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Staff member leads Thunder Vista band program to success

  • Empower
  • Focus on Students
Staff member leads Thunder Vista band program to success

I had the privilege of witnessing something extraordinary: the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Honor Band, where students from across the district came together to showcase their musical talents. Amongst a talented crowd of young musicians, Thunder Vista P-8 students stood out, a testament to the incredible leadership and passion of their band director, Ms. Sutphin.

While Ms. Sutphin was not leading the band on stage, she was in the audience, cheering on her students and supporting the program with her characteristic enthusiasm and dedication. Her pride in their accomplishments was unmistakable, and her encouragement of these young musicians is a big part of what makes Thunder Vista’s music program so exceptional.

This event held special significance for my family, as my daughter Evelynn—a freshman—was selected to join the High School District Honor Band. Evelynn’s achievement is especially meaningful because she was one of Ms. Sutphin’s students at Thunder Vista. Under Ms. Sutphin’s guidance, Evelynn grew as a musician, gaining the skills, confidence, and discipline to play at the next level. Her rare selection as a freshman is a testament to the foundation Ms. Sutphin provided and the lasting impact of her teaching.

Ms. Sutphin’s influence extends well beyond regular band instruction. She created the ThunderStruck program, an incredible after-school percussion club for 4th and 5th graders. This program draws over 80 eager students every year, and the sign-ups sell out within seconds! It’s yet another example of how Ms. Sutphin has fostered a deep love for music at Thunder Vista and created opportunities for young students to explore their passion for percussion.

Even during the challenges of the pandemic, Ms. Sutphin’s dedication never wavered. She taught students their instruments over Zoom and still managed to assemble incredible bands and performances. Her resilience and determination not only kept the music alive but helped students thrive. Past students continue to come back to Thunder Vista performances to cheer on their beloved teacher and current band members, a testament to the relationships she builds and the community she creates.

She leads Thunder Vista’s K-8 music program with unmatched energy, running two bands and taking even first-year players to prestigious competitions like the Winter Park Festival—where they’ve won it all! Year after year, she and her partner, Ms. Tunget, deliver outstanding performances and provide students with exceptional musical experiences.

Thanks to their leadership, Thunder Vista’s music program has become one of the best in the state. Ms. Sutphin doesn’t just teach music; she cultivates discipline, confidence, and a passion for excellence. Students leave her program ready to thrive in the Five Star District high school bands as integral, prepared, and respected members of their ensembles.

Even my younger children, who were in attendance this weekend, left inspired. They’ve already started challenging each other to achieve their own spot on that Honor Band stage someday, eager for the chance to work with Ms. Sutphin in the future.

I invite you to come see Ms. Sutphin’s impact in action and witness what we all love so much: hearing Thunder Vista kids excel at their music. Whether it’s one of their stunning performances or a competition, the joy, pride, and excellence she inspires are undeniable.

The pride I felt as a Thunder Vista Performing Arts Parent (PAP) is hard to describe. Ms. Sutphin and Ms. Tunget have built something truly special, and they deserve all the recognition and appreciation for their incredible dedication to our students and community.

Thank you, Ms. Sutphin, for the joy, passion, and excellence you bring to Thunder Vista’s music program and for helping our students shine on any stage they step onto.

This story exemplifies our ELEVATE Focus Area: World-Class Staff. Sharing stories about how staff is compensated, supported and trained to foster student success and family partnerships.

Special thanks to the Thunder Vista P-8 community for submitting this Five Star Story. We appreciate seeing collaboration between schools to ELEVATE student success.

  • Thunder Vista P-8