Mr. miles denny
Mr. Miles Denny joined the Basha Bear family in 2017. He is currently the head director of bands, teaching such ensembles as symphonic band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, marching band, and winter drumline. Mr. Denny graduated from Arizona State University in 2016, where he received his B.M. in Music Education. During his time there, he received the Gary Thornton Extra Distance Award in 2013 for leadership & service, in addition to teaching at various ensembles throughout the valley such as Dobson High School, Basha High School, and Poston Butte High School. Upon graduation, Mr. Denny became the director of bands at Smith Jr. High School and Stevenson Elementary before joining Basha in 2017. In 2020, Mr. Denny was awarded the Winter Guard Arizona Percussion Director of the Year award for his continued contributions to the winter guard activity. In addition to his position at Basha, Mr. Denny currently serves as Vice President for Winter Guard Arizona, Member-At-Large for the Arizona Marching Band Association, and is the tenor percussion specialist for Vision Percussion Ensemble. He remains passionate about expanding and enriching the educational experiences for student musicians in Arizona. |
MS. eLISSA tRAVIS
Ms. Elissa Travis is honored to join Basha High School as the Associate Director of Bands. She teaches the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, AMS Gold Band, JV Jazz Band, Marching Band, and oversees the Colorguard program. An active and passionate music educator, Ms. Travis comes to Basha with many years of experience working with ensembles of all ages and skill levels. She served as the Band Director at Highland Arts Elementary in Mesa for two years - one of the largest elementary band programs in Arizona. She has worked with several marching programs in the Valley in musical and visual capacities, most recently with Dobson High School as Brass Caption Head and High Brass Instructor. Ms. Travis graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in 2022 with her BM in Music Learning and Teaching. While in college, she was a member of the ASU Horn Studio, ASU Wind Bands, and served the Sun Devil Marching Band as a section leader. Outside of Basha, she is an active alumna of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. As a graduate of Hamilton High School, she is a proud product of the incredible music education found within the Chandler Unified School District. Ms. Travis is thrilled to be a part of the Basha Band family and continue to advance the program's great history of musical excellence and achievement. |
