Summer/ Staff Update!

Please give a warm welcome to our two newest band directors!

Last week, we had a very successful June Camp to kickstart the 2026-2027 season, followed by a celebration trip to Silver Dollar City! We are excited to begin this amazing road ahead of us, and cannot wait to show you all what we will be working hard on over the summer, and when we hit the ground running in July!

In the middle of all the hard work, we got to welcome our two newest band directors to our program, Mr. Eli Zaragoza and Mr. Hayden Rhoades!

Our new Director of Jazz Studies, Mr. Hayden Rhoades:

Mr. Rhoades is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a minor in jazz.

He has a passion for music and seeks to give back to the music community and help his students grow through the art of music-making.

Our new Assistant Percussion Director, Mr. Eli Zaragoza:

Mr. Zaragoza is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education: Percussion. He was actively involved in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, OU Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Orchestra, OU Percussion Society, and Steel Bands. He is also a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. As a performer, he has marched with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps and the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps.

Mr. Zaragoza is excited to join the Muskogee Band family. He looks forward to building strong relationships with students, while continuing a tradition of excellence, leadership, and musicianship within the percussion program.