If you have walked into Canyon High School through the student parking lot gate, I’m sure you have noticed all the noise coming from the Q building. Whether you are walking by to get to your classroom or trying to get to the school’s cafeteria, the sound of marimba players practicing their scales, or the brass section playing a piece, is constantly heard.
It’s hard to miss the building where music floats through the doors as students walk out. With so much commotion and noise going on, it may seem hard to pinpoint who is in charge of this symphony of noise, but not the many band students.
Mr. de la Vega (DLV for short) is the current Band Director for Canyon High School’s Band program. He oversees Canyon’s Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra.
New to the scene, DLV has only been working at Canyon since January 2022, after his long-time friend and colleague, Stephen Hufford, gave up his position as Band Director and passed down the title to him.
As I have been a student of his for almost four years, I have gotten to know DLV quite well, from his witty humor and constant references to niche “SNL” skits that none of his students know. I decided to take it into my own hands to interview him to put together the puzzle we call DLV.
I went to his office and sat down with him to ask some questions we all wanted to know. First, I asked, “What is your prior education?”
He responded, “I have a Bachelor’s in music and percussion performance, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in education. I got my undergrad from UC Irvine, my credentials from CSU Long Beach, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, and my Master’s is in music education from the American Band College through Central Washington University.”
I proceeded to ask my second question, which was, “What sparked your passion for teaching music?”
Mr. de la Vega explained, “I chose to teach music because I had been coaching marching band in Orange County throughout college, and I was writing for a lot of schools (music scores). I was coaching, and it turns out I was good at that, so I decided to pursue it.”
Next, I asked, “Would you say teaching music requires more skill than other subjects?”
“It’s a subject just like any other,” he explained, “but I will say I probably do a lot more physically taxing things compared to other teachers because I have to conduct, and there’s a lot more motion involved with my daily teaching responsibilities.”
On a more personal note, I asked, “What is your favorite part about teaching?”
He took a moment to think, but after some time, he stated, “My favorite part about teaching is being a positive influence on young people and showing people that this is how adulthood happens. This is how we talk to one another in a professional setting, and it’s a good way to set up people for their futures. I want you to be successful.”
I asked my last question – the one that intrigued me the most: “Do you have a favorite memory at Canyon High School?”
He responded, “Nothing really comes to mind. I think I’m lucky to work here because my best friend was my predecessor, and even before I was in charge, just having fun coming to rehearsal and meeting all the students and getting to work on something I’m passionate about with my close friends, so that’s how I associate Canyon. It’s a great place to be.”
DLV is one of the most knowledgeable and intellectual people on campus. After four years of seeing him not only at school, but also at band events, I can promise you there’s never a dull moment when you’re with him. He is constantly striving to find ways to improve his students’ technique and gets into the tiniest of details to make sure they sound the best. I have deep respect and admiration for him, and I believe many not only view DLV as just a teacher, but also as a role model.
