabilities, and having a wide variety of expertise in subjects ranging from symphony percussion, to jazz band, to drumline, and beyond.

Jordan is very excited to be the newest member of the THS team and cannot wait to get to know his students and their families this upcoming year!

Mr. Matthew Cole was born in Houston, TX. Mr. Cole completed his Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music from Pacific Lutheran University. He earned a Master of Music and Conducting degree from the American Band College at Sam Houston University, Texas. Mr. Cole achieved his National Board Certification in Instrumental Music in 2010 and recertified in 2018. He has performed and guest conducted multiple ensembles throughout Washington including the North Cascade Concert Band, San Juan Music Educators’ Association HS Honor Band, the Fourth Corner Jazz Ensemble and the Washington Wind Symphony. Mr. Cole is active as an adjudicator for both junior and senior level solo/ensemble and concert ensemble competitions. He has served on staff with the American Band College and is currently on staff with the Western International Honor Bands. He was recently named a 2020 Grammy Teacher of the Year Quarterfinalist. He taught 9 years in Bellingham, WA. This is currently Mr. Cole’s 10th year with the Tahoma Bands!

The Tahoma Instrumental Music program has grown from 53 students in 3 ensembles to almost 200 over the last 10 years. Tahoma High School now offers 3 Concert Ensembles, 2 Jazz Bands, 2 Percussion Ensembles, 1 Orchestra, a competitive Field Show Ensemble, 2 Pep Bands, a Parade Ensemble and a Color Guard program. We have students involved in multiple youth symphony orchestras. Tahoma has students auditioning into honor ensembles at the state, regional and national levels (Concert, Marching, Symphony, Orchestra and Jazz). Over 80% of our participating students play more than one instrument in various ensembles.

The Band, Percussion, Orchestra and Color Guard members are all supported by our Tahoma Band Boosters. We have a very active and inclusive booster organization. The door is always open to parents, private teachers, relatives, graduates, and community members!