Mr. Cordova, Head Band Director
Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Mr. Cordova attended Manzano High School and got his degree in Music Education from UNM. Mr. Cordova primarily plays bassoon and saxophone. He spent many years as a marching band assistant in various high schools across Albuquerque. He is on year three of teaching at THMS, and year eight overall. Mr. Cordova's bands consistently receive high marks across competitions and festivals each year and has adjudicated pre-festival concerts and solo and ensemble contests around the Albuquerque area. Outside of teaching, Mr. Cordova is an avid cook and self proclaimed, "foodie". His wife Ms. Maris is an orchestra teacher in Albuquerque, and they have one daughter, Lea who keeps them very busy.
Mr. Kelly, Assistant Band Director
Mr. Kelly is entering his second year with THMS and 12th year teaching overall. Previously Mr. Kelly was the band director at Hoover Middle School in APS. Mr. Kelly's jazz bands have a history of excellence at both the Albuquerque Jazz Festival, and the Colorado Jazz festival. Mr. Kelly is a clarinet and saxophone player, and is very in demand as a clarinet clinician around the Albuquerque area. Mr. Kelly will lead the Jazz 1 and teach beginning band. Outside of teaching, Mr. Kelly enjoys video games and camping with his family.
Mr. Merrill, 5th Grade Band Director
Hello! My name is Ryan Merrill and I’m the head instructor of the THMS 5th Grade Band. I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from the University of New Mexico and have been involved in teaching band and percussion in the city of Albuquerque for the past 4 years. In addition to the 5th grade band, I’m currently teaching elementary general music at Ventana Ranch Elementary School and Rudolfo Anaya Elementary School. Teaching band instruments and percussion is a passion of mine and can’t wait to meet the future members of the THMS Thunder Band!
Our Instrumental staff
Mr. Alexander Hardin, high brass
Mr. Matt Lind, Woodwinds
Mr. Ryan Merrill, Percussion