Shellie Parkinson attended Illinois State University in Normal, IL, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. She began her teaching career in Corona, CA, where she taught choir and band at Raney Intermediate School for two years. in 2002, Ms. Parkinson joined the faculties of PVHS and PVIS. Currently in her seventh year at PVHS, Ms. Parkinson teaches String and Full Orchestra, Marching Band and Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band I and Jazz II, and Music Theory AP. She is also the chapter advisor of PVHS Tri-M Music Honor Society. Ms. Parkinson is pleased to continue her work with middle school students through her endeavors with the PVPUSD Intermediate School Festival and with the PVIS Jazz Ensemble.
Ms. Parkinson is a member of the ASTA, SCSBOA, and MENC. In her seven years at PVHS, Ms. Parkinson has watched the Orchestra and Jazz programs thrive. Additionally, she is thrilled with the progress and development of the PVHS Marching Band that was created in 2006. Moreover, she has been pleased to watch a long procession of PVHS students attend SCSBOA honor bands and ASTA competitions. Ms. Parkinson would like to send out heartfelt and sincere thanks to all the supportive parents who have made this wonderful program possible. Additionally, she would love to thank the entire PVHS music community for making her job such a pleasure and joy. She feels truly blessed to have such talented musicians who are also top-notch human beings.
Mr. Scott Director
Drum Line Instructor
Scott Director is an accomplished percussionist who has performed with symphony orchestras, opera and ballet companies, and in the “pit” for Broadway musicals. He’s had the honor of playing with legendary entertainers Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli, as well as renowned opera stars Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo. Additionally, Scott is an award-winning composer for wind ensemble, concert band and short film scores. Many of his compositions and arrangements have been published worldwide by Alfred Publishing. He’s taught music in a variety of settings, from elementary school to high school and college, and has instructed and composed music for ensembles of all sizes and mixes of instruments, including concert band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and marching band. Scott, who holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Miami, is also a respected and sought-after adjudicator for music competitions across the nation. For more information on Scott Director, see his website: www.scottdirector.com.
Mr. Jesus Garcia
Color Guard Instructor
As a former drum major, Jesus became colorguard instructor in his senior year of high school. He has a wealth of experience in the pageantry world as a performer and designer for many schools. In 1993, Jesus participates as a guard member of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corp, the following year with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corp. Jesus has instructed and designed for numerous schools in Los Angeles, CA. In 2001, Jesus joins the United Spirit Association guard staff where he teaches private camps. One of his high school guard was featured in the popular television show: "Boston Public" which aired on Fox.
Jesus is currently at Pasadena City College Lancer Marching Band & Guard. This will also be his 4th year marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade with the PCC Honor Band - Pageantry.
PVHS String and Full Orchestra meet during zero period (7:00 am) everyday. Placement in this group requires an audition. Auditions are held in late February-early March. Orchestra includes all PVHS string players as well as select wind and brass players. The PVHS orchestra is divided into the string orchestra (which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and the full orchestra (which meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Strings attend class every day, and winds attend on "full orchestra" days. Openings for wind and brass are rare due to the low number of available seats. The only wind instruments in orchestra are clarinets, flutes, oboes, trumpets, trombones, and low brass (sorry, no saxophones). Both Full and String Orchestra perform at both winter and spring concerts and attend competitions in the spring.
PVHS has two jazz bands: Jazz I (intermediate Jazz) and Jazz II (advanced Jazz). Placement in these groups requires an audition. Auditions are held every year in late February-early March Students placed in either class are expected to read music and improvise with competency. Both Jazz Bands perform in both the winter and spring concerts and attend jazz competitions in the spring.
Jazz I Band consists of mostly freshmen and sophomores. Jazz I musicians are expected to read music and audition for a spot. Although considered an intermediate band, auditions for spots in Jazz I are quite competitive. Musicians in Jazz I develop their improvisational skills and talents while learning to play many different styles ranging from Latin, Swing, Ballad, Bop, and Waltz.
Jazz Band II musicians have at least 3 years of Jazz experience, and auditions for spots are quite competitive. Freshmen rarely make it into Jazz II on their first try. Musicians in this class are continually challenged to perform difficult pieces. Musicians are expected to have improvisational ability and to perform in front of large audiences.
Marching Band and Wind Ensemble/Concert Band exist as the same class. Students perform in Marching Band in the fall and play in the Wind Ensemble (Fine Arts)/Concert Band (P.E.) in the Spring. Marching Band begins with a MANDATORY camp in August. Marching Band includes winds, drumline and a color guard. The PVHS Marching Band attends all football games - home and away, and performs at day and night pep rallies. Marching Season concludes in early December after we march in the PV Holiday Parade. Wind Ensemble/Concert Band Season begins at that point and ends with the conclusion of the school year in June. Wind Ensemble/Concert Band attends competitions in the spring and performs in the annual spring concert.
Red Tide Regiment Loara Tournament
Palos Verdes High School Red Tide Regiment Competition
Drum Line/PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
The PVHS Drum Line/Percussion Ensemble is an extension of the PV High Marching Band. The drum line attends a mandatory week of drum line camp in addition to the mandatory week of band camp in the summer. During marching band season, drum line participates with the rest of the band at football games and any other marching band activities. Marching season concludes with the Peninsula Holiday Parade in December. During second semester of "Wind Ensemble Season" the drum line enters its independent performance season which can include community performances and competitions as well as studying musical advancement and individual skill building. (submitted by D. Coleman)
COLOR GUARD
The PVHS Color Guard is the auxiliary unit of the Marching Band. Every August, Color Guard joins Drum Line and Marching Band for a mandatory two week camp at PV High. At band camp, each member of Color Guard learns how to spin flag and saber while learning the drill and work for the half time field show. During the fall, Color Guard marches with Band and Drum Line at home football games as well as away games and concludes the fall season in December by marching with Band and Drum Line in the Holiday Parade. Once fall season is over, Color Guard separates from Band and creates a new routine for Spring Color Guard competitions.