News

Mark is a dedicated volunteer at TUSD who splits his time between substitute teaching music at Gridley Middle School and volunteering at the district's musical instrument repair shop repairing brass instruments. He loves getting dents out, cleaning them up, and being in the shop bringing life back to the instruments.

With a background in trombone and piano, Mark knows firsthand the challenges and joys of learning music. He jokes about how every instrument is easy if you want to sound bad but sounding good takes real effort. “It’s work,” he says. “But we’ve got some real gems in public school. People just don’t realize it.”

Mark also believes in the connection between personality and instrument choice. “You can tell a trumpet player from a mile away,” he jokes. “Same with percussionists. And when kids try out different instruments, it’s fun to see what suits them best.”

Alongside Mark is his loyal guide dog, Daria, a calm, focused presence who knows when it’s time to work. “When her harness is on, she’s all business,” he explains. “But once it’s off, she’s a regular dog. The kids are super respectful of her.”

Gridley's orchestra and guitar director Andrew Nickles was recently spotlighted by TUSD Human Resources for Music in Our Schools Month! He started working in the district in 2000, and has been at Gridley for 15 years. 

Congratulations to the Gridley Middle School symphonic band! At the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) Area Music Festival on February 26, their fantastic performance earned a rating of Superior with Distinction, the highest rating possible. Under the direction of Phillip Switzer, the band's hard work and dedication made the school and entire district very proud.