People
Bill Barrett (Director of
Music)
Mr. Barrett is currently in his 9th year at YVHS. This is his 12th year in education. Prior to his tenure in Yucca Valley, Mr. Barrett was Director of Bands at Hardin Northern Local Schools in Dola, Ohio. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. On campus he was active in Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble I, Brass Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, University Singers, and "Added Attraction." He also played in the orchestra for musicals and operas presented at ONU. Mr. Barrett is an accomplished trumpet player and has been playing the trumpet since the age of 10. He continues to play locally as often as the opportunity presents itself. Most recently he has begun playing at his local church, Valley Community Chapel. He has also performed with the local band, Ritmo Loco. Additionally, his trumpet playing can be heard on the Orquesta del Desierto album, DOS. His musical theatre performance credits include: "Evita," "The Pirates of Penzance," "The Mikado," "Sweeney Todd," "West Side Story," "Fiddler On The Roof," "Oklahoma," "The Sound of Music," "The Wizard of Oz," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat," "My Favorite Year," "South Pacific," "State Fair," "Finian's Rainbow," "Pippin," "Annie," "Into The Woods," "The Music Man," "Barnum," "Bye Bye Birdie," "Drood (The Mystery of Edwin Drood)," "Hello, Dolly!" "Li'l Abner," "Man of La Mancha," and "My Fair Lady." He has also directed several musicals. As musical director his credits include: "Grease," "Little Shop Of Horrors," "Oklahoma!" "My Favorite Year," "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum," and "Annie Get Your Gun." In addition to his responsibilities to the Music Department, Mr. Barrett is the new Activities Director at YVHS and is currently the director of the Hi-Desert Chorus. The Hi-Desert Chorus is composed of adult community members. They present two concerts annually. Mr. Barrett, his new wife Stephanie, his new step-son Seth, and their three dogs (Sparky, Regal, & Sophie) live in Yucca Valley.
Linda Higginson (Music Booster President)
Linda is in her second year as Music Booster President. Her daughter, Paula was the Drum Major for Marching Band and also played the clarinet in Symphonic Band. Her son Ryan plays the baritone saxophone in the Marching Band and the Jazz Ensemble.
Petra Abell (Music Booster Vice President)
Petra is in her second year as Music Booster Vice President. She previously served as co-Historian with her husband, Chris. Her son Philip played baritone sax in Marching Band and tenor sax in the Jazz Ensemble. Her daughter Sabina is currently a member of the drum line for marching band (she plays quints), and also plays drum set for the Jazz Ensemble.
Ann Bost (Music Booster Secretary)
Ann is in her second year as Music Booster Secretary. She served as Music Booster President when her daughter, Dana, was in band. Ann has twin sons who participate in the music program. Her son Neil plays bass drum in the Marching Band, is a percussionist in Symphonic Band, and is the Auxiliary Percussionist for the Jazz Ensemble. Drew plays trumpet in both the Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble.
Terri McCormick (Music Booster Treasurer)
Terri is serving her second term as Music Booster Treasurer. Her son Justin plays alto saxophone in both the Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble. In her free time, she enjoys learning how to play the electric bass.
Chris Abell (Music Booster Historian)
Chris is in his third year as Music Booster Historian. His son Philip played baritone sax in Marching Band and tenor sax in the Jazz Ensemble. His daughter Sabina is a member of the drum line for marching band (she plays quints), and also plays drum set for the Jazz Ensemble.